News Release
Continental Express Introduces the New Embraer ERJ-135 Regional Jet Into Fleet
HOUSTON, Texas, September 7, 1999 -- Continental Express, the regional airline subsidiary of Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A), will introduce the new 37-seat Embraer ERJ-135 into its fleet as the North American launch customer effective Sept. 9.
Just like the 50-passenger Embraer ERJ-145, the 37-seat derivative was designed specifically with the business traveler in mind and offers the same amenities including jet-bridge loading, a fully equipped galley, spacious lavatory, leather-covered seats and carry-on luggage storage. The 37-passenger EMB-135 cruises at speeds similar to other large jet aircraft at altitudes up to 37,000 feet, ensuring passengers a fast, smooth ride above the weather. In addition, the new Embraer ExpressJet provides more than 90 percent commonality with the ERJ145, including Rolls-Royce/Allison AE3007 engines, systems, cockpit, wing and same fuselage (11.6 ft shorter).
"This smaller jet will allow us to better match capacity to demand while offering a jet product in our core turboprop markets," said David Siegel, Continental Express President.
Effective Sept. 9, the new ERJ-135 will begin service from Continental’s Cleveland hub to Knoxville, Tenn.; White Plains, N.Y.; Chicago’s Midway and St. Louis, Mo.
The 37-seat Embraer 135 regional jet will inaugurate Continental Express’ new nonstop service between Cleveland and Knoxville. The flight from Knoxville departs at 9:10 a.m. and arrives in Cleveland at 10:40 a.m. The return flight from Cleveland departs at 7:25 p.m. and arrives in Knoxville at 9 p.m.
Continental Express has firm orders for 25 ERJ-135 jets with options for an additional 50 aircraft. To date, Continental Express has received two of the 37-passenger regional jets. Express also has 75 firm orders for the ERJ-145 with options for an additional 125 aircraft. Continental Express has inducted 50 ERJ-145 regional jets into its fleet.
Continental Express serves more than six million customers annually. As a regional air carrier to Continental Airlines, Express offers more than 900 daily departures to more than 90 cities from its hubs in Cleveland, Houston and Newark. Continental Express offers advance seat assignments and OnePass frequent flyer miles which can be redeemed anywhere in the world Continental and its partner airlines fly.