United and Jet Airways

Code-share agreement pending government approval; Jet Airways' first European flight launches in May CHICAGO, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines and Jet Airways of India today announced plans for a new codeshare agreement that enables both airlines to sell seats on certain Jet Airways and United flights -- providing customers of both airlines with more connection options, Mileage Plus(R) opportunities and automated through check-in on travel to and from India. Jet Airways launches its first European service, between Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) and London, in late May. Beginning in October 2005, United would code share on the Jet Airways-operated London-Mumbai flight and on flights from Mumbai to other cities in India. In turn, Jet Airways would code share on United-operated service from London to the United States. This codeshare agreement is subject to U.S. and Indian government approvals and would be the first international code share offered by a privately owned Indian airline. "Jet Airways has won many awards for the excellent service they provide their customers," said Graham Atkinson, United's senior vice president of Worldwide Sales and Alliances. "We are pleased to be entering into this codeshare relationship, providing customers in India with access to the extensive United global network." The open skies agreement that India and the United States signed earlier this month authorizes codeshare agreements between Indian and U.S. airlines and unlimited flights between any U.S. and Indian city. Jet Airways Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Prock-Schauer says, "This is a very exciting time for Jet Airways, as we have recently concluded an initial public offering, are introducing three A340-300E wide-body aircraft to our fleet and are expanding our international network to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London. The United States is one of the largest markets to and from India and we are pleased to enter into a partnership with United, one of the largest U.S. carriers. As our international network continues to grow, we look forward to working closely with United to expand our reach and provide our customers with seamless service across both airline networks."