Continental Begin Switch to Star Alliance

Continental Airlines is due to switch to the global Star Alliance from rival SkyTeam on October 24, 2009. The carrier reports that Star offers its customers better access to transpacific routes and the western U.S., while reducing Continental’s overlap with SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines in New York and Latin America. Star Alliance North American members also include Air Canada, Aeromexico, United and US Airways. North American SkyTeam members include Aeromexico and Delta/Northwest Airlines. A third major alliance, Oneworld, includes American Airlines.