Continental Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines Announce Comprehensive Partnership
HOUSTON, July 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Continental Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines in India, today announced that they have entered into a comprehensive partnership for frequent flyer and airport lounge access reciprocity and future codesharing, providing better service to customers who travel between the U.S. and India and transfer between the two carriers.
Continental has operated daily, non-stop flights between its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Delhi since 2005. The airline will launch daily, non-stop flights between New York Liberty and Mumbai on October 1, 2007 (eastbound).
“We are proud to partner with Kingfisher, who share our commitment to excellent customer service,” said Larry Kellner, Continental’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our partnership with Kingfisher builds upon our increased service between New York and India.”
“Kingfisher Airlines is very proud to associate with Continental to offer great service to all our guests,” said Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Limited. “The relationship will benefit both the airlines as well as our guests. We value our guests who have been loyal and what better way of expressing our gratitude than to offer them miles redemption on the international sectors with the help of Continental.”
Beginning October 1, 2007, members of the two airlines’ frequent flyer programs, Continental’s OnePass and Kingfisher’s King Club, will be able to earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by the other carrier. Reciprocal airport lounge access for eligible customers, including Continental BusinessFirst and Presidents Club members, will also begin at this time.
By the end of the year, the carriers plan to begin codesharing. Continental will place its code (CO*) on Kingfisher flights connecting to Continental’s daily flights between New York and Delhi and new service between New York and Mumbai.
Customers traveling on connecting flights between Continental and Kingfisher 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.
During its two years of operation, Kingfisher has redefined and revolutionized domestic air travel within India. Kingfisher Airlines currently operates 187 flights a day across 29 key Indian destinations with a growing fleet of 31 brand new aircraft and is known for its efforts to create a unique Indian atmosphere for all its guests. More information on Kingfisher Airlines is available at http://www.flykingfisher.com/.
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.
Continental Airlines
CONTACT: Continental Airlines Corporate Communications, +1-713-324-5080,corpcom@coair.com; or Ms. Malini Nair of Kingfisher Airlines,Malini.Nair@flykingfisher.com
Web site: http://www.continental.com/