American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia formally announced the creation of its joint business alliance that will allow customers to seamlessly book flights on all three carriers.
At a press conference in London, executives at the carriers touted the benefits of the venture, saying that the airlines have added codesharing on 2,600 additional flights and that customers will now be able to earn frequent flier miles on trans-Atlantic flights.
"By expanding choice on each airlines’ websites, customers can mix and match their flights between the three carriers giving them the greater ability to find a cheaper ticket," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh, adding that customers will find the same price on the same route on all three airline websites.
As part of Wednesday's announcement, the three carriers all announced new routes to start next summer. American said it will start service on a Chicago-Helsinki route and a New York (JFK)-Budapest route. BA said it plans to relaunch service between London's Heathrow airport and San Diego. Iberia said it will begin flying between Madrid and Los Angeles.
American also announced it will be recalling about 800 furloughed employees as part of "new international flying and business opportunities." The recalls, which include bringing back 545 flight attendants and 250 pilots, will begin later this month.
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