United Continental Holdings has signed a deal with Japanese carrier ANA to launch a new trans-Pacific joint venture.

Under the terms of the deal United Airlines and partner airline Continental Airlines are set coordinate sales and marketing with ANA in order to improve benefits offered to each airline’s frequent flyers.

Through the joint venture, enabled by the US-Japan Open Skies agreement and antitrust immunity granted by US and Japanese regulators, the airlines can align schedules, fares, and terms and conditions for itineraries from April.

“We are pleased to launch our joint venture with ANA, as it will offer travellers greater choices, convenience and flexibility for their trans-Pacific travels,” explained Jeff Smisek, chief executive officer of United Continental Holdings.

United Continental Holdings was created last year following the merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

“By forging this closer cooperation with our partner airlines in the Star Alliance, we will significantly enhance our ability to serve trans-Pacific customers and offer new choice and convenience for passengers,” said Shinichiro Ito, president of ANA.

The additional fare and schedule options will offer customers more choices and seamless booking on itineraries that combine US flight segments on United or Continental; trans-Pacific segments on ANA, United or Continental flights; and flights within Japan on ANA.

The trans-Pacific joint venture connects 295 US cities, 43 Japanese cities, and 11 routes between the two countries with nearly 120 flights per week.

The carriers also are coordinating fares and schedules for travel to and from certain other points in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.