Lufthansa and Germanwings say 'extensive cooperation' to benefit passengers

Lufthansa said it reached an agreement with subsidiary Germanwings to cooperate more closely, in particular to offer benefits for the airlines' frequent flyers. LH's Miles & More members will be able to not only exchange miles but also collect award miles on all GWI flights. Since December 2009, Miles & More members have been able to redeem their miles for flights across the entire GWI network.

GWI's frequent flyer program, Boomerang Club, will continue to exist independently. "We will continue to pursue our strategic approach so that both airlines can develop their product and flight schedules independently. At the same time, however, we will be able to offer our joint customers significantly added value," said LH board member Thierry Antinori.

LH said the next phase of the cooperation, which begins in early 2011, "involves interline fares that will be available for LH and GWI flights.

LH said there are no codeshare flights planned but both carriers will optimize their schedules on routes where they operate together. GWI, which is 100% owned by LH, will not provide feeder service to the LH network.