Service agreement expands United's network in Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Frequent fliers of both airlines to benefit
CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2005 – United Airlines today announced it has reached a code-share and frequent flier agreement with Swiss International Air Lines, expanding international destination options and mileage opportunities for customers of both carriers.
Under the agreement, beginning Nov. 9, 2005, United's code will appear on Swiss International's service between Zurich and Los Angeles, Zurich and Chicago O'Hare, and connecting beyond Zurich to Dubai and Muscat. Conversely, Swiss International's code will appear on United's Washington Dulles-Zurich service as well as between Los Angeles and Honolulu, with more routes to be announced -- pending regulatory approval. The code-share will enable each carrier's passengers to connect on to the other carrier's flights seamlessly.
"We are pleased to partner with Swiss International to expand the international destination options that we offer our customers," says Graham Atkinson, United's senior vice president-Worldwide Sales & Alliances. "The agreement with Swiss supports our international growth strategy, and we look forward to further developing the relationship once Swiss is a full member of the Star Alliance."
“We’re looking forward to working with United,” says Christoph Franz, president & CEO of Swiss International Air Lines. “Our new collaboration will enable us to offer our customers a highly attractive range of services to, from and within the key North American market.”
Swiss International has been granted membership into the Star Alliance and will become a fully integrated Star Alliance member carrier in early 2006. Swiss International is presently in the process of integration into the Lufthansa group.
United and Swiss frequent fliers also benefit from the code-share agreement by earning miles on each carrier's flights, with award redemption commencing with Swiss' membership in the Star Alliance.
In addition, United Mileage Plus members earn Elite Qualifying Miles, which are miles that count toward elite status, when traveling on other Star Alliance partners, and may redeem their miles for award travel to nearly 800 destinations worldwide.
About Swiss International
SWISS is the airline of Switzerland, serving 69 destinations worldwide with its 69-aircraft fleet from its hubs in Zurich, Basel and Geneva. As part of the Lufthansa Group, and as a future member of Star Alliance, SWISS will remain true to its mission of providing effective air services between Switzerland and the world. SWISS will also strive to further consolidate and develop its core values of quality, reliability and hospitality, and to retain its strong market presence as the Swiss national carrier.
About United
United Airlines (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) operates more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 790 destinations in 138 countries worldwide. United's 57,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.
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