Also this from the Edmonton Airports site:

EDMONTON (January 13, 2003) – Edmonton Airports and our community leaders offer Continental Airlines, the fifth largest airline in the United States, a warm welcome to the Capital Region.

Edmonton Airports identified Houston, Texas as a non-stop air service target for our region because of the strong oil and gas business linkage, diverse connecting opportunities through to Florida, Mexico, and Latin America on Continental’s network, and strong inbound tourism opportunities. Continental is headquartered in Houston, which is also Continental's largest hub.

"I know Edmonton Airports worked very closely over the past three years with Continental Airlines to ensure this connection came to fruition. This is great news for both business and leisure travellers," said Mayor Bill Smith.


"This is excellent news for Greater Edmonton because Houston is one of the top 10 destinations for Edmonton and Northern Alberta travellers. In addition, Texas is the number three travel market to Alberta, from the United States; this new service now offers an efficient non-stop link to the many travellers visiting our region," said Allan Scott, President and CEO, Economic Development Edmonton (EDE). "We will work with Edmonton Airports and our many partners to promote and expand the business and leisure travel opportunities this important air connection provides."

"Continental Airlines’ new non-stop air service between Edmonton and Houston will be a huge advantage to the 2,600 companies in Alberta’s International Region, as much of our business is contingent upon direct connections to the United States, Mexico and South America," states Pat Klak, Executive Director, Leduc/Nisku Economic Development Authority. "This service is particularly timely in light of the projected economic growth of the greater Edmonton region and the $82 billion in major projects proposed for Alberta over the next few years."

Chamber CEO Martin Salloum says, "Houston's top three industries are directly related to oil and gas. It's a natural connection with obvious potential for the business communities of both Edmonton and northern Alberta."

Continental Airlines will make its home in the South Terminal of Edmonton International Airport, which provides efficient access to Edmonton International Airport’s United States and Canadian Customs and Immigration services.

"Edmonton Airports commends Continental Airlines for their investment in our community," states Scott Clements, President and CEO of Edmonton Airports. "Edmonton Airports, backed by strong community support, is committed to continue to work closely with Continental Airlines to promote this important route."