News Release
Continental Airlines Receives Final D.OT. Approval for Non-Stop Cleveland-London Service
CLEVELAND, October 20, 1998 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAI.B and CAI.A) today announced it has received final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin daily non-stop service between Cleveland and London Gatwick. Service is scheduled to begin Feb. 19, 1999, pending the award of commercially viable slots.
Continental said unless it receives the commercially viable slots to fly to Gatwick by Nov. 1, it will have to postpone the start of service.
"We're excited about starting the first non-stop transatlantic flight from Cleveland," said Continental Airlines' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gordon Bethune. "We're grateful to all those who advocated this new service. It would not have been possible without the support and determination of Senator Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Mayor Michael White, the City Council, the Cleveland Growth Association and the Ohio Congressional delegation.
Continental will operate a 172-passenger B-757 aircraft, featuring its award-winning BusinessFirst service with extra-wide electronic sleeper-seats, new adjustable winged headrest and gourmet menu selections.
Flight time from Cleveland to London will be 7 hours and 40 minutes.