American Airlines launches codeshare relationship with Air Berlin

[News_Editor]

American Airlines launches codeshare relationship with Air Berlin

2010-11-04 22:34:29 GMT+7 (ICT)

FORTH WORTH, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) -- American Airlines on Thursday announced that it has launched its codeshare relationship with Air Berlin, which was initially announced in July.

Air Berlin is the second largest carrier in Germany, the fifth largest in Europe, and a oneworld member-elect. With hubs in Berlin and Düsseldorf, Air Berlin offers service to more than 160 cities in Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North America.

The relationship complements American’s network, particularly in three of its cornerstone markets – New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

Air Berlin's flights to the U.S. will connect to one of the most robust networks in the Americas, where American and American Eagle serve nearly 200 cities in North, South and Central America. From New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) gateway, American offers nonstop service to 56 cities.

From its Miami hub, American offers unsurpassed service to 30 cities in Mexico, Central and South America, the most of any airline, and is also the leading carrier to the Caribbean serving 23 island destinations, as well as service to six destinations in the Bahamas. From Los Angeles American serves 31 cities, including four Hawaiian destinations, Tokyo, and soon – Shanghai, China.

American's codeshare agreement with Air Berlin also extends to Austrian-based airline NIKI, a strategic partner of Air Berlin.

"We are very pleased to launch our codeshare partnership with Air Berlin, which offers our customers the choice of more cities throughout Europe and a more convenient travel experience," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer.

"The codeshare with American Airlines helps to improve the Air Berlin network in the United States and provides a foundation for further growth," said Ulf Hüttmeyer, Chief Financial Officer, Air Berlin.

"In addition, passengers flying from the U.S. to our hubs Berlin and Düsseldorf now have the possibility to connect to the multiple airberlin destinations in Germany and Europe."

The agreement also allows AAdvantage members traveling on codeshare flights (booked under the AA flight number) operated by Air Berlin or NIKI to earn miles in American's AAdvantage frequent flyer program. American and Air Berlin are exploring a more comprehensive agreement that would include the ability to earn and redeem miles across each carrier's network.

As a member-elect Air Berlin is expected to join oneworld in early 2012 – weeks before the opening of the new Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport, which is scheduled to be a major new hub airport. Air Berlin partner Niki will also become an affiliate member of oneworld.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-04

[hobanse]

"Air Berlin is the second largest carrier in Germany, the fifth largest in Europe, and a oneworld member-elect. With hubs in Berlin and Düsseldorf, Air Berlin offers service to more than 160 cities in Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North America".

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