News Release
Continental Airlines and VASP Announce Formal Code Share Approval
HOUSTON, May 5, 1998 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAI.B AND CAI.A) and VASP, the second largest Brazilian airline, today announced formal code share approval from both the U.S. and Brazilian governments, effective July 1, 1998.
VASP will code share on Continental's flights between its Newark/New York hub, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and 20 destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Likewise, Continental will code share on VASP's flights between Sao Paulo, Miami and Los Angeles and 14 cities in Brazil.
"The combination of Continental and VASP will provide great opportunities for Brazilians and Americans to travel between our countries with ease, whether for business or pleasure. Our alliance with VASP further strengthens Continental's commitment to the Brazilian market, as we have two daily nonstop flights to New York and are the launch North American customer for the Embraer 145 regional jet," said Gordon Bethune, chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines.
The new alliance with VASP further consolidates Continental's global alliance strategy. Continental is also partnered with Northwest and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, ACES, EVA Air and Alitalia.
Continental is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., offering more than 2,000 departures daily to 122 domestic and 70 international destinations. Operating major hubs in Newark, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, Continental is strategically positioned for TransContinental travel, and offers extensive service to Latin America and Europe via its Houston and Newark gateways.