Continental Airlines today announced another major step in
development of its Houston hub with plans to begin nonstop Boeing
787 flights to Auckland, New Zealand on Nov. 16, 2011 (subject to
government approval).
Auckland will be added to the 63 international destinations that
Continental currently serves nonstop from Houston, and will become
the 26th destination in Continental's Pacific network. Continental
serves more destinations in the Pacific region than any other U.S.
carrier.
Continental will be one of just three airlines flying nonstop
between North America and New Zealand. At approximately 7,400
miles, the new route will be the longest from Continental's Houston
hub. Continental plans to operate the route on a daily basis, with
five-times-weekly service during certain periods in the first year
of operation.
On May 3, Continental announced that it has agreed to merge with
United Airlines in a merger of equals to create the world's leading
airline. The success of the Houston-Auckland route will be enhanced
by the additional traffic flows through Houston that are expected
to result from the merger.
First 787 Route Announcement
Continental is the first airline in the world to formally
announce specific, initial route plans for its Boeing 787
Dreamliner fleet. The airline has orders for 25 Dreamliners. The
787 is a new-technology composite aircraft with lower operating
costs, better environmental performance and an improved cabin
environment for customer comfort.
Deliveries to Continental are expected to begin in August 2011.
The aircraft will have 228 seats, including 36 of Continental's new
flat-bed BusinessFirst seats for the best rest on long-distance
flights.
Today Continental also unveiled a modernized and expanded
customer check-in facility in Terminal C at its Houston hub at Bush
Intercontinental Airport.
"Our new route to Auckland and our new and upgraded facilities
at IAH are tangible examples of the emphasis we place on continuing
to expand Houston's role in domestic and international aviation,"
said Jeff Smisek, Continental's chairman, president and CEO.
"This hub has ongoing growth opportunities because it has a
strategic location, space for expansion, support from the community
and an excellent team of Continental co-workers who deliver our
clean, safe and reliable service."
Added Greg Hart, VP-Network Strategy for Continental: "We would
also like to acknowledge the work of Auckland Airport in building a
strong business case for this route, introducing Continental to the
right Kiwi market partners and ultimately proving the New Zealand
route is viable for us."
"Auckland Airport is absolutely delighted to welcome Continental
Airlines to the New Zealand market," said Auckland Airport Chief
Executive Simon Moutter.
"Continental is a valued Star Alliance member, and the
commencement of daily services in late 2011 between Auckland and
Houston opens up an exciting new U.S. market opportunity to New
Zealand, and beautifully complements the market development work
being done in other parts of the U.S.
"We are especially pleased that Continental has chosen Auckland
as a world-first dedicated route for the brand new 787 aircraft.
Houston is a central American hub that offers access to a wide
range of North American destinations that we think will prove
extremely attractive to travellers."
"Having an additional airline of the size and scale of
Continental journeying non-stop out of Houston, a new hub for New
Zealand out of the United States, complements our current offer to
U.S. citizens wanting to visit New Zealand for business or
pleasure," said Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin
Bowler.
"The timing of this couldn't be better. Our research shows that
U.S. visitors are highly satisfied with New Zealand's beautiful
natural scenery, culture and outdoor lifestyle. Easy connections
via the Houston gateway will also open up routes from further
afield."
Convenient Connecting Flights
The Houston-Auckland route will benefit from connecting traffic
at both ends. Continental's Houston hub will draw passengers from
throughout North America. In addition, Houston will be a very
competitive connecting hub for travelers on itineraries between
Europe and Auckland.
Auckland is home to Air New Zealand, one of the 27 carriers
including Continental which are members of Star Alliance. Air New
Zealand and its regional airline partners offer service to 20
destinations in New Zealand and seven in Australia, including
Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Coolangatta (Gold Coast), Melbourne,
Perth and Sydney.
Schedule
Following is the preliminary schedule for the new service,
planned to take effect Nov. 16, 2011. Continental will begin taking
reservations and selling tickets on the new route later this
year.
| Leave Houston |
Arrive Auckland |
Leave Auckland |
Arrive Houston |
| Summer |
9:30 p.m |
5:10 a.m
(2 days later) |
3:40 p.m |
11:50 a.m
(same day) |
| Winter |
9:10 p.m |
6:55 a.m
(2 days later) |
5:55 p.m |
11:55 a.m
(same day) |
About Houston
Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. Historically the
country's "energy capital," Houston today has a diverse and
expanding economy, including major facilities and large employment
in health care, higher education, technology, transportation, space
exploration and other industries.
Located near the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of Houston is a large
shipping terminal that complements extensive petrochemical and
refining operations in the area. Rural counties surrounding Houston
support agricultural enterprises and cattle ranching.
Houston is known for affordable housing options, plentiful and
excellent restaurants, the Galleria retail/shopping district, a
vibrant culture and performing arts scene, professional sports
teams and southern-style hospitality that welcomes outsiders and
visitors.
The city has an ethnically diverse population that complements
the city's reputation as an international crossroads. More
information about Houston for visitors is available from www.visithoustontexas.com
Continental Background
Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline.
Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental
Connection, has more than 2,700 daily departures throughout the
Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 132 domestic and 137
international destinations.
Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which overall offers
more than 21,050 daily flights to 1,167 airports in 181 countries
through its 27 member airlines. With more than 40,000 employees,
Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam,
and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63
million passengers per year.
Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for
both its operation and its corporate culture. For nine consecutive
years, FORTUNE magazine has ranked Continental as the top
U.S. airline on its "World's Most Admired Companies" airline
industry list. For more company information, go to www.continental.com.
Source: News Release Auckland Airport / Continental
Airlines