Recently in Continental Category

Platinum Elite members who earn 100,000 qualification miles will receive system-wide upgrades

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced new OnePass frequent-flyer benefits designed to recognize and reward its top customers.

Beginning January 1, 2010, OnePass Platinum Elite members will be eligible to earn new invitation-only Presidential Platinum Elite status based on their annual spending on travel on Continental, Continental Micronesia, Continental Express and Continental Connection flights.

In addition, Platinum Elite members who earn at least 100,000 Elite qualification miles or 120 Elite qualification points will receive four one-way system-wide upgrade certificates. The certificates may be used to upgrade to domestic first class, international business class or international BusinessFirst in conjunction with any published fare on Continental, Continental Micronesia or Copa Airlines.

"Continental continues to look for ways to recognize our best customers," said Mark Bergsrud, senior vice president marketing programs and distribution. "For the first time we are offering a new OnePass Elite membership tier to reward customers based on their annual spending in addition to mileage earned. The system-wide upgrade benefit for our top mileage earners is also a first for us."

Presidential Platinum Elite benefits include top priority for Elite upgrades and flight standby, an exclusive VIP phone line, and, for members residing in the mainland U.S. and Alaska, annual fee waivers on the Continental Airlines Presidential Plus(SM) World Mastercard® credit card, which also includes Presidents Club membership and other benefits. Members residing in Hawaii, Guam and points outside the U.S. will receive 25,000 OnePass bonus miles.

Platinum Elite status is awarded to members who earn 75,000 Elite qualification miles or 90 Elite qualification points. The initial spending qualification to earn Presidential Platinum Elite status is $30,000.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations.

Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) has won top honors in two categories in the 2009 OAG Airline Industry Awards.

BusinessFirst, Continental's renowned international business-class service, was named "Best Executive/Business Class." The airline previously won this award five years in a row between 2003 and 2007. Continental also won "Best Airline Based in North America" for the sixth consecutive year.

Known as the "Oscars of the Airline Industry," the OAG awards are voted for by frequent flyers around the world, based on their personal experiences over the previous 12 months.

Continental recently announced the latest enhancement to BusinessFirst: the introduction of flat-bed seats, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 ½ feet (2 meters) of sleeping space in the fully extended position. The first aircraft to feature the new seats, a Boeing 777, entered service this month. The airline will install the flat-bed seats on all its Boeing 777, 757-200 and 767-400 aircraft, and on its Boeing 787 fleet as those aircraft are delivered to Continental.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year. For more company information, go to continental.com.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced a major increase in the effectiveness of its recycling programs after the company put special emphasis on recycling projects in support of its ongoing commitment to the environment.

As the United States prepares to observe "America Recycles Day" on Sunday, Continental said that so far in 2009, it has collected more than 4 million pounds of mixed recyclables from terminal operations at its Houston Bush Intercontinental, New York/Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins hubs - an 800 percent year-over-year increase. Mixed recyclables include newspapers, cans, and plastic bottles contributed by co-workers and customers via designated "EcoSkies" recycling bins in hub airport terminals.

"While Continental has had a robust recycling program for more than a decade, we have made substantial enhancements to the program throughout 2008 and 2009, increasing recycling onboard our aircraft, at our airport terminals and at other supporting facilities, like our food service kitchens," said Leah Raney, Continental's managing director of global environmental affairs. "We have had strong encouragement and support from our co-workers and customers, and we are excited to see such great results from our expanded recycling program."

In 2008, Continental's expanded inflight and flight kitchen recycling efforts resulted in the recovery of more than 462 tons pounds of plastic and aluminum, and more than 1,300 tons of cardboard. So far in 2009, Continental has more than doubled that amount, recovering more than 1,500 tons of plastic and aluminum, and more than 30,000 tons of cardboard.

Continental also works with contract caterers at the non-hub airports it serves to encourage recycling; today, more than 91 percent of Continental's domestic caterers and more than 87 percent of its international caterers recycle.

Due to Continental's focus on increasing its recycling efforts in 2009 alone, Continental has:

• Recycled enough aluminum to build 20 Boeing 777 airplanes
• Saved more than 584,300 trees
• Saved enough water to meet the monthly freshwater needs of 106,900 homes
• Saved enough energy to heat and cool more than 49,600 homes
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 35,208 metric tons
• Reduced carbon footprint to landfills by saving 116,900 cubic yards of waste
  

Proceeds from Continental's recycling program are re-invested in the program or donated to We Care, a nonprofit charity organization that provides financial assistance to Continental employees in need.

