 Home > About Continental > History > 1978 to 1990
1978
Deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 began more than a decade of turbulence for Continental.
October 31, 1982
The airline merged with Texas International led by Frank Lorenzo (retaining the Continental name), offering service to four continents (North and South America, Asia and Australia) with a fleet of 112 aircraft.
September 23,1983
Continental filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Rebuilding the company began immediately and by the end of 1984, Continental recorded a $50 million profit.
April 28, 1985
Inaugurated first nonstop service to Europe with flights from Newark and Houston to London. Later Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid and Munich would be added.
June 30, 1986 Continental emerged from Chapter 11.
February 1, 1987
Became third largest U.S. airline with the consolidation of Frontier, People Express and New York Air.
June 1987
The OnePass Frequent Flyer Program was created.
October 4, 1988
Formed first global alliance with Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS).
Summer of 1990
Beginning a complete disassociation from Continental, Frank Lorenzo sold most of his direct and indirect investments in the airline.
December 3, 1990
Rising fuel costs due to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait led to Continental’s second bankruptcy filing.
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