NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE:
CAL) today said it has converted an additional 12 of its existing Boeing
orders into the new Boeing 737-900ER. These are conversions from the
airline's previously announced Boeing Next-Generation 737 orders. With this
latest conversion, Continental's total commitment to the 737-900ER is now
24 firm aircraft.
(Photo:http://www.prnasia.com/sa/200612071055.jpg )
The 737-900ER is the latest addition to Boeing's highly successful
737NG family which has delivered over 2,000 737NGs worldwide. Continental
was the first U.S. carrier to order this new extended-range aircraft which
flies approximately 500 nautical miles farther than the existing 737-900.
The 737- 900ER shares the same performance attributes of other
Next-Generation 737s currently in Continental's fleet, giving the carrier
greater efficiencies in pilot training, crew flexibility, simplified
maintenance and savings on spare part inventory costs.
"The new 737-900ER will have among the lowest operating costs in the
industry and will allow us to build upon our efficient 737 fleet," said
Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition, the
737-900ER will be configured with 20 first class seats, providing excellent
opportunities for complimentary OnePass frequent flyer upgrades."
Today's announcement for the new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft does not
change the quantity of new Boeing 737 aircraft Continental has on order.
The carrier still has total firm commitments for 60 Boeing 737s and has the
ability to convert more of its existing Boeing 737 orders to the 737-900ER.
Since announcing its fleet modernization program a decade ago,
Continental has reduced the number of airplane types in its mainline fleet
from nine to three and reached its goal of operating one of the youngest
and most efficient fleets among U.S. airlines. Its modern, fuel-efficient
aircraft provide a natural fuel hedge and give the airline an advantage
over its competitors. Since 1998, the company has improved fuel efficiency
by nearly 25 percent per available seat mile as a result of several factors
including fleet modernization, implementation of fuel-saving technology
such as winglets, and improved operating procedures.
Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental,
together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than
3,200 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving
151 domestic and 136 international destinations. More than 400 additional
points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 44,000
employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and
Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 61
million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and
critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.
In 2006, Continental Airlines won its sixth J.D. Power and Associates
award since 1996. The carrier received the highest rank in customer
satisfaction among network carriers in North America in the J.D. Power and
Associates 2006 Airline Satisfaction Index Survey(SM). For the third
consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 Most Admired
Global Airline on its 2006 list of Most Admired Global Companies.
Continental was also named the No. 1 airline on the publication's 2006
America's Most Admired airline industry list. Additionally, Continental
again won major awards at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards including
"Best Airline Based in North America" for the third year in a row, and
"Best Executive/Business Class" for the fourth consecutive year. For more
company information, visit continental.com.
