United Airlines, Aer Lingus Announce Codeshare and Frequent Flyer Cooperation

CHICAGO, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines and Aer Lingus have signed an agreement to offer codeshare flights, which would expand the international destinations and frequent flyer benefits offered to customers of both carriers.

The proposed agreement would result in more flight options for customers traveling between the United States and Ireland. The carriers also plan to give customers of United's Mileage Plus(R) and Aer Lingus' Gold Circle Club programs the opportunity to redeem miles to travel to new destinations and to accrue frequent flyer miles on select flights.

United CEO Glenn Tilton and Aer Lingus CEO Dermot Mannion signed the agreement in Chicago.

"We are pleased to partner with a carrier that expands our own network across the U.S. and shares our commitment to excellent service," says Dermot Mannion, Aer Lingus CEO. "We believe that this agreement will strengthen our position in the US market as we capitalize on the scale and the strength of the United Airlines network."

The agreement between the two carriers is pending government approval and is expected to begin around November 1.

"Chicago and Ireland have a rich history, and our relationship with Aer Lingus will give our customers more non-stop destinations across the Atlantic," says Michael Whitaker, United's senior vice president -- Alliances, International and Regulatory Affairs. "Partnering with the national carrier of Ireland gives customers convenient, comfortable service to the Emerald Isle and supports our strategy of international growth."

About United

United Airlines NASDAQ: UAUA operates more than 3,300* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia- Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 897 destinations in 160 countries worldwide. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

*Based on the flight schedule between Feb. 12, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008.

About Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is the Irish national carrier providing both long haul and short-haul passenger transportation services with high quality customer service. The airline has operated transatlantic services for almost 50 years and was the first airline in Europe to announce and commence new services under Open Skies. Aer Lingus currently operates a total of 61 flights per week from Dublin and Shannon to seven gateways across the US. The Aer Lingus brand resonates throughout North America with a loyal US customer base and in particular with the Irish community. The airline also operates a comprehensive short haul schedule to over 60 destinations in Europe. The Aer Lingus' model is centred on maintaining low unit cost, offering one-way fares, maintaining effective fleet utilisation and developing the Aer Lingus brand. For further information please visit http://www.aerlingus.com.