Air Canada Builds New Partnership with Continental

Air Canada has reached an agreement in principle with Continental Airlines, the fourth largest carrier in the United States, to provide customers an enhanced travel experience through access to a broader network and seamless services provided in cooperation by the two carriers.

Air Canada and Continental intend, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals, to offer customers coordinated services and enhanced product offerings through codeshare, frequent flyer and lounge access agreements.

Through Continental’s hubs in Newark and Cleveland, Air Canada will offer more options to the eastern United States, and through Continental’s Houston hub, greater access to the southern United States, Mexico and Central America.

Air Canada’s proposed alliance with Continental will give customers an expanded network that complements Air Canada’s existing North American network with its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines. In June, Continental announced that it also plans to join Star Alliance.

In addition, Air Canada has also signed a multi-lateral framework agreement with Continental, United Airlines, and Lufthansa to create a transatlantic joint venture through which the carriers intend to provide customers with more choice and streamlined service to Africa, India, Europe and the Middle East.