United Continental and ANA launch Trans-Pacific JV

United Continental Holdings and ANA have launched their trans-Pacific joint venture, through which United Airlines and Continental Airlines may coordinate sales and marketing with ANA and improve benefits offered to each airline’s frequent flyers.

Through the joint venture, enabled by the U.S.-Japan Open Skies agreement and antitrust immunity granted by U.S. and Japanese regulators, the airlines can now align schedules, fares, and terms and conditions.

“By forging this closer cooperation with our partner airlines in the Star Alliance, we will significantly enhance our ability to serve trans- Pacific customers and offer new choice and convenience for passengers,” said Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA.

The additional fare and schedule options will offer customers more choices and seamless booking on itineraries that combine U.S. flight segments on United or Continental; trans-Pacific segments on ANA, United or Continental flights; and flights within Japan on ANA.

The trans-Pacific joint venture connects 295 U.S. cities, 43 Japanese cities, and 11 routes between the two countries with nearly 120 flights per week. The carriers also are coordinating fares and schedules for travel to and from certain other points in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

FFP Benefits

United Mileage Plus and Continental OnePass frequent-flyer members will now receive the same mileage accrual benefits on ANA that they receive on United and Continental flights.

Similarly, ANA Mileage Club members now receive the same mileage accrual benefits on United and Continental as they receive on ANA.

Additionally, elite-level members of the United, Continental and ANA frequent-flyer programs can accumulate bonus miles on any United, Continental or ANA flight.

See recent travel news from: Travel News Asia, United, Continental, ANA