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KLM Royal
Dutch Airlines and Continental Airlines have agreed to cooperate to
provide significant travel and convenience benefits to the public by
linking KLM’s European network with Continental’s U.S. network.
Subject to regulatory approval, as of December 1, 2001, KLM will connect
its flights from Amsterdam to Continental’s hubs Houston and Newark with
Continental’s domestic network through codesharing on all U.S. domestic
services, operated by Continental and Continental Express from these
hubs.
Continental will connect its Newark services to Amsterdam with KLM’s
European network through codesharing on European flights from Amsterdam,
operated by KLM and regional partners.
Both airlines see codesharing as helping to stimulate traffic and
consequently increase their revenues during the current crisis in the
airlines industry. The agreement is valid for six months and can be
extended.
The two airlines have also agreed to provide travelers with reciprocal
airport lounge access and loyalty program benefits. Members of KLM’s
Flying Dutchman and Continental’s OnePass program will be able to accrue
and redeem travel awards on the other airline’s flights.
In the light of the current circumstances in the industry, KLM is
exploring opportunities leading to similar agreements with other
airlines.
Continental Airlines is the domestic partnerairline of Northwest
Airlines in the USA. |