News Release
Continental Airlines Receives Approval to Begin Code-Share with Air France
HOUSTON, May 8, 1998 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAI.A and CAI.B) today received authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin code-sharing with Air France. The code-share will commence on June 19, 1998 subject to foreign government approvals.
Continental and Air France filed for code-sharing privileges under the recent bilateral aviation agreement between the U.S. and France. The two carriers will begin code-sharing on each other's trans-Atlantic flights between Paris and Newark and Paris and Houston. In addition, Continental will initially code-share on Air France flights beyond Paris to destinations in France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria and Finland. Likewise, Air France will code-share on Continental domestic flights between Newark and Houston and various U.S. cities, including Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Detroit, Philadelphia, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Norfolk, Rochester and Albuquerque.
Through a marketing agreement already in place, Continental and Air France customers currently enjoy frequent flyer reciprocity.
"Since establishing our alliance with Air France in 1997, we have eagerly awaited the opportunity to code-share. The conclusion of bilateral discussions between the U.S. and France has finally made this arrangement possible and will contribute to even further improvement in our successful U.S.-France routes," said Barry Simon, International senior vice president.
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.