United Airlines and Aer Lingus have signed an
agreement to offer codeshare flights, which would expand the international
destinations and frequent flyer benefits offered to customers of both carriers.
The proposed agreement would result in more flight
options for customers traveling between the United States and Ireland. The
carriers also plan to give customers of United's Mileage Plus® and Aer Lingus’
Gold Circle Club programs the opportunity to redeem miles to travel to new
destinations and to accrue frequent flyer miles on select flights.
United CEO Glenn Tilton and Aer Lingus CEO Dermot
Mannion signed the agreement in Chicago.
"We are pleased to partner with a carrier that
expands our own network across the U.S. and shares our commitment to excellent
service," says Dermot Mannion, Aer Lingus CEO. “We believe that this
agreement will strengthen our position in the US market as we capitalize on the
scale and the strength of the United Airlines network.”
The agreement between the two carriers is pending
government approval and is expected to begin around November 1 2008.
"Chicago
and Ireland have a rich history, and our relationship with Aer Lingus will give
our customers more non-stop destinations across the Atlantic," says Michael
Whitaker, United's senior vice president – Alliances, International and
Regulatory Affairs. "Partnering
with the national carrier of Ireland gives customers convenient, comfortable
service to the Emerald Isle and supports our strategy of international
growth."