Continental, KLM Expand Codeshare Relationship

Continental Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced they have expanded and extended an existing alliance agreement. The relationship "continues to incorporate the two carriers' joint partner Northwest Airlines" and, subject to necessary approval, will include additional codeshare routes.

Specifically, Continental plans to place its code on KLM flights from the Dutch carrier's Amsterdam hub to an additional 22 destinations in Europe and Africa, 13 of which will be in the United Kingdom. With those additions, Continental's code will be on flights to 64 KLM destinations. KLM, in turn, will place its code on a wider array of flights in the United States from Continental's Houston and Newark hubs.

Furthermore, the two carriers said their relationship has been extended to 2010 and that they, along with Northwest, jointly will improve connectivity at their gateway airports.

KLM currently is deliberating between teaming with British Airways or joining Air France and the SkyTeam alliance. Air France on the surface appears to be the more likely choice, as SkyTeam co-founder Delta Air Lines is in the process of building a partnership with Continental and Northwest.