News Release
Continental Airlines Begins Daily Non-Stop Service Between Houston and San Juan, Puerto Rico
HOUSTON, December 15, 1998 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAI.B and CAI.A) today began daily, non-stop service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Continental will operate Boeing's Next Generation 737-700 aircraft on the new Houston-San Juan route. The flight complements Continental's existing four flights a day between Newark and San Juan. On Dec. 19, Continental will begin direct, non-stop Saturday service between its Cleveland hub and SanJuan.
The daily flight leaves Houston at 1:12 p.m., arriving in San Juan at 7:19 p.m. The return flight leaves San Juan at 1:40 p.m., and arrives in Houston at 4:30 p.m.
"Continental's expansion of travel options to Puerto Rico signals the market's importance as a tourist, business and cultural destination," said Barry Simon, senior vice president -- International, for Continental Airlines. "Puerto Rico is known not only for its beaches and palms, but also as an important business center for the pharmaceutical, electronics and petrochemical industries. In addition, Puerto Rico's residents share important cultural ties with many residents of the continental United States."
Continental now operates daily flights from Houston to a total of 28 Latin American and Caribbean destinations.
"Latin-friendly service has become a hallmark of Continental Airlines," Simon added. "Our Spanish-speaking travelers appreciate -- and have come to expect -- our bilingual signage and Spanish-speaking ticket agents in the airport, as well as our bilingual flight attendants and meals with a 'Latin' flavor." With service to 20 countries and 36 cities in Latin America and the Caribbean from its Newark and/or Houston hubs, Continental is the second- largest airline to Latin America, both in number of destinations and passengers served.