Passengers will be able to fly from Norwich to dozens of extra destinations in the United States and Latin America thanks to a deal between Continental Airlines and KLM.

Passengers will be able to fly from Norwich to dozens of extra destinations in the United States and Latin America thanks to a deal between Continental Airlines and KLM.

Under the codeshare arrangement Continental passengers will be able to use the KLM service from Norwich to Amsterdam to connect with Continental flights to New York and Houston.

From New York and Houston travellers will then be able to use the same ticket to use other Continental flights serving cities in the US and Latin America.

It's hoped the new links will increase the numbers of people using Norwich International airport rather than Heathrow or Gatwick.

The new codeshare will allow passengers to connect to Continental flights to cities in the US and exotic destinations such as the Mexican cities of Acapulco, Cancun and Ixtapa as well as the island of St Maarten in the Dutch Antilles.

Mike Carter, Continental's senior director for the UK and Ireland, said: “We're delighted to add Norwich to our route network through this codeshare with KLM. Continental already flies non-stop to the US from more UK cities than any other airline. Now, via Amsterdam, we can offer truly national coverage.”

Trevor Eady, commercial manager at Norwich International airport, said the new arrangement showed there was a huge range of destinations available from Norwich.

“From the airport's point of view we are pleased to see anything that gives local people the chance to use Norwich Airport to get to their final destination rather than one of the London airports,” he said.

A KLM spokesman said the new service would allow passengers to connect with destinations not currently served by KLM.

But he said there were no immediate plans to increase the four-times-

daily service from Norwich to Amsterdam.

KLM has been criticised recently for its policy of over-booking on the Norwich Amsterdam flight.

Under the new arrangement passengers will, for example, be able to catch the 10.10am flight from Norwich to Amsterdam and connect with the 1.50pm Continental Airlines flight to New York Newark airport, arriving at 3.45pm local time.

The same Norwich-to-Amsterdam flight would also connect with the 3.50pm Continental Airlines flight to Houston, arriving 7pm local time.

The codeshare means members of both airlines' frequent flyers' clubs will be able to earn and redeem points earned on flights operated by the other carrier.

And KLM Business Class and Flying Dutchman Elite members will have access to Continental's breakfast club lounges at New York and Houston. Continental Business First passengers and President's Club members will be able to use KLM's Crown Lounges at Amsterdam.