Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) on Sunday will expand service at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, inaugurating two daily nonstop flights on a new route to Continentalís Cleveland hub.
At Cleveland, travelers have the ability to connect to dozens of additional destinations throughout North America and Europe – including London and Paris. Continental's hub at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is uncongested and has modern facilities including a relaxing Presidents Club lounge for members.The new service to Cleveland complements Continental's existing service from Birmingham. Currently Continental provides seven daily flights to its Houston hub and two daily flights to its New York hub. Following this expansion of service, Continental will provide a total of 11 daily departures from Birmingham.
"Birmingham travelers have shown strong support for the high-quality, full-service flights we currently offer here," said Jim Ferea, managing director network development. "By introducing service to Cleveland, we can give our local customers more options for traveling to the destinations they want to reach around the world. In addition, we make a valuable contribution to the local economy by bringing in more visitors and improving access to the business community."
New Flights to Cleveland
The new flights to Cleveland will commence on April 6, 2008, with departures at 7:35 a.m. and 11:38 a.m. The flight is approximately 605 miles and is scheduled for approximately one hour and fifty-four minutes. Return flights will depart Cleveland each day at 9:20 a.m. and 8:50 p.m. This schedule makes it convenient for local business travelers to make a round-trip to Cleveland in one day, if desired.
Flights will be operated by Continental Express regional jets. A flight attendant on-board provides cabin service and a lavatory is located at the rear of the aircraft. No other airline currently provides nonstop service from Birmingham to Cleveland. Continental will provide a range of fares on the new route including low excursion fares, with restrictions, for vacation travelers, and unrestricted tickets with no penalties or change fees for travelers who want the utmost flexibility. Continental's OnePass frequent flyer program lets members earn miles that can be redeemed for reward travel or for bidding on unique VIP packages and products at the OnePass Online Auction. Travelers can also earn miles and points that qualify for special Elite status benefits.
About Cleveland
Cleveland is a major, growing hub for Continental and, as the home to many Fortune 500 companies, is an important Midwest business center. In addition, Cleveland provides visitors with interesting entertainment options, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, competitive major league sports teams, "The Flats" dining/entertainment district and easy access to Lake Erie.
Company Background
Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,900 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 144 domestic and 139 international destinations. More than 550 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 45,000 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 2007 list of World's Most Admired Companies. Continental was also named the No. 1 airline on the publication's 2007 America's Most Admired airline industry list. Additionally, Continental again won major awards at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards including "Best Airline Based in North America"" for the fourth year in a row, and "Best Executive/Business Class" for the fifth consecutive year. For more company information, visit continental.com.