Continental has been an airline industry leader in environmental responsibility for more than a decade, with a dedicated team of environmental professionals who work to review and mitigate the airline's environmental impact in every aspect of its business. Continental's expanding recycling program is one of numerous environmental initiatives that the company has undertaken in the past several years. The airline also partnered with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell's UOP to perform the first biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier in North America. Continental, which is 38 percent more fuel efficient than it was in 1997 per revenue passenger mile, has undertaken comprehensive efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its ground fleet by testing alternative energy sources, and offers customers a carbon offset program, offered through nonprofit Sustainable Travel International.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced changes to its OnePass frequent flyer program, adding new benefits for its customers. Some of the changes will occur in conjunction with the airline joining Star Alliance on Oct. 27, 2009.

Continental's OnePass members will enjoy reciprocal mileage earning and redemption opportunities with Star Alliance's 24 member airlines and will be able to connect to more than 950 cities all over the world.

"With our entry into Star Alliance along with several program changes, customers will find the OnePass program to be better than ever," said Mark Bergsrud, senior vice president of marketing programs and distribution at Continental Airlines.

When Continental joins Star Alliance, OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members will become Star Alliance Gold members, gaining recognition and rewards across all member airlines in addition to OnePass benefits. Platinum and Gold Elite members will have access to more than 800 worldwide lounges when traveling on an international itinerary with any Star Alliance member airline, regardless of class of travel. Additionally, Platinum and Gold Elite members will receive an extra baggage allowance of up to three bags or 44 additional pounds (20 kg) on both Continental and Star Alliance member airlines and will receive priority services including priority airport check-in, boarding and baggage handling across the network.

In addition to these benefits, upcoming changes to the OnePass program include fewer fees for Platinum Elite members, no more Saturday-night stay required for reward travel and 100 percent Elite Qualification Miles and Points earnings on any ticket regardless of where it was bought or issued.

"With change comes opportunity, and we're working hard to ensure the transition to Star is smooth for our customers," said Bergsrud. "We look forward to bringing new benefits, better global coverage and more good news later this year."

Summary of Continental's New OnePass Policies

Effective on Oct. 27, 2009

• With Continental's entry into Star Alliance, mileage requirements for reward travel will change, effective for travel booked on or after Oct. 27, 2009. View Travel and Upgrade Reward Charts.
• Saturday-night stay no longer required for OnePass reward travel.
• 100 percent Elite Qualification Miles and Elite Qualification Points can be earned on discounted fares regardless of where the ticket is purchased or issued.
• BusinessFirst $100 upgrade co-pay no longer required of members using miles to upgrade from B fare class.
• Elite bonuses will be based on the minimum mileage earned instead of the actual flight miles flown.
  

Effective on Dec. 15, 2009

• New reward travel fees will apply for redeposits, reservation changes and flight bookings within 21 days of departure for rewards redeemed on or after Dec. 15, 2009. There will be no fee for Platinum Elite members. The Gold Elite fee will be $25, the Silver Elite fee will be $50 and for all other members the fee will be $75. These fees will apply per customer instead of per reservation. OnePass travel reward changes outside of 21 days of travel will remain free if there is no change to the origin and destination.
  

Effective on Jan. 1, 2010

• All members worldwide will earn 125 percent base miles on F, C, J and D fare classes.
• All members worldwide will earn 1.5 Elite Qualification Points when they purchase and fly in fare classes F, C, J, D, Z, Y and B on flights operated by Continental.
  

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced changes to its checked baggage policy for customers traveling between Europe and the United States, including U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Customers who purchase certain economy class tickets for travel on or after the effective date will be able to check one bag for free and will pay $50 for a second checked bag. Customers checking in and pre-paying for bags at continental.com receive a $5 discount.

The new policy takes effect immediately for tickets purchased Aug. 27, 2009 for travel on or after Sept. 15, 2009. The changes apply to transatlantic travelers on all flights operated by Continental Airlines between the United States and Europe.

The service fee will not apply to EliteAccess customers, including those seated in First or BusinessFirst, OnePass Elite and SkyTeam Elite members, customers traveling on full-fare economy (Y) class tickets, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus primary cardmembers or military personnel and their families traveling on official orders.

