United and US Airways Announce Code-Share Agreement

24 July 2002

United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) today announced an agreement with US Airways that will allow both carriers to market service on each other's networks, providing significant consumer benefits and bringing new revenue and customers to their route networks.

"This agreement will bring additional competition to other airlines and network alliances," says Jack Creighton, United's chairman and chief executive officer. "As a result, customers will enjoy expanded service, greater connection opportunities, and reciprocal access to each carrier’s frequent-flyer programs. 

“The agreement allows both carriers to complement their route networks in a way that will attract new traffic and boost revenue for both airlines," Creighton continues. "We believe today’s agreement is a good strategic fit for both carriers and critical to our recovery efforts. At the same time, competition between the carriers will remain strong, and the companies will retain separate pricing, scheduling, and sales forces.” 

As part of the agreement, customers will be able to earn and redeem miles in each carrier’s frequent-flyer programs. They also will benefit from a more streamlined process for ticket reservation, check-in, and baggage transfers. 

The agreement was signed on July 24 and has been approved by the Master Executive Councils of each airline's pilots' union. United Airlines and US Airways today also notified the U.S. Department of Transportation of the agreement. 

"These types of agreements are a long-standing part of the core business model for the airline industry, and ours is no different," Creighton says. "In fact, U.S. carriers today are involved in more than 100 such agreements."