NEW YORK, Dec 9, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced it has received approval from the governments of the United States and Nigeria to begin non-stop flights between New York and Lagos.

Continental expects to launch the service in the second quarter of 2005. It will be the only scheduled non-stop trans-Atlantic service to Nigeria and the only scheduled service to Africa by a U.S. carrier. With the start of the Lagos route, Continental will become the only U.S. airline to offer scheduled passenger service to six continents of the world. Further details of the new service, including the flight schedule and launch date, will be announced later.

"We're proud to extend our network to Africa and to provide a unique link between Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, and the United States, its second-largest trading partner," said Continental's President and Chief Operating Officer Larry Kellner, who becomes chairman and chief executive officer at the end of this year. "Our Lagos service will be highly attractive to Nigerian and American trans-Atlantic travelers, particularly executives in energy-related industries. They will be able to fly more quickly and easily between Nigeria and not only New York, but cities throughout North America, via our hub at Newark Liberty International Airport."

Continental Airlines is the world's sixth-largest airline with more than 3,000 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Continental serves 151 domestic and 120 international destinations -- more than any other airline in the world -- and nearly 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With 41,000 employees, the airline has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and carries approximately 51 million passengers per year. In 2004, Continental has earned awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. FORTUNE ranks Continental one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America, an honor it has earned for six consecutive years, and also ranks Continental as the top airline in its Most Admired Global Companies in 2004. The carrier won major awards at the 2004 OAG Airline of the Year Awards including "Airline of the Year," "Best Airline Based in North America" and "Best Executive/Business Class." For more company information, visit http://www.continental.com

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