Air Canada and Turkish Airlines enter into Code Share Agreement
MONTREAL, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada and Turkish Airlines
are pleased to announce today a reciprocal code sharing agreement that
will make it easy and convenient for customers to connect between the
two Star Alliance partner airlines. The agreement, to take effect the
beginning of the second quarter of 2013, will leverage Air Canada’s
planned Toronto-Istanbul route launching this summer pending receipt of
government approval.
“Air Canada is delighted by this code share agreement with our Star
Alliance partner Turkish Airlines as it will ensure seamless
connections on a single itinerary for our customers traveling beyond
Istanbul throughout Turkey and to points in Central Asia, Africa and
the Middle East. We look forward to welcoming aboard our aircraft
Turkish Airlines customers who want to explore or do business in Canada
through our extensive network,” said Calin Rovinescu, President and
Chief Executive of Air Canada, who signed a letter of intent for the
agreement at ceremony during a Star Alliance chief executive meeting in
Shenzhen, China. “Customers on both airlines will receive the top-rated
service and hospitality that is the hallmark of Star Alliance, the
world’s largest airline network, including the opportunity to collect
and redeem frequent flyer mileage and access to lounges for eligible
customers.”
“We are extremely delighted to sign the code share agreement with Air
Canada, as this code share partnership serves as an example of Turkish
Airlines’ target to maximize the travel opportunities offered to
passengers through the extensive networks of both airlines. This new
code share agreement enables the customers to enjoy both the global
network and the seamless service arising from the cooperation. We will
have a chance to transfer our passengers to more US and Canadian
domestic destinations via Toronto by connecting our networks,” said
Temel Kotil, Ph.D., President and CEO of Turkish Airlines.
Under the code share agreement the two carriers will each place their
flight designator code on select flights making it more convenient for
travelers with such benefits as a single itinerary, through-checked
bags and mutual status recognition. The agreement will include Air
Canada’s code on Turkish Airlines’ Toronto-Istanbul flight and several
destinations beyond Istanbul, not only in Turkey but also in the Middle
East and Africa region. Turkish Airlines will also code share on Air
Canada’s new non-stop service between Toronto and Istanbul providing
connections to domestic Canada and several points from Toronto to U.S
destinations. Moreover, with the loyalty program, passengers will have
the opportunity to earn and use miles both on Turkish Airlines and Air
Canada flights.
About Air Canada
Air Canada intends to begin operating a year-round, three-times a week
service between Toronto and Istanbul this summer pending government
approval. Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international
airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents. Canada’s
flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in
2011 served more than 33 million customers. Air Canada provides
scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56
destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle
East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air
Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most
comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,356 destinations
in 193 countries. In 2012, Air Canada was ranked Best International
Airline in North America in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million
airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax. For
more information visit aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.
About Turkish Airlines
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance
member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of
200 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 207 cities around the
world, comprised of 36 domestic and 171 international destinations. One
of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received
several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group,
Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been
chosen as the winner of “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy
Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”.
It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star
designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality
carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of
“World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and
Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011″. Long haul Business Class
passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.
About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly
global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and
seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the
market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air
Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by
both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are:
Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand,
ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, AviancaTaca, Blue1, Brussels Airlines,
Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT
Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines,
South African Airways, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish
Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. EVA Air and Shenzhen Airlines
have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance
network offers more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193
countries.
SOURCE AIR CANADA
