Archive for "May 10 2010"

United and Continental Announce Merger

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HOUSTON & CHICAGO, May 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Continental and United today announced a definitive merger agreement, creating the world’s leading airline with superior service to customers, expanded access to an unparalleled global network serving 370 destinations around the world.

The holding company for the new entity will be named United Continental Holdings, Inc. and the name of the airline will be United Airlines. The marketing brand will be a combination of the brands of both companies. Aircraft will have the Continental livery, logo and colors with the United name, and the announcement campaign slogan will be “Let’s Fly Together.” The new company’s corporate and operational headquarters will be in Chicago and it will maintain a significant presence in Houston, which will be the combined company’s largest hub.

The combination of United and Continental brings together the two most complementary networks of any U.S. carriers, with minimal domestic and no international route overlaps. The combined company will offer enhanced service to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East from well-placed hubs on the East Coast, West Coast, and Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. The combined company will have 10 hubs, including hubs in the four largest cities in the United States, and will provide enhanced service to underserved small- and medium-sized communities. The combined carrier will continue to serve all the communities each carrier currently serves. Together, Continental and United serve more than 144 million passengers per year as they fly to 370 destinations in 59 countries.

The combined airline will have the most modern, fuel-efficient fleet (adjusted for cabin mix) and the best new aircraft order book among major U.S. network carriers. It will have the financial strength to enhance customers’ travel experience by enabling it to invest in globally competitive products, upgrade technology, refurbish and replace older aircraft, and implement the best-in-class practices of both airlines.

The merger will create the industry’s leading frequent flyer program, offering vast opportunities for customers to earn and redeem miles, including on Star Alliance partners.

United and Continental are members of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network. Star Alliance customers will continue to benefit from service to over 1,000 destinations, more connecting opportunities, additional scheduling flexibility and access to leading reciprocal frequent flyer and airport lounge benefits with Star Alliance’s 24 other member airlines around the world.

Qatar Airways, BRAND NEW flight to Buenos Aires

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Qatar Airways, leading and one of the most awarded airlines in the sky will launch a BRAND NEW daily flight Buenos Aires / Doha / Buenos Aires from June 22nd 2010. Qatar Airways, winner of the Skytrax for the Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East.

The daily flight will have an stop-over in Sao Paulo of 1 hour 20 minutes. Passengers will also be able to choose Qatar Airways to fly between Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. The flight between Sao Paulo and Doha will be of 14 hours.  Qatar Airways will open a door to new destinations and a pass for South America to the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.

The flight will be on board of new 777 aircraft, with 2 classes ( Business Plus and Economy ).

Business Class / Experience a liberating sense of comfort and space onboard Qatar Airways Business Class. Awarded World’s Leading Business Class at the 16^th World Travel Awards 2009, our signature product features 180 degree flat bed seats, foot rest with 8 in-seat massage settings and in-seat power supply*. With touch-screen inflight entertainment, 15.4” monitors, and, over 770 audio and visual options, it is a treat for your senses. Whether you choose to rest before the big board meeting or finish that business proposal on your flight, Qatar Airways will ensure you arrive at your destination fresh and ready to go.

Economy Class / Be entertained throughout your journey with our state-of-the-art  Oryx in-flight entertainment system. With a wide variety of international movies, music and games on your personal screen*, it is a treat for your senses. Sit back, relax and enjoy Oryx, our Multiplex in the sky. *Available on all wide-body aircraft. We take great pride in our  in-flight cuisine, and go to great measures to provide a broad variety of international selections from Europe, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and the Far-East with complimentary beverages (including an international selection of beers, wines & spirits). Enjoy 5-star dining at 35,000 feet.

Privilege Club Frequent Flyer Programmes • Reaping the benefits of one of the most rewarding frequent flyer programmes in the world has never been easier. Members of Privilege Club enjoy a range of exclusive privileges & benefits designed to make travelling with Qatar Airways exceptionally smooth and comfortable, as well as rewarding. As a Privilege Club member, you will earn Qmiles every time you travel on Qatar Airways, our select travel partners, or use any of our partner services.