CONTINENTAL CODESHARE BOOST FOR TRANSATLANTIC TRAVELLERS

Brussels Airlines flights from Bristol to carry CO code

From Monday 9 August, travellers from across the South West and Wales can take advantage of a convenient new alternative when making transatlantic travel plans. As a result of a codeshare agreement between Continental Airlines and Brussels Airlines, passengers can now take advantage of a seamless service to the USA from Bristol Airport – even after Continental’s direct service to New York ceases on 7 November. Brussels Airlines currently operates three flights daily to the Belgian capital, from where passengers can connect to an onward flight to Continental’s New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, opening up hundreds of destinations across North and South America. Both airlines are members of the Star Alliance, meaning travellers signed up to Continental’s OnePass or Brussels Airlines’ Miles and More frequent flyer programmes can earn or redeem mileage on either airline’s global route network. Business travellers can also take advantage of the UK’s fastest growing corporate travel loyalty programme, Star Alliance Company Plus. Codeshare agreements benefit passengers by allowing them to book connecting flights with different airlines under one carrier’s code. Cooperating airlines work together to synchronize their schedules and coordinate baggage handling in order to make connections more convenient, efficient and reliable. Shaun Browne, Aviation Director at Bristol Airport, said: “This agreement is good news for Continental’s customers in the South West and Wales. It means they can continue to enjoy the convenience of flying from their regional airport even when Continental’s direct service to New York ceases to operate later this year.” Brussels Airlines’ first daily departure from Bristol connects to Continental’s flight from Brussels to New York, with an arrival time of 12:25 – all without having to make time-consuming and stressful road or rail journeys to airports outside the region in order to fly. Passengers travelling to Germany can also make onward connections via Brussels Airlines under a codeshare with fellow Star Alliance partner, Lufthansa. Ends For further information please contact: James Gore, Bristol Airport, 01275 475447 / 07717 896315 Jacqui Mills, Bristol Airport, 01275 473615 / 07712 792915