LOT has begun the winter season of 2003/2004 by signing a code-share agreement with United to begin on October 26th, marking the airline’s inclusion into Star. This new agreement, previously held by American, will see the number of US destinations offered to LOT travellers, flying from Warsaw and Krakow, increase to 30. The two airlines will also join in marketing activities together with collaboration in advertising and business activities.
United is now the 5th member of Star to sign a code-share agreement with LOT for flight connections.
In my opinion this is a very good step for LOT. They will firstly be able to utilise more destinations than before with United and also through all Star Alliance airlines, it will give them better exposure across the globe with the alliance’s network, especially with Lufthansa. However, I get the impression that LOT is more indebted to Star for exposure purposes rather than vise versa as LOT really does not offer anything that Star has not got through current members.
United Airlines has also signed a code-share agreement with Air China for flights between China and the US. This agreement will begin on October 31st and will see Air China’s code being placed on 14 US cities and United’s placed on 5 alongside the existing destinations of Shanghai and Beijing. Rumours also suggest that Air Canada will sign and agreement with Air China.
By: Saab 2000 - 7th September 2003 at 13:44
True in the short run, however, I believe that inevitably the bigger picture would suggest that LOT would lose it’s individuality and would come under Lufthansa’s wing with the emphasis on consolidation in Europe now. Lufthansa seems very much in a position to do this at the moment with rumours of Swiss etc.
By: KabirT - 6th September 2003 at 18:21
ah good to hear that LOT taking bold and ambitious steps in improving its business.
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September 6, 2003 at 5:21 pm