USA and China create closer links

From May 15th long distance travellers in China and the US could benefit from expanded frequent flyer opportunities and extended routes thanks to a new code-share agreement between United Airlines and Shanghai Airlines.

The agreement, which is currently pending US government approval, will cover 11 code-share flights and allow customers from both carriers to accrue and redeem their air miles with both companies and have access to their airport lounges.

Zhou Chi, chairman of Shanghai Airlines, said: "The code-share agreement between United Airlines and Shanghai Airlines will provide passengers travelling between China and the United States with more diversified flight options, convenient connections and improved service."

The new agreement will also enable customers to purchase tickets for an entire trans-Pacific journey from either China or the United States.

United president and chief executive officer, Glenn Tilton, commented: "We are pleased to work closely with our partners at Shanghai Airlines, to extend our route network from Shanghai to four key cities in China, while providing the traveling public of the PRC with non-stop access on United to San Francisco and Chicago, and hundreds of other destinations in the United States and worldwide."

United Airlines have been cooperating with Shanghai Airlines for over ten years and since 2005, as a result of the liberalisation of the Chinese aviation market, Shanghai Airlines has been operating flights between China and the US.

Posted by Just the Flight, 21 March 2006 18:16

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• United Airlines