Kingfisher ties up with Continental Air for better service

Mumbai, Jul 5 (UNI) Liquor-baron Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines and US-based Continental Airlines, today announced that the two had entered into a comprehensive partnership for frequent flyer and airport lounge access reciprocity and future codesharing.

The tie-up would provide better service to customers who travel between India and the US and transfer between the two carriers, a company statement said here.

Continental Airlines, which ranks fourth in the world airlines, has been operating daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, since 2005.

The airline will launch daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai and New York Liberty on October 2, this year.

''We are proud to partner with Kingfisher, who share our commitment to excellent customer service. Partnership with Kingfisher builds upon our increased service between New York and India,'' said Continental Airlines Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.

''Kingfisher Airlines is very proud to associate with Continental to offer great service to all our guests. The relationship will benefit both the airlines as well as our guests. We value our guests who have been loyal and what better way of expressing our gratitude than to offer them miles redemption on the international sectors with the help of Continental,'' Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO of Kingfisher Airlines Limited said in the statement.

According to the tie up, beginning October 1, members of the two airlines' frequent flyer programs -- Continental's 'OnePass' and Kingfisher's 'King Club' -- will be able to earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by the other carrier.

Reciprocal airport lounge access for eligible customers, including Continental Business First and Presidents Club members, will also start from October 1.

By the end of the year, the carriers plan to begin codesharing as well. Under this arrangement, Continental will place its code (CO*) on Kingfisher flights, connecting to Continental's daily flights between Delhi and New York and new service between Mumbai and New York.

Customers traveling on connecting flights between Continental and Kingfisher will be able to have single check-in for all flights, including the issuance of electronic tickets, boarding passes and checked baggage to their final destination, the statement added.

UNI