Codeshare

Codeshare refers to a business arrangement, most commonly within the airline industry, where two or more airlines share the same flight, marketed under different flight numbers. This collaboration allows airlines to expand their route networks without necessarily having to operate the flights themselves. One airline, the 'operating carrier', manages the flight physically, while other 'marketing carriers' sell seats on it, expanding their reach and offering more flight options to their customers. Codesharing is a strategic tool to increase passenger volume, reduce costs, and provide broader connectivity for travelers. Agreements usually involve revenue sharing, and passenger benefits like frequent flyer mileage accrual.

Codeshare meaning with examples

• United Airlines has a significant Codeshare agreement with Lufthansa, allowing passengers to book flights under a United flight number operated by Lufthansa. This gives United customers access to numerous European destinations, even though United doesn't fly those routes directly. Travelers can earn and redeem MileagePlus miles on the Codeshare flights.
• Emirates and Qantas operate a comprehensive Codeshare partnership, offering travelers connections to Australia via Dubai. Qantas markets the Emirates flights as Qantas flights, broadening its network. This is a key example of how airlines establish deeper integration. Connecting travelers also benefit with the streamlined baggage and check-in process.
• Delta Air Lines codeshares with Korean Air, opening up a wide range of destinations in Asia for Delta customers. Passengers booking a Delta-marketed flight operated by Korean Air can enjoy a seamless travel experience. Passengers are often entitled to lounge access, particularly for premium fares, as part of this arrangement.
• Before the merger, American Airlines and US Airways engaged in extensive codesharing, improving both carriers’ route coverage. Despite being a separate airline, it allowed for better scheduling and convenient connecting options. This strategy made the combined network appear much larger and more convenient for travelers.
• Low-cost carriers rarely participate in Codeshare agreements. Ryanair operates a point-to-point network, focusing on minimizing operational costs. For them the advantages are much fewer than the disadvantages, like increased operational complexity. Codesharing is more common among established carriers operating hub-and-spoke systems.