Touts Fuel Efficiency Over Competitor's Older Models

Continental Airlines announced this week it has added 27 aircraft to its firm order positions at Boeing, including eight new 777 and 19 new 737 aircraft, to replace less efficient airplanes and to bolster its growth efforts.

The new order brings Continental's total firm commitments to 111 new Boeing aircraft -- comprised of 25 787s, eight 777s and 78 737s -- for delivery over the next six years. In addition, Continental has options to purchase a total of 102 additional planes.

To date, Continental has taken delivery of five 737s this year and plans to take delivery of 27 additional 737s by the end of 2008.

Already operating 20 777 aircraft globally, Continental will use the eight additional aircraft for long-haul international routes, such as the Newark Liberty-Shanghai route that is scheduled to start in 2009. The planes will also be used for the airline's commencement of service to London Heathrow in March.

That new service -- which represents the company largest-ever expansion into a single airport in one day -- will see Continental fly twice daily to Heathrow from Newark, AND two flights per day from Houston.

The new 737s will continue to replace less efficient 737 Classic aircraft (737-300s and 737-500s) in Continental's fleet.

With its focused fleet modernization program, Continental says it has acquired a "natural fuel hedge" and an advantage over its competitors. For example, Continental's 737NGs burn 50 percent less fuel per available seat mile compared to competitors who operate DC-9 aircraft, and 30 percent less fuel per available seat mile compared to MD80s.

FMI: www.continental.com, www.boeing.com