CHICAGO, September 9, 2004 - United Airlines has signed a code-share agreement with TAP Air Portugal that will provide customers of each airline with improved access to flights on both carriers. This new code-share service will begin by second-quarter 2005. From its hub in Lisbon, TAP flies daily to 41 destinations in 25 countries in Europe, Africa and Central, North and South America.
"Expanding United's code-share network to include TAP Air Portugal will provide our customers convenient and high-quality service to Portugal and many new destinations in Africa and Europe," said Michael Whitaker, United's vice president-Alliances, International and Regulatory Affairs. "With United's code-share agreements and its Star Alliance partners, our airline currently provides customers with a seamless global network. Through United's new agreement with TAP, this network will continue to grow to reach more than 800 business and leisure destinations."
Together with United's code-share flights with Star Alliance airline Spanair, the new TAP code-share agreement further strengthens United's connection to the Iberian Peninsula - a highly popular tourist destination for European vacationers and an area rich in culture and history.
"The code-share agreement with United is a step further toward TAP Air Portugal integration into Star Alliance and in line with our policy to provide continuous increased benefits to our customers," said Manoel Torres, TAP's senior vice president-Airlines. "Through this agreement they will have seamless access to many destinations within North America, accrue and redeem miles on United flights, convenient schedules and opportunity to appreciate United's recognized high service level. We also are looking forward to welcoming United customers on future TAP flights."
TAP also has been approved for Star Alliance membership and is scheduled to join the alliance in second-quarter 2005. TAP flies an all-Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft with an average age of 6.7 years. More information about TAP may be found at the company's Web site at www.TAP-AirPortugal.pt.
Both United Mileage Plus® and TAP Navigator members will be able to accrue and redeem miles on each airlines' flights. Premier members will have their elite status recognized when flying on either airline with priority boarding, check-in lanes, waitlist and seat assignments.
Customers traveling on itineraries with both United and TAP should check their travel documents to determine the operating carrier and terminal for their flights. Upon check-in for either airline, customers will be provided with boarding passes for each part of their journey. For questions on policies and procedures, customers should check with the originating carrier.
About United
United, United Express and Ted (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) operate more than 3,500 flights a day on a route network that spans the globe. News releases and other information about United may be found at the company's Web site at www.united.com.
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