Dubai, UAE: 14 December 2015: Turkish Airlines has signed a code-share agreement with its fellow Star Alliance member Avianca Brazil. The Brazilian company stated it will add its code (O6) to selected flights operated by the partner, offering its customers access to Istanbul and connections to several destinations in the world. Similarly, the European carrier will distribute its passengers on Avianca Brazil flights beyond São Paulo under the TK code.

Turkish Airlines operates seven weekly flights between Istanbul-Sao Paulo and vice versa which is one of the strategic gateways in line with its development plans to South America. By this agreement, both carriers will strengthen their current partnerships and provide the customers with more seamless flight alternatives throughout their network. Additionally, Avianca’s Amigo members and Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles customers will benefit from being able to earn points/miles on these flights, qualifying for program status upgrades and redemption on all 18,500 daily flights operated by Star Alliance carriers to 1,330 airports in 192 countries.

The announcement was made by Jose Efromovich, president of Avianca Brazil, during a Star Alliance Chief Executive Board meeting held in Chicago, USA. “Through this agreement, Avianca will strengthen its position as the reliable alliance member in Brazil and further expand the advantages offered to its customers, by connecting them safely and comfortably to the world”, Efromovich said.

“We are extremely pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with Avianca Brazil and aim to improve our partnership to maximize the travel opportunities offered to our passengers through the networks of both airlines. Additionally, we believe that this partnership will also contribute to Star Alliance” Temel Kotil PhD, Turkish Airlines’ CEO added.

Avianca Brazil informed it will submit the agreement documentation to the authorities for approval and will provide details on the announcement, such as the routes involved and the date of implementation, as soon as it completes the usual formalities. Currently, members of Avianca’s Amigo loyalty program can already earn points and issue tickets on Turkish flights, which is reciprocally valid for Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles program members.