HOUSTON, Nov 29, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Continental Airlines
(NYSE: CAL) today announced it will inaugurate new service March 3, 2005
linking the Texas border town of Del Rio with the airline's hub in Houston.
The twice-daily service, operated by Continental Connection partner SkyWest
Airlines (Nasdaq: SKYW), will offer Del Rio travelers their only scheduled
commercial airline service, with new and convenient options for transportation
to Houston and scores of cities around the world.
The schedule is as follows:
DEPART ARRIVE Frequency
Houston 2:20 p.m. Del Rio 4:10 p.m. Daily
8:40 p.m. 10:30 p.m. Except Saturday
Del Rio 5:25 a.m. Houston 7:05 a.m. Tuesday/Wednesday
8 a.m. 9:40 a.m. Except Tuesday/Wednesday
4:30 p.m. 6:10 p.m. Except Saturday
* Schedules subject to change.
"Our service linking Del Rio with Houston underscores our commitment to
Texas communities, our leading position in Mexico, and the breadth of our
Houston hub," said Bob Cortelyou, staff vice president of scheduling at
Continental. "Whether their destination is Del Rio itself, the Mexican border
town of Ciudad Acuna or the popular Amistad National Recreation Area,
customers will find this service offers new choices for air travel and more
convenience than ever before."
"This is exciting news for Del Rio. Commercial airline service is now a
reality," said Del Rio Mayor Dora G. Alcala. "I am excited to see Continental
Airlines become a partner in our community. Del Rio is now in position to
become the regional airport of choice for the entire Middle Rio Grande area.
We have been working on this project since I took office. I am happy that it
is finally here."
"With the mayor's leadership, we finally have world class commercial air
passenger service in Del Rio and the Middle Grande Region," said Del Rio City
Manager Rafael Castillo. "The airline will open up many opportunities for
economic development and job creation in Del Rio and the surrounding
community. The entire region is in this together; only by working together
can we make this venture a success."
Flights to and from Del Rio are conveniently timed to connect to
Continental's global route network. Continental and its regional partners
offer more than 600 daily flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in
Houston to more than 150 destinations in the United States, Canada, the
Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.
Each flight will be operated by Continental Connection partner SkyWest
with 30-seat Embraer EMB-120 aircraft. The aircraft offers all-leather
seating and pressurized comfort.
Travelers on Continental Connection receive Continental's services and
amenities, including:
* The ability to book flights, check in, redeem frequent flyer awards
and more at continental.com
* At least 500 OnePass frequent flyer miles for each segment flown
* Connections to an extensive global network of more than 650
destinations around the world
* Automated self-service check-in at more than 120 airports
Continental Airlines is the world's sixth-largest airline with more than
3,000 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Continental
serves 151 domestic and 120 international destinations -- more than any other
airline in the world -- and nearly 400 additional points are served via
SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, the airline has
hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and carries approximately
51 million passengers per year. In 2004, Continental has earned awards and
critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. FORTUNE
ranks Continental one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America, an
honor it has earned for six consecutive years, and also ranks Continental as
the top airline in its Most Admired Global Companies in 2004. The carrier won
major awards at the 2004 OAG Airline of the Year Awards including "Airline of
the Year," "Best Airline Based in North America" and "Best Executive/Business
Class." For more company information, visit continental.com .
SOURCE Continental Airlines
Corporate Communications of Continental Airlines,
+1-713-324-5080, or corpcomm@coair.com
http://www.continental.com