Continental Airlines and TAP Portugal to Start Codeshare Flights

CHICAGO and LISBON, Portugal, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), and TAP Portugal, both members of Star Alliance, today announced they will begin codeshare flights to a wide range of destinations in the United States, Central America, Europe and Africa.

Effective Oct. 11, 2010, Continental will place its "CO" code on seven to 10 weekly flights TAP operates between Continental's hub at New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Portugal, and on selected TAP-operated flights between Lisbon and the Portuguese destinations of Faro, Madeira and Oporto, as well as the African destinations of Praia, Sal and Sao Tome and cities in Spain, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Continental will also place its code on TAP-operated flights to Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique, subject to government approval. 

At the same time, TAP will place its "TP" code on selected Continental-operated flights between New York/Newark Liberty and 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as on Continental's daily trans-Atlantic flights between Lisbon and New York/Newark Liberty.

"This codeshare agreement will improve access for Continental customers to several important destinations in Portugal, Europe and Africa, as well as increase 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."

"This codeshare 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 codeshare partners," said Manoel Torres, Member of TAP's Executive Board. "Among the additional benefits, TAP passengers will experience the convenience of new combined service options made possible through Continental's wide network and numerous destinations in the United States and Central America."

Because both Continental and TAP are members of Star Alliance, members of Continental's frequent-flier program, OnePass, and TAP's frequent-flier program, Victoria, 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 traveling 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.

About Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL). Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 142 domestic and 131 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which overall offers more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,172 airports in 181 countries through its 28 member airlines. Continental has hubs serving Cleveland, Guam, Houston and New York/Newark Liberty, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.  

United Continental Holdings, Inc. became the holding company for both United and Continental upon close of the merger transaction. The two airlines will operate separately as they begin to integrate key customer services, marketing activities and airport processes. For more company information, go to continental.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook.

About TAP Portugal

TAP Portugal is the leading Portuguese airline, in operation since 1945 and a member of Star Alliance since March 14, 2005. Its hub in Lisbon is a key European gateway at the crossroads of Africa, North and South America, where TAP stands out as the international leading carrier in operation to Brazil. The company's network comprises 65 destinations in 31 countries worldwide. TAP currently operates more than 1,850 weekly flights on a modern fleet of 55 Airbus aircraft and 16 aircraft operated by PGA, TAP's regional carrier. In the pursuit of its customer-focused policy, TAP continuously strives to deliver safe, reliable and upgraded products and services, tailored to meet customers' expectations. Retaining the Portuguese character of the company's brand and quality service as the basic concept has been the main driver of TAP strategy in recent years.  Recognized and awarded by the World Travel Awards in 2009 as the World's Leading Airline to South America, TAP was also honored by UNESCO and by the International Union of Geological Sciences with the IYPE "Planet Earth Award 2010", in the category of "Most Innovative Sustainable Product", in recognition of the achievements of the company's Carbon Offset Program, the first one launched worldwide in partnership with IATA. Awarded as Best Airline by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine in April 2010. More information available at www.flytap.com.

About Star Alliance

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller.  Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award, Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Air India and Ethiopian Airlines have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers over 21,200 daily flights to 1,172 airports in 181 countries.

SOURCE Continental Airlines; TAP Portugal