HOUSTON, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines today made its final submission to the Department of Transportation for its application to provide the first daily nonstop service, and the only U.S. carrier service, between New York/Newark and Shanghai. Continental also intends to provide through flight service between Cleveland and Shanghai. Endorsements from elected officials in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Guam, along with other supporting documentation, have been submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of the application.

The airline, which currently offers nonstop service from the U.S.' largest population center of New York/Newark to Beijing and Hong Kong, is seeking an award of authority to provide additional travel options to China.

"Our customers and communities have told us they want Continental's award winning product and service on a non-stop basis to Shanghai and we're working hard to make this request a reality," said a Continental spokesperson.

DOT has a unique opportunity with this route proceeding to select multiple carriers and gateways to meet surging U.S. -- China demand and to satisfy the need for greater airline competition. Continental's application would provide service in the largest market in the proceeding that lacks daily, nonstop service. As the one proposal that will further the trade and commerce of the two nations by linking the financial capital of the world -- New York/Newark -- with China's financial capital -- Shanghai -- Continental's proposal warrants the award of one of the four daily flights available in 2009.

Continental today thanks its many supporters, some of which include: New York City Mayor Bloomberg New York City Comptroller Thompson Newark Mayor Booker Cleveland Mayor Jackson New Jersey Governor Corzine Ohio Governor Strickland Ohio Lieutenant Governor Fisher Texas Governor Perry Texas Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst 44 Congressional Members Including: New York Senators Schumer and Clinton New Jersey Senators Lautenberg and Menendez Ohio Senators Voinovich and Brown Texas Senators Hutchison and Cornyn 13 Congressional Members from New Jersey, 9 Ohio Members, 13 Texas Members and Congresswoman Bordallo of Guam Elizabeth Mayor Bollwage Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Newark Regional Business Partnership New Jersey Legislative Leadership Ohio Legislative Leadership Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Craddick Cleveland City Council Partnership for New York Manhattan Chamber of Commerce New Jersey Alliance for Action New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce New Jersey Business & Industry Association Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Ohio Chamber of Commerce Greater Cleveland Partnership The Greater Houston Partnership

Continental also thanks the tens of thousands of its employees, customers and corporate and agency clients who have supported the carrier's Shanghai route proceeding.

CONTACT: Corporate Communications of Continental Airlines,
+1-713-324-5080, corpcomm@coair.com

Web site: http://www.continental.com/
http://www.continental.com/company/news