London, Thursday, November 25, 1999: British Airways and Aer Lingus have signed a co-operative agreement that will see the two airlines working together to improve air travel to and from the Republic of Ireland.

From late March next year, they will code-share on 14 routes across the Irish Sea and to an initial eight destinations in continental Europe. Business class passengers flying on any of these code-share routes will be able to use airport lounges of both carriers. The two airlines will work together to make transfers for passengers connecting between a British Airways and an Aer Lingus flight as smooth, simple and speedy as possible.

Members of both airlines’ frequent flyer schemes will be able to earn and redeem miles on each other’s networks.

The two airlines have also agreed to explore other wider ways in which they might work together, mainly in marketing, sales and cargo, and at key airports.

Separately, Aer Lingus has also announced a similar commercial agreement today with American Airlines, British Airways’ alliance partner in the USA.

British Airways has also confirmed that it will sponsor Aer Lingus’ entry into the oneworld? global alliance. Its membership is expected to be ratified by the oneworld Governing Board soon.

Bob Ayling, British Airways’ Chief Executive, said: “British Airways is very pleased to be building on our long-standing and successful relationship with Aer Lingus to the benefit of our customers and both companies. Our two airlines have a great deal in common with strategies built on providing quality services.”

Garry Cullen, Aer Lingus’ Group Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to form a new partnership with British Airways. Our respective companies have built quality brands based on strong customer values. We look forward to working with British Airways and to building jointly on those values to provide better services for all our customers.”

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