Checked bags must meet weight and size restrictions or will be subject to additional fees. Continental's policy for carry-on baggage remains unchanged.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Twice-weekly flights offer convenient connections from U.S. mainland and Japan

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced new service from its Guam hub and Honolulu to Nadi, Fiji beginning Dec. 18, 2009. The flights will also offer convenient connections from the U.S. mainland, Japan and Continental's Micronesian network to Nadi.

"We are pleased to add Nadi to our portfolio of Pacific destinations," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president of marketing. "Fiji is a popular vacation spot that attracts visitors from around the world, and we see a strong demand for leisure travel to the area."

The service will be operated by Continental Micronesia using two-cabin Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 155 seats.

The flights from Guam's A.B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 10:55 p.m. and arriving at Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Return flights will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays departing Nadi at 12:40 a.m. and arriving in Guam at 5:10 a.m. the same day.

The flights from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Nadi at 11:40 p.m. the following day. Return flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing at 8:50 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25 p.m. the previous day, after crossing the International Date Line.

Fiji, located in the heart of the South Pacific, is a group of more than 300 islands and atolls dotted across 200,000 square miles of sea. The islands are known for their picturesque coasts, tall coconut palms and brilliant turquoise lagoons fringed by coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Travelers from around the world visit Fiji for its pristine beauty, varied activities including diving and surfing, and relaxed lifestyle.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,750 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 133 domestic and 132 international destinations. More than 750 additional points are served via current alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Global recession contributes to weak revenue environment; company to implement revenue and cost initiatives designed to achieve approximately $100 million in annual benefits.

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today reported a second quarter 2009 net loss of $213 million ($1.72 diluted loss per share). Excluding $44 million of previously announced special charges, Continental recorded a net loss of $169 million ($1.36 diluted loss per share).

Second quarter results were adversely affected by significant declines in high yield traffic as many business travelers curtailed travel or purchased lower yield economy tickets due to the weakened economy. In addition, the H1N1 virus reduced second quarter consolidated passenger revenue by an estimated $50 million. Fuel expense declined $762 million (46.1 percent) in the second quarter 2009 compared to the second quarter 2008, while revenue declined $918 million compared to the same period.

In response to the significant decline in revenue, Continental is implementing a number of measures to raise revenues and reduce costs that are designed to achieve approximately $100 million in annual benefits when fully implemented in 2010 including:

• Eliminating approximately 1,700 positions across the company, including management and clerical positions. This is in addition to the previously announced elimination of 500 reservation agent positions and special company offered leaves of absence extended for 700 flight attendants. Continental is offering employees voluntary programs to minimize the number of involuntary furloughs and reductions in force.
• Increasing domestic checked baggage fees by $5 for customers who do not prepay those fees online. This change is effective immediately for travel Aug. 19, 2009, and beyond.
• Increasing the telephone reservation booking service fee by $5 effective immediately.
• Other revenue initiatives to be announced when implemented
  

"My co-workers are doing a great job of working together to focus on customer service despite significant challenges currently facing our industry," said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer. "While the unit revenue decline appears to be bottoming out, it is doing so at low levels and we must take aggressive steps to increase revenue and reduce costs. The most difficult changes will be the employee reductions that we are forced to make throughout the company."

Second Quarter Revenue and Capacity

Total revenue for the quarter was $3.1 billion, a decrease of 22.7 percent compared to the same period in 2008. Passenger revenue for the quarter fell 24.2 percent ($883 million) compared to the same period last year due to lower fares and passenger traffic declines.

Consolidated revenue passenger miles (RPMs) for the second quarter decreased 6.4 percent year-over-year on a capacity decrease of 7.8 percent, resulting in a second quarter consolidated load factor of 82.7 percent, 1.3 points higher than the second quarter of 2008.

Consolidated yield for the second quarter decreased 19.1 percent year-over-year.

Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (RASM) for the second quarter decreased 17.7 percent year-over-year.

Mainline RPMs in the second quarter of 2009 decreased 5.7 percent compared to the second quarter of 2008, on a capacity decrease of 7.3 percent year-over-year.

Mainline load factor was 83.2 percent, up 1.5 points year-over-year for the second quarter. Continental's mainline yield decreased 18.3 percent in the second quarter over the same period in 2008. As a result, second quarter 2009 mainline RASM was down 16.9 percent compared to the second quarter of 2008.

