From next month Aer Lingus customers will be able to use American routes and networks under a new agreement with United Airlines.

Aer Lingus and the American carrier have begun a code-sharing agreement, enabling Aer Lingus customers access to United Airlines’ network in North America from November 1.

From April 2009, Aer Lingus will also place its code on United’s domestic flights, giving customers access to United's entire North American network.

The codeshare agreement will cover all six of Aer Lingus' US gateways, including New York-JFK, Boston, Orlando, Chicago-O'Hare, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

Aer Lingus customers will have access to almost 200 additional destinations in the US through United's hubs in Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington.

United customers will also benefit from greater access to destinations in Ireland and to destinations in the UK and in Europe through Aer Lingus' extensive short-haul network.

Dermot Mannion, Aer Lingus CEO, said this new agreement will change the way Irish passengers travel to the US, while also strengthening their position in America.

“The relationship with United Airlines extends our offering to both our Irish and North American customer base, with seamless travel options and access to more than 200 destinations served by United Airlines in the US.

We believe that this agreement will strengthen and consolidate our position in the US market as we capitalise on the scale and the strength of the United Airlines network.”

Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines said: “We are pleased to partner with Aer Lingus and provide our customers in the United States with the most direct service to Ireland on the country's national carrier.

“Our customers will now enjoy more choices and benefits during their travels to Ireland and the rest of Europe.”

The United flight code is now available on all Aer Lingus transatlantic flights to and from Ireland, and on flights between Ireland and both London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

United customers can now book connecting flights on Aer Lingus' network for travel from November 1, 2008.

“The new partnership provides customers with a seamless booking process, coordinated baggage handling, and simplified reservations, ticketing and check-in,” said Mr Tilton.