Continental Airlines is among the most renowned airline companies in USA that has seen many ups and downs in its life. It operates in a large part of USA along with regions in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. The employee strength of the company is around 42000. It covers a total of 120 international and 151 domestic destinations. Continental Airlines has a subsidiary named Continental Express which functions as a separate company. This airline joined the SkyTeam Alliance in 2004, a conglomeration of airlines which also has Northwest Airlines, Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico.
Continental Airlines started broadening its routes post the 1950’s. It was among the first airlines to use the Boeing 707 series aircrafts and Vickers Viscount 800 range in its fleet. The headquarters of the company was moved to Los Angeles from Denver in 1963. In the last part of 1960’s the airline removed the piston driven aircrafts from its fleet and it was a pioneering move in the US aviation sector. The DC-9 aircrafts replaced the ageing Viscounts in its fleet.
During the infamous Vietnam War the Continental Airlines was responsible for huge amounts of troop and cargo transportation in the Asia Pacific region for the US marine and Army forces. The experience in the Asia pacific region inspired the company to consolidate its operations in the area. That is why it set up a subsidiary company with the name ‘Continental Micronesia’ to cover the various islands in the region.
The management of Continental Airlines always strives to maintain the quality of service to stay ahead of the rival airlines. To exceed the customer expectation levels in luxury and comfort, the company introduced the Boeing 747 series in its fleet. The first class upper deck lounge of this aircraft won accolades for luxurious interior in its category. The meal services of the airline were also lavishly praised. Many Hollywood celebrities like Henry Fonda prefer this airline for its superior services.
Continental Airlines was acquired by the Texas Air Corporation in 1981 after stiff resistance from the management and staffs of Continental. After a long courtroom battle, Frank Lorenzo, the owner of the Texas Air Corporation emerged victorious and took over Continental. The company started operations in the transatlantic region after 1985. From 2007 it started its operations in Mumbai, India. It is slated to begin its operations in Shanghai from the first quarter of 2009.
Continental Airlines