Passenger revenue for the second quarter of 2009 and period-to-period comparisons of related statistics by geographic region for the company's mainline operations and regional operations are as follows:

                                 Percentage Increase (Decrease) in
                            Second Quarter 2009 vs. Second Quarter 2008
                  Passenger -------------------------------------------
                   Revenue    Passenger
               (in millions)   Revenue     ASMs       RASM      Yield
                   -------      ----       ----       -----     ------

    Domestic       $1,167      (22.4)%     (9.5)%    (14.3)%    (15.9)%
    Trans-Atlantic    577      (28.3)%    (10.6)%    (19.8)%    (23.8)%
    Latin America     345      (20.8)%     (5.2)%    (16.5)%    (16.4)%
    Pacific           211      (12.3)%     12.8 %    (22.3)%    (18.9)%
    Total Mainline $2,300      (22.9)%     (7.3)%    (16.9)%    (18.3)%

    Regional         $467      (29.9)%    (11.8)%    (20.5)%    (20.1)%

    Consolidated   $2,767      (24.2)%     (7.8)%    (17.7)%    (19.1)%

Cargo revenue in the second quarter of 2009 decreased 37.9 percent ($50 million) compared to the same period in 2008, due to reduced freight volume and lower pricing.

Second Quarter Operations and Notable Accomplishments

During the quarter, employees earned $9 million in cash incentives for running the best on-

time operation among the major network carriers in May and June as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Continental recorded an on-time arrival rate of 78.7 percent and a systemwide mainline segment completion factor of 99.6 percent during the quarter.

"My co-workers have done an impressive job running a good operation and delivering great service despite very high load factors, which put additional stress on the system," said Jeff Smisek, president and chief operating officer. "We will get through this global recession by working together and continuing to outperform our competitors."

The DOT approved the application for Continental to join the existing antitrust immunized alliance including United Airlines and eight other Star Alliance member carriers, ensuring effective global competition with other antitrust immunized alliances while encouraging the retention and growth of open skies between the U.S. and other nations. Continental remains focused on providing a seamless transition for its customers from the SkyTeam alliance to Star Alliance this fall.

During the quarter, Continental contributed $50 million to its defined benefit pension plans.

Continental continued to install DIRECTV(R) on its aircraft during the quarter, with the new service now offered on 16 aircraft. DIRECTV(R) gives customers the choice of 77 channels of live television programming -- more channels than any other carrier -- including live sports, news, weather and children's shows. The company expects to complete installation on its fleet of Boeing 737 Next-Generation and Boeing 757-300 aircraft by the first quarter of 2011.

Second Quarter Costs

Due to significantly lower jet fuel costs, Continental's mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) decreased 12.9 percent (13.2 percent excluding special charges) in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. The mainline price of a gallon of fuel dropped 39.7 percent year-over-year and mainline fuel consumption fell by 9.4 percent. Holding fuel rate constant and excluding special items, second quarter 2009 mainline CASM increased 2.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2008.

"Once again, the entire Continental team did an outstanding job controlling costs and

running an efficient operation in a challenging economic environment," said Zane Rowe, Continental's executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Fuel costs for the quarter were $762 million lower compared to the same period last year as a result of a decrease in fuel prices and lower volumes. Consolidated fuel price was $2.07 per gallon in the second quarter of 2009, of which $0.49 per gallon was related to fuel hedge losses. Consolidated fuel price was $3.46 per gallon in the second quarter 2008, which included $0.17 per gallon in fuel hedge gains. During the quarter, mainline fuel consumption decreased 9.4 percent compared to the same period last year, while mainline RPMs decreased only 5.7 percent compared to the same period.

Fleet Changes Continue to Improve Efficiency

Continental continued to improve fuel efficiency during the quarter by adding modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, equipped with winglets. During the quarter, Continental took delivery of two new Boeing 737-900ERs, one of which was painted with a retro livery to commemorate the airline's 75th anniversary. In addition, the company removed from service four Boeing 737-500s.

Continental is expected to take delivery of seven Boeing 737 aircraft in the second half of 2009. The company expects to remove 29 additional Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft from service by January 2010.

Cash and Liquidity

Continental ended the second quarter with $2.77 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

On July 1, 2009, Continental completed the sale of $390 million of Pass Through Certificates, the first offering of its kind to close since the credit markets froze last year. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the certificates will be used to finance the company's purchase of five new Boeing 737-900ERs expected to be delivered by the end of 2009. The remainder of the proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. The Pass Through Certificates will be secured by a total of 17 of the company's aircraft.

In addition, Continental completed an agreement with a commercial bank to provide financing for two Boeing 737-900ER aircraft scheduled for delivery in July of 2009, one of which has already been delivered. The company has now completed financing arrangements for all of its new aircraft deliveries this year and has backstop financing available for all of its new aircraft deliveries in 2010.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it received the highest possible "Power Circle Rating" on the annual J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Airline Satisfaction Study. This achievement indicates that consumers rate Continental "among the best" of all airlines in the study.

Continental was one of only three airlines, out of a total of 13 in the study, to receive the top rating of 5 Power Circles. Continental ranked higher than any other carrier in several categories measured, including Inflight Service Experience. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive year, Continental was the highest-ranked major global network carrier on the study.

"This achievement underscores the consistent hard work and superior service that my more than 43,000 co-workers provide to our customers every day," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president of marketing. "Despite the difficult industry environment, we remain committed to our corporate culture of teamwork, listening to our customers, and investing in our product."

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,750 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 133 domestic and 132 international destinations. More than 750 additional points are served via current alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year.

Source: Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it is taking delivery this week of another new Boeing 737-900ER, which is painted with a retro livery to commemorate the airline's 75th anniversary on July 15, 2009.

The new aircraft's retro livery, which was originally used on aircraft beginning in 1947 and is called The Blue Skyway, was selected by Continental employees. Continental will fly the new aircraft to its three hubs for anniversary celebration events for employees and retirees. The aircraft will make an appearance at Houston Bush Intercontinental on Thursday, June 25, and at New York/Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins on Friday, June 26.

"I am proud to celebrate this exciting occasion with the Continental team, including both our current 43,000 co-workers, as well as the many retired co-workers who paved Continental's history and made the airline what it is today," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive officer. "Not many 75-year-olds believe their future will be longer and more vibrant than their history, but that's exactly what we're looking forward to at Continental."

The Early Years

Continental traces its history to Varney Speed Lines, started in 1934 by Walter T. Varney primarily to carry U.S. mail. On July 15, 1934, the airline launched its first flight, carrying 100 letters and no passengers between Pueblo, Colo. and El Paso, Texas. At the time, Franklin Roosevelt was president, the average U.S. annual income was about $1,600, a new car cost $625 and a gallon of gas cost 10 cents.

Walter Varney focused on the new airline's fleet, called Continental "America's Fastest" due to its speedier aircraft. A focus on a strong fleet is one thing that hasn't changed over the last 75 years: Continental today flies the newest, most fuel-efficient jet fleet of all the major U.S. network carriers.

Varney earlier started a different airline, which became United Airlines. Later this year, the two carriers founded by Walter Varney plan to make an historic reunion by joining together as alliance partners in Star Alliance.

Longtime Leader: Bob Six

Varney Speed Lines became Continental Airlines in 1937 under the leadership of the legendary Robert F. Six, who captained the airline into the "jet age" and expanded its reach for more than 40 years.

Bob Six laid the groundwork for Continental's reputation for top-notch service and a customer focus.

In 1944, passenger revenue exceeded revenue from carrying mail for the first time in the airline's history. Under Six's leadership, Continental in the late 1940s became one of the first carriers to experiment with coach fares, and established first-class "Gold Carpet Service" in the late 1950s.

"One thing that's never changed goes back to Robert Six - we still want to give customers the best experience from the time they board the plane until they get to their destination," says Houston-based Administrator of Manuals and Publications Jo Strauss, who has been with the company since 1968.

Bob Six also secured a Continental stronghold in the pacific by creating Air Micronesia, which remains a wholly-owned Continental subsidiary today.

Times of Tumult

In the late 1970s, following the Airline Deregulation Act, through the early 1990s, Continental went through some of its darkest days, struggling through years of financial losses, a gaggle of challenging mergers and acquisitions, and two bankruptcies, as well as labor relations that strained to the breaking point. Even through these grim times, several bright spots emerged: in 1987, Continental established its OnePass frequent flyer program, and in 1992, the airline launched its premium product, BusinessFirst, which provides first-class service at business-class fares.

In addition, Continental's current domestic hubs were formed during this period. In the late 70s and early 80s, following deregulation, Continental's presence in Houston, which began with the airline's first flight into the city in 1951, strengthened into a true hub. In February 1987, Continental's merger with People Express provided the foundation for the carrier to grow and develop a leading presence in the strategic New York market, transforming Newark Liberty into one of the world's premier international global gateways. Continental remains the largest carrier in the New York area today. In July 1987, Continental's Cleveland hub opened, tripling the airline's presence in the city.

