Continental Airlines announces new services

From Houston hub to Auckland, New Zealand

First route worldwide to be announced for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner

HOUSTON, May 26, 2010 – Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced another major step in development of its Houston hub with plans to begin nonstop Boeing 787 flights to Auckland, New Zealand on Nov. 16, 2011 (subject to government approval). 

Auckland will be added to the 63 international destinations that Continental currently serves nonstop from Houston, and will become the 26th destination in Continental’s Pacific network. Continental serves more destinations in the Pacific region than any other U.S. carrier.

Continental will be one of just three airlines flying nonstop between North America and New Zealand. At approximately 7,400 miles, the new route will be the longest from Continental’s Houston hub. Continental plans to operate the route on a daily basis, with five-times-weekly service during certain periods in the first year of operation.

On May 3, Continental announced that it has agreed to merge with United Airlines in a merger of equals to create the world’s leading airline. The success of the Houston-Auckland route will be enhanced by the additional traffic flows through Houston that are expected to result from the merger.

First 787 Route Announcement

Continental is the first airline in the world to formally announce specific, initial route plans for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The airline has orders for 25 Dreamliners. The 787 is a new-technology composite aircraft with lower operating costs, better environmental performance and an improved cabin environment for customer comfort. Deliveries to Continental are expected to begin in August 2011. The aircraft will have 228 seats, including 36 of Continental’s new flat-bed BusinessFirst seats for the best rest on long-distance flights.

Today Continental also unveiled a modernized and expanded customer check-in facility in Terminal C at its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

“Our new route to Auckland and our new and upgraded facilities at IAH are tangible examples of the emphasis we place on continuing to expand Houston’s role in domestic and international aviation,” said Jeff Smisek, Continental’s chairman, president and CEO. “This hub has ongoing growth opportunities because it has a strategic location, space for expansion, support from the community and an excellent team of Continental co-workers who deliver our clean, safe and reliable service.”

Added Greg Hart, VP-Network Strategy for Continental: “We would also like to acknowledge the work of Auckland Airport in building a strong business case for this route, introducing Continental to the right Kiwi market partners and ultimately proving the New Zealand route is viable for us.”

“Auckland Airport is absolutely delighted to welcome Continental Airlines to the New Zealand market,” said Auckland Airport Chief Executive Simon Moutter. “Continental is a valued Star Alliance member, and the commencement of daily services in late 2011 between Auckland and Houston opens up an exciting new U.S. market opportunity to New Zealand, and beautifully complements the market development work being done in other parts of the U.S. We are especially pleased that Continental has chosen Auckland as a world-first dedicated route for the brand new 787 aircraft. Houston is a central American hub that offers access to a wide range of North American destinations that we think will prove extremely attractive to travellers.”

“Having an additional airline of the size and scale of Continental journeying non-stop out of Houston, a new hub for New Zealand out of the United States, complements our current offer to U.S. citizens wanting to visit New Zealand for business or pleasure,” said Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler. “The timing of this couldn’t be better. Our research shows that U.S. visitors are highly satisfied with New Zealand’s beautiful natural scenery, culture and outdoor lifestyle. Easy connections via the Houston gateway will also open up routes from further afield.”

Convenient Connecting Flights
The Houston-Auckland route will benefit from connecting traffic at both ends. Continental’s Houston hub will draw passengers from throughout North America. In addition, Houston will be a very competitive connecting hub for travelers on itineraries between Europe and Auckland.

Auckland is home to Air New Zealand, one of the 27 carriers including Continental which are members of Star Alliance. Air New Zealand and its regional airline partners offer service to 20 destinations in New Zealand and seven in Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Coolangatta (Gold Coast), Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

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