Continental Airlines announced that it will launch a third daily non-stop flight between its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, and London's Heathrow Airport, effective Oct. 25, 2008 (eastbound), subject to government approval and slot approval. On the same date, it will discontinue flights to London/Gatwick Airport from both New York and Houston.

Continental will continue to operate two daily flights from Houston to Heathrow in addition to the three daily flights from Liberty to Heathrow.

"Our focus on Heathrow is a response to the changing realities of the marketplace," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president marketing. "Our customers have shown a clear preference for Heathrow, and our main competitors have focused their operations there. We regret the need to end year-round operations at Gatwick, but it is imperative that we remain competitive and continue to meet the needs of our customers."

Continental operates a variety of Boeing jets (777, 767 and 757) on its routes from the U.S. to London, with ground operations at Heathrow Terminal 4. Continental also operates non-stop services from Liberty to Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester, as well as Dublin and Shannon -- more cities in the U.K. and Ireland than any other trans-Atlantic airline.

In addition, Continental and Virgin Atlantic Airways codeshare on several Virgin Atlantic-operated flights to London/Heathrow and London/Gatwick.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,500 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 131 domestic and 131 international destinations. More than 550 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 69 million passengers per year.

Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the fifth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2008 list of World's Most Admired Companies.