Continental Airlines plans to leave SkyTeam to join the Star Alliance following an agreement with United Airlines

including cooperation on loyalty programs, airport lounges and other facilities, information technology and procurement. Continental will petition the U.S. Department of Transportation for immunity from antitrust law on international routes along with several Star Alliance partners. Also, Air Canada, Continental, Lufthansa and United will form a revenue-sharing transatlantic join venture; other joint ventures are planned for the Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions.