Costa Cruises, Air France Sign Global Partnership

Costa Cruises and Air France signed a letter of intent to form a partnership that will boost commercial synergies between the two companies, Costa said.

Under the agreement, the two companies will coordinate their schedules and capacities to provide their customers with additional benefits and services, the two companies said, ensuring that the number of seats on Air France flights reserved for Costa passengers boarding one of the Italian cruise line’s 12 ships sailing out of ports worldwide will rise substantially.

The protocol was signed by chairman and CEO of Air France, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, and chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere, Pier Luigi Foschi, during a meeting at the airline’s headquarters in Paris on April 19. Air France and Costa said they would implement “long-term plans to guarantee greater flexibility in terms of bookings and flight availability for Costa guests.”

Costa said that through the partnership, the companies will work at developing commercial synergies, with the “ultimate aim to allow customers of both companies to benefit from each partner’s loyalty programs as well as other joint online marketing campaigns.”

The partnership also aims to “improve the services offered to Costa guests traveling with Air France” by improving assistance at Paris (Roissy / Charles de Gaulle) Airport and setting up joint operating procedures, such as harmonizing schedules, Costa said.