Continental Airlines inks more deals with partners

NEW YORK — Continental Airlines Inc. said Wednesday it signed two new partnerships with airlines, a day after it joined the world's largest carrier alliance.

Continental, based in Houston, signed deals with Japan's largest domestic airline ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Asiana Airlines, based in Seoul, South Korea.

The airlines will cooperate with Continental through code sharing, frequent flyer programs, and passenger lounge access. Code sharing allows passengers to book legs of a flight on different airlines with one ticket.

Continental officially switched Tuesday from SkyTeam — led by Delta and Air France-KLM — to the Star Alliance, which includes United, US Airways and Lufthansa.

Continental already has code-sharing deals with four Star members — United, Lufthansa, Air Canada and UK-based bmi (also known as British Midland Airways.)

Continental shares closed down 6.2 percent, or 76 cents, at $11.60.