CONTINENTAL AIRLINES AND CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Frequent flyer and airport lounge access reciprocity to start in August; codesharing to start in November
HOUSTON, June 18 -- Continental Airlines and China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in The People’s Republic of China, today announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership for frequent flyer and airport lounge access reciprocity and extensive codesharing, providing better service to customers who travel between America and China and transfer between the two carriers.
“As we look to build upon our successful service to China, we are honored to partner with China Southern. Our customers will appreciate the benefits of this new agreement,” said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. “China Southern is the right partner for us in China and we look forward to welcoming them into the SkyTeam alliance in the very near future.”
“As an industry leader, Continental Airlines' cooperation with China Southern will significantly increase CZ's market share on cross-Pacific and the US domestic market.” said China Southern Chairman Liu Shao Yong.
Beginning September 1, 2007, members of the two airlines’ frequent flyer programs, Continental’s OnePass and China Southern’s Sky Pearl Club, will be able to earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by the other carrier. Reciprocal airport lounge access for eligible customers will begin when China Southern join SkyTeam.
In November, the carriers plan to begin codesharing. Continental will place its code (CO*) on China Southern flights connecting to Continental’s daily flight between New York and Beijing and on China Southern’s flights between Guangzhou and Los Angeles. At the same time, China Southern will place its code (CZ*) on Continental flights connecting with China Southern at Los Angeles and New York.
Continental and China Southern customers traveling on connecting itineraries will be able to have single check-in for all flights, including the issuance of electronic tickets, boarding passes and checked baggage to their final destination.
The largest airline in The People’s Republic of China for the past 28 years, China Southern Airlines - www.csair.com/en - connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Lagos, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,100 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 144 domestic and 138 international destinations. More than 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 44,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For more company information, visit continental.com.