Continental Airlines Increases Its Commitment to the Long-Range, Fuel- Efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Monday March 12, 9:00 am ET
First Airline in the Americas to Order the 787-9


HOUSTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL - News) today announced that it has increased its commitment to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising its firm order from 20 to 25 aircraft. By adding five 787-9 aircraft to its firm order, Continental is strengthening its ability to further modernize its fleet in the years ahead and unlocking additional international expansion opportunities.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070312/DAM008 )

In addition to increasing its firm order to 25 787s, Continental has converted 12 previously ordered 787-8s into 787-9s, for a total of 17 787-9 and eight 787-8 aircraft on firm order. Continental becomes the first airline in the Americas to order the 787-9, which will carry more passengers and fly further than the 787-8.

"Since we placed our initial 787 order in December 2004, we have become even more impressed with the 787 and its capabilities," said Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO. "The increased size and range of the 787-9 will allow us to serve more cities with the lowest operating seat cost of any aircraft in our fleet. This is the second time we have increased our 787 order, and demonstrates our continued confidence in Boeing and the 787."

The Boeing 787 is the optimal aircraft to support Continental's strategy for continued international growth. With expanded range capabilities, unmatched fuel efficiency and superior operating economics, the 787s will allow the company to replace less efficient widebody aircraft, and target additional long-haul markets. The 787s will also give Continental the ability to offer more capacity on international routes that need larger aircraft to support traffic growth