CHICAGO and WARSAW, Poland, April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), and LOT Polish Airlines, both Star Alliance members, today announced they have started codesharing on flights between select destinations in the United States and Europe.

Effective April 2, 2011, Continental is placing its "CO" code on LOT's trans-Atlantic flights between Continental's New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LOT's Warsaw hub, as well as on LOT-operated flights linking Warsaw with London/Heathrow, Frankfurt and Amsterdam that connect with Continental flights between those airports and New York/Newark.

Subject to government approval, Continental will also place its code on LOT-operated flights between Warsaw and Paris/Charles de Gaulle that connect with Continental's New York/Newark-Paris flights.

Additionally, LOT is placing its "LO" code on Continental-operated flights between New York/Newark and Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco and Washington/Dulles that connect with LOT's trans-Atlantic flights between Warsaw and New York/Newark.

Improved Access

"We are pleased to partner with LOT and sign this codeshare agreement, which provides Continental customers improved access to Poland," said Jim Compton, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of United Continental Holdings. "It's another significant step in our growing cooperation with fellow Star Alliance members."

"It gives me great pleasure to enter into cooperation with Continental Airlines. For many years now, LOT has been active in the American market which, from the perspective of a Polish air carrier, creates tremendous opportunities for growth. Up until this time, LOT has had direct connections to the North American cities of Chicago, New York, Newark, and Toronto," said Maricn Pirog, chairman of the board of LOT Polish Airlines. "Thanks to the signed agreement with our Star Alliance partner Continental Airlines, it will be possible for LOT passengers to reach other parts of the United States, which will significantly impact the competitiveness of our offer for travellers from both Europe and the United States."

About United Continental Holdings, Inc.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) is the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Together with United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection, these airlines operate a total of approximately 5,675 flights a day to 372 airports on six continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United and Continental are members of Star Alliance, which offers 21,000 daily flights to 1,160 airports in 181 countries. United and Continental's more than 80,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. For more information about United Continental Holdings, Inc., go to UnitedContinentalHoldings.com. For more information about the airlines, see united.com and continental.com, and follow each company on Twitter and Facebook.

About LOT Polish Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines has been connecting Poland with the rest of the world since 1929.  Today, LOT's fleet of 52 aircraft serves more than 50 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.  Its network is further enhanced by its membership in Star Alliance since 2003, which serves 1,160 airports in 181 countries across the globe.  Future expansion is planned when LOT takes delivery of the most modern aircraft – the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2012, further improving its fleet as well as positioning itself for long haul growth.  As an award winning airline, as recognized by Business Traveller magazine and Global Traveler Magazine, LOT is in a position to continue its growth and reputation as a European carrier with a global network.

SOURCE United Continental Holdings, Inc.