Continental Airlines and Asiana Airlines Announce Alliance Partnership

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) and Asiana Airlines have signed an Alliance Agreement allowing both carriers to strengthen cooperation following Continental's joining the Star Alliance on October 27, 2009.

Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines, and Young-Doo Yoon, President and COO of Asiana Airlines, met yesterday in New York to sign the Alliance Agreement, extending cooperation across a variety of areas including code sharing, frequent flyer programs, and lounge access.

Continental joined Star Alliance October 27, 2009 as the 25th member. The customers of both airlines will now be able to accrue and redeem mileage on any route operated by either carrier, and the top-tier frequent flyer customers will also have complete access to the lounges of both carriers, as well as other Star Alliance benefits.

In addition to the Star Alliance benefits, Continental and Asiana plan to implement code share arrangements starting in December 2009, subject to necessary government approvals. With code share arrangements in place, both airlines plan to offer greater convenience to mutual customers traveling between South Korea and the U.S. and connecting destinations throughout Asia and the Americas.

"Continental looks forward to cooperating with Asiana on code sharing, frequent flyer reciprocity, and airport lounge access," said Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO of Continental. "Asiana is an excellent alliance partner for Continental because it offers quality service on many important routes. Our two airlines can work together to provide more choices for international travelers."

Young-Doo Yoon, President and COO of Asiana Airlines said, "Asiana Airlines truly welcomes Continental to Star Alliance and is pleased to engage in an alliance partnership with Continental. Continental is one of the world's strongest airlines with extensive networks and world renowned services. I believe this partnership will enable us to achieve greater results and amplify the benefits received by our customers in the future."

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Asiana Airlines based in Seoul, Korea, offers 516 daily departures throughout the Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, operating 13 domestic and 81 international passenger routes and 20 cargo routes. Asiana is a member of Star Alliance and was awarded the Five Star Airline designation by SKYTRAX. Asiana was also named Airline of the Year in 2009 by Air Transport World. With world renowned quality service, Asiana carries more than 13 million passengers every year.