Corporate News Alert

HOUSTON, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today reported a record November systemwide mainline load factor of 75.3 percent, 5.5 points above last year's November load factor. In addition, the airline had a record November domestic mainline load factor of 74.7 percent, 4.5 points above November 2002, and a record international mainline load factor of 76.3 percent, 7.2 points above November 2002.

HOUSTON, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AeroMexico and Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) announced today that they have signed an alliance agreement for flights between the United States and Mexico beginning in the first quarter of next year.

The 10-year agreement was signed by Gordon Bethune, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines, and by Arturo Barahona, Chief Executive Officer of AeroMexico.

"With this strategic alliance, AeroMexico will be able to offer a greater number of flights between the United States and Mexico, thereby better serving the needs of our passengers," said Barahona.

"This agreement will be extremely beneficial to our passengers, particularly business travelers, who seek greater choice and convenience when traveling between the United States and Mexico," said Bethune.

The codeshare flights will simplify travel between the United States and Mexico by facilitating connections between the two airlines. All codesharing is subject to government approvals.

The airlines will offer interline electronic ticketing enabling travelers to use a single e-ticket for itineraries that include travel on both carriers. Travelers on both airlines will also have a greater selection of flights in addition to a larger selection of destinations and flight schedules. Details on the routes and effective dates will be announced later.

Members of AeroMexico's Club Premier and Continental's OnePass frequent flyer programs will be able to accrue and redeem miles on each other's worldwide networks. In addition, the airlines will offer airport lounge reciprocity.

AeroMexico has also renewed its membership in the SkyTeam alliance for another 10 years, offering its passengers convenient connections with airlines in the United States, Europe and Asia to more than 500 destinations in 114 countries around the world. AeroMexico is a founding member of SkyTeam. Continental is anticipating joining SkyTeam in 2004.

Continental Airlines is the world's seventh-largest airline with more than 2,200 daily departures to 127 domestic and 96 international destinations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, including 23 destinations in Mexico. With 42,000 mainline employees, the airline has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and carries approximately 41 million passengers per year. Fortune ranks Continental one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America, highest among major U.S. carriers in the quality of its service and products, and No. 2 on its list of Most Admired Global Airlines. For more company information, visit continental.com .

AeroMexico serves more than 40 cities in Mexico, more than any other airline and 17 gateway cities in the United States including Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas/Fort Worth; Fort Lauderdale; El Paso; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; Ontario, Calif.; Orlando; Phoenix; Salt Lake City; San Antonio; San Diego; and Tucson -- and five countries in Europe and South America. Founded in 1988, AeroMexico has become the leading carrier in the region by maintaining the highest service levels, which have earned the airline numerous top rankings in the industry. The airline was the first Mexican carrier to introduce a frequent flyer program. Today, AeroMexico's Club Premier program enjoys close to two million members. The airline's corporate headquarters are in Mexico City and its U.S. operations are based in Houston.