TAP and Continental Airlines to start codeshare flights
TAP Portugal and Continental Airlines, both Star Alliance members, have announced they are starting code-share flights to a wide range of destinations in the United States, Central America, Europe and Africa.
Effective October 11, 2010, TAP is placing its “TP” code on selected Continental-operated flights between Continental’s New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico city, as well as on Continental’s daily trans-Atlantic flights between Lisbon and New York/Newark.
At the same time, Continental is placing its “CO” code on the 7 to 10 weekly flights TAP operates between New York/Newark and Portugal, and on selected TAP-operated flights between Lisbon and the Portuguese destinations of Faro, Madeira and Oporto, as well as cities in Spain, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Praia, Sal and Sao Tome, in Africa. Subject to government approval, Continental will also place its code on TAP operated flights to Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique.
"This code-share with Continental represents yet another step in our efforts to widen the choice of service offered to our customers, through enhanced cooperation with our Star Alliance and code-share partners. Among the additional benefits, TAP passengers will experience the convenience of new combined service options made possible through CO’s wide network and numerous destinations in United States & Central America“, said Manoel Torres, Member of TAP’s Executive Board.
“This code-share agreement will improve access for Continental customers to several important destinations in Portugal, Europe and Africa, as well as increasing their trans-Atlantic travel options,” said Jim Compton, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. “Continental is delighted to partner with TAP and to further capitalize on the tremendous opportunities offered by its Star Alliance membership.”
Because both TAP and Continental are members of Star Alliance, members of TAP’s frequent flyer program Victoria and Continental’s frequent flyer program OnePass, are able to earn and redeem mileage anywhere on either airline’s global route network. Continental BusinessFirst passengers, OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members and Presidents Club members travelling on a same-day Star Alliance member flight are able to access TAP Lounges at the flight’s departure city , while TAP Business Class passengers and Victoria Gold members are able to access Continental’s Presidents Club lounges worldwide prior to departure on a same-day Star Alliance member flight.