With British Airways' service to more than 180 destinations worldwide, and Starwood Hotels Resorts' more than 700 properties in 72 countries, the partnership brings together two of the most influential players in the global marketplace and offers unprecedented benefits for business and leisure travelers worldwide.

For frequent travelers loyal to British Airways, a highlight of the partnership will be the ability to earn British Airways Executive Club Air Miles earnings through stays at nearly 600 participating Starwood hotels in more than 70 countries around the world.

"The true beneficiaries of the partnership between British Airways and Starwood will be our frequency program members, who will now be able to earn and redeem miles and points in virtually every corner of the globe," said Hoyt H. Harper II, vice president, marketing programs for Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

"Complementing Starwood's global reach is a rich choice of six hotel brands for Executive Club members to choose from, allowing them to tailor their hotel choices to meet their business or leisure travel needs. These include the ultimate in luxury offered by the St. Regis/Luxury Collection, the well-known and highly respected Sheraton and Westin brands, the excellent value offered by the midscale Four Points Hotels, the new and innovative W Hotels and the best name in gaming -- Caesars. The partnership also opens the door for some exciting cross branding promotions between the two companies, allowing us to target customers with offers that more closely match their travel profiles," Mr. Harper added.

British Airways Director of Marketing Martin George commented, "As an airline, we're thrilled by the Starwood partnership. Their top quality hotels and their emphasis on putting customers first means the link will greatly enhance what we can offer our Executive Club members."

The marketing partnership will allow members of British Airways' frequent flyer program, Executive Club, to earn miles at the nearly 600 participating St. Regis Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points, W and Caesars hotels and resorts in more than 70 countries. Executive Club Miles are earned at a rate of 500 per stay (250 for the midscale Four Points Hotels).

An exclusive Direct DepositK option will be offered to British Airways Executive Club members who join Starwood Preferred Guest, and was designed to provide accelerated earnings for Executive Club members -- a welcome benefit for those who are looking to save time and maximize their options for free British Airways travel. Through Direct DepositK, Executive Club members will earn two Executive Club miles for all eligible charges at any Starwood hotel or resort. Eligible charges include room rate, food and beverage, in-room movies, phone calls and more. This benefit allows members to earn more miles per stay and eliminates the need to request the transfer of points following each stay at a Starwood Preferred Guest participating hotel.

Starwood Preferred Guest was launched in February 1999. One of the largest loyalty programs in the lodging industry, Starwood Preferred Guest is also one of the easiest, most flexible and rewarding, featuring no blackout dates and no point expiration dates for active members, plus instant rewards and on-line redemption through the program's web site at www.starwood.com.

The British Airways Executive Club is unique in the USA, offering members free travel opportunities on British Airways without blackout dates plus access to free flights on a wide range of airline partners including Alaska Airlines, America West US and the oneworld alliance.

Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide, Inc., through its St. Regis/Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points, W and Caesars subsidiaries, is one of the leading hotel and gaming operating companies in the world with more than 712 hotels in 72 countries and 125,000 employees.

British Airways, one of the world's leading carriers, flies to over 180 destinations in over 85 countries. The British Airways Group last year carried more than 40 million passengers. Through new corporate images and through forging links with other airlines of like-mind, British Airways aims to deliver the high quality of service our customers desire and even demand.