Continental Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service Between Houston, Texas and Loreto, Mexico

HOUSTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced it will begin twice-weekly flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, and Loreto, Mexico, the airline's 31st Mexican destination, on June 7, 2007. Continental already offers service to more destinations in Mexico than any other U.S. airline.

Located in the southern part of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, Loreto is a popular eco-tourism destination. Loreto offers tranquil beaches with mountains in the distance; five islands off the coast for kayaking, hiking, scuba diving and sport fishing; and a National Marine Park, a protected marine bio-region. The town features cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the San Javier Mission.

The new Continental flight will depart Houston at 10:15 a.m. on Thursdays and Sundays during peak travel season (summer, winter and spring), arriving in Loreto at 12:45 p.m. The return flight departs Loreto at 1:15 p.m., arriving in Houston at 5:45 p.m. Flights are timed for convenient connections to the Midwest and East Coast. In the fall, the service will operate once a week on Saturdays.

Continental will utilize the Embraer-145XR jet on the flights. The EMB- 145XR aircraft seats 50 passengers; all seats are either aisle or window, with no middle seats.

"Continental continues to be the leader in travel options to Mexico, whether for vacation or business travel, or to visit family and friends," said Pete Garcia, Vice President, Latin America. "We are very happy to grow our commitment in Mexico and believe our passengers will enjoy this new service to Loreto, the perfect getaway."

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.

Continental Airlines offers service to 76 destinations in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including nonstop service to 30 destinations in Mexico -- more than any other airline. Continental also offers nonstop service to more Central American cities (10) than any other U.S. airline and serves nine South American destinations.

For more company information, visit continental.com.