"Responding to the needs of our corporate customers, we're pleased to offer convenient nonstop service between these two important oil markets," said John Slater, Continental's managing director Latin America. "This new service will also provide easier access to one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world."

The new service will operate three times weekly from Dec. 17, 2008, through Feb. 28, 2009. Flights will depart from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:00 p.m. and arrive at Rio's Galeao International Airport at 11:10 a.m. the following day. The return flights will depart from Rio de Janeiro on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:40 p.m. and arrive at Houston at 6:00 a.m. the following day.

The new nonstop flight is timed to provide convenient roundtrip flight connections at Continental's Houston hub to more than 160 cities throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

The airline currently operates two daily flights between the U.S. and Brazil. Daily service is offered between Continental's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Sao Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport, and between Houston and Rio de Janeiro, via Sao Paulo.

Continental will utilize a Boeing 767-400 aircraft on the route, with 35 seats in BusinessFirst and 200 seats in economy.

The new flights will offer Continental's award-winning BusinessFirst service. BusinessFirst features an extensive gourmet menu served with premium wines and champagnes created by Continental's Congress of Chefs and Sommeliers. International Concierge Service provides individualized pre- and post-flight services for BusinessFirst customers at 42 airports around the world. Customers traveling in BusinessFirst may also access any of Continental's 27 Presidents Clubs and more than 60 airline affiliated lounges worldwide.

Continental Airlines has won numerous awards for its BusinessFirst product. The Official Airline Guide has awarded Continental's BusinessFirst as the Best Executive/Business Class for five consecutive years (2003 - 2007), and Conde Nast Traveler magazine rated Continental's premium BusinessFirst service the highest among all U.S. carriers for trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights 10 years in a row.