News Release
Continental and VASP Airlines Start Code-Share Flights between New Your and Brazil July 1
HOUSTON, June 30, 1998 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE CAI.B and CAI.A) and Brazil's second largest air carrier, VASP, will launch its code-share operations July 1 between Newark International Airport and both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on freshly painted DC-10 aircraft bearing logos of each company.
The alliance begins just shy of the one-year anniversary of Continental's service to Brazil, started July 10, 1997.
"Continental's success in Brazil is further enhanced with the beginning of our new partnership with VASP," said Barry Simon, Sr. vice president, International. The alliance between the carriers will offer passengers greater ability for travel with seamless connections in Brazil and the U.S., and reciprocal use of airport lounges. In the initial phase, VASP will code share on Continental's flights between Newark/ New York hub, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and in a later enhancement, add 20 destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Likewise, in the later phase, Continental will code share on VASP's flights between Sao Paulo, Miami, and Los Angeles and 14 cities in Brazil.
VASP is Continental's newest partner in its growing global alliance network including Northwest Airlines, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, COPA, ACES, EVA Air and Alitalia.
Continental Airlines is the No. 2 U.S. carrier to Latin America in destinations and passengers served operating to 37 cities in 19 countries. Service is offered to 14 cities in Mexico, 8 cities in Central America, 7 cities in the Caribbean and 8 cities in South America. Latin America is the fastest growing region in Continental's system with nearly a 40 percent increase in capacity from the U.S in 1997.
Continental is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., offering more than 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.