From Worst to First

Then, in 1994, Gordon Bethune became CEO and led the company through one of the most dramatic turnarounds in business history, taking it from "worst to first."

Much as Six set the tone on customer satisfaction, Bethune brought to the forefront a culture of employees working together. Bethune and Continental's senior management team also instituted the Go Forward Plan to make sure the whole team had their eyes on the same target. The same working-together culture and Go Forward Plan continue to underlie Continental's success even today.

Continental Today

Current Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner, who has been with the company since 1995, took the helm when Gordon Bethune departed in late 2004. Larry credits Continental's co-workers for the airline's success in recent years. As chairman and CEO, Larry stays focused on open, honest and direct communication with co-workers across the system, taking input from all directions as the company faces today's opportunities and challenges. Additionally, Larry has piloted Continental through years of international growth while continuing to focus on the fundamentals that his predecessors laid down before him: employee relations, customer satisfaction, and building a strong fleet.

"I never thought in my wildest imagination that someday I'd be able to fly all over the world," said DFW-based Customer Service Agent and Ramp Equipment Coordinator Joe Caudle, who in 1951 joined Trans-Texas Airways (later renamed Texas International), which originally served routes in Texas and merged with Continental in the early 1980s. Continental "has gotten better - for passengers, employees, and the airline in general. We probably have the best executive staff in the industry. I credit them for where we stand now - the most admired airline in the world."

During Larry's time with Continental, the carrier has received more awards for customer satisfaction than any other airline, including being named FORTUNE magazine's most admired global airline for six consecutive years on the magazine's annual airline industry list. Despite these honors, the carrier has no intention of resting on its laurels.

Symbolic of Continental's focus on the future, the new retro-painted Boeing 737-900ER will be delivered equipped with an advanced technology GPS Landing System (GLS) that will take advantage of a new NextGen satellite-based landing system being installed later this year at Newark Liberty. Continental is partnering with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the FAA, Rockwell Collins and Gables to make this technology a reality. This is just one of many NextGen technologies and capabilities that Continental has pioneered over the years as the airline works to make operations safer and more reliable, fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Other firsts being initiated in Continental's 75th anniversary year are the introduction of DIRECTV(R) service, installation of flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst, and service to Shanghai.

"I have been here for over 28 years," said EWR-based 757 Captain Tom Stephens. "I have worked with the best people that I could have wished for. There have been some serious ups and downs. There have been times when the future looked bleak and times when the future looked bright. Through it all we have survived and, for the most part, done it with good humor and the determination to get through the rough spots with confidence that there would be better days. We should look around us now with satisfaction at the Continental we each, in our own way, helped to create."

For historical photos and more information on Continental's 75-year history, please go to: continental.com/company/history.

Source: Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it will launch daily nonstop flights between its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and through flight service between New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro beginning August 1, 2009. Effective today, the airline has made seat inventory available for sale in preparation for the start of service.

Continental plans to operate the daily service using a Boeing 767-200 aircraft, with 25 seats in BusinessFirst and 149 seats in economy. Flight CO129 will depart Houston at 9:15 p.m. arriving in Rio de Janeiro at 9:15 a.m. the next day. The return flight CO128 will depart Rio de Janeiro at 9:45 p.m. and arrive in Houston the following morning at 6:00 a.m. The nonstop flight will be timed to offer convenient flight connections at Continental's Houston hub to cities throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.

"This new flight links important energy centers with convenient nonstop service," said John Slater, staff vice president Latin America and Caribbean. "It also provides the most direct routing from numerous western points being that it is the only nonstop flight between Houston and Rio west of the Mississippi."

The airline currently operates daily nonstop service between Continental's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Sao Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport and between Houston and Sao Paulo, with continuing service to Rio de Janeiro.

The new flights will feature Continental's award-winning BusinessFirst service. The Official Airline Guide has awarded Continental's BusinessFirst as the Best Executive/Business Class for five consecutive years (2003 - 2007), and Conde Nast Traveler magazine rated Continental's premium BusinessFirst service the highest among all U.S. carriers for trans-Pacific flights 10 years in a row.

Other BusinessFirst amenities include gourmet menu selections created by Continental's Congress of Chefs. A specially selected and trained corps of Concierges is available to provide individualized pre-flight and post-flight services for BusinessFirst customers at international airports worldwide. Customers traveling in BusinessFirst are also able to access any of Continental's 27 Presidents Clubs and more than 60 airline affiliated lounges worldwide.

Source: Continental