This article from NYTimes.com has been sent to you by psa188@xxxxxxxxx /-------------------- advertisement -----------------------\ Explore more of Starbucks at Starbucks.com. http://www.starbucks.com/default.asp?ci=1015 \----------------------------------------------------------/ A Code-Share Alliance September 2, 2003 By JOE SHARKEY Continuing the trend toward cozier relationships among competing airlines, United Airlines and Air China said they would begin a code-share alliance on Oct. 31. That is when United's 14 weekly flights between the United States and China, and Air China's 12 weekly flights between the countries, will carry flight codes shared by the two airlines. Besides providing mutual booking on either airline's flights, the alliance gives passengers on either airline reciprocity in frequent-flier programs and the use of airport lounges. The numbers tell the story: Sky Harbor International Airport of Phoenix has edged out Denver International Airport as the fifth busiest in the country, based on year-to-date passenger-departure figures collected by the Airports Council International. Not coincidentally, Phoenix is the hub for America West Airlines, a low-fare airline that announced it would start flying transcontinental routes this fall, as well as a major center for Southwest Airlines, the trend-setting discount carrier. Denver, a big hub for United Airlines, has no Southwest departures. Last year, Denver had 35.6 million passenger departures, just ahead of the 35.5 million reported by Phoenix. Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport had the most passenger departures (76.9 million), followed by Chicago O'Hare (66.6 million), Los Angeles International (56.2 million) and Dallas-Fort Worth (52.8 million). JOE SHARKEY http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/02/business/02MEMO.html?ex=1063510136&ei=1&en=660031137c31b3e7 --------------------------------- Get Home Delivery of The New York Times Newspaper. Imagine reading The New York Times any time & anywhere you like! Leisurely catch up on events & expand your horizons. Enjoy now for 50% off Home Delivery! Click here: http://www.nytimes.com/ads/nytcirc/index.html HOW TO ADVERTISE --------------------------------- For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact onlinesales@xxxxxxxxxxx or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help@xxxxxxxxxxxx Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company