News Release
Continental Airlines Sponsors NYC 2000 Millennium Celebration
Commissions Peter Max to paint a commemorative airplane;
Teams up with American Express to support New York City schools
NEW YORK CITY, October 4, 1999 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) announced today its corporate sponsorship of NYC 2000, saying it will commemorate New York City’s millennium celebration by specially painting a new jumbo jet in honor of the city. Peter Max is the world-renowned artist whose design will grace the plane. NYC 2000, the official millennium committee for New York City, was established through an Executive Order By Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani to ensure that the city’s millennium celebrations showcase New York as the capital of the world.
From hundreds of museum shows to the walls of millions of American homes, Peter Max’s art is a fundamental part of American pop culture. He has been the Official Artist for dozens of events: music awards, the Super Bowl, World Cup Soccer and the New York City Marathon. He has painted for the past five presidents and created art to grace millions of products. Now, through a commission from Continental, Max’s art has a brand new canvas. The artist for the millennium will create a multicolored masterpiece to streak through the sky from New York to the World. "Thanks to Continental and New York City, my colors will now fly worldwide into the new millennium," said Max. This commemorative Boeing 777 in Peter Max color from nose to tail, will also feature the NYC 2000 Millennium logo emblazoned on the side.
The aircraft will make its official debut on Nov. 15 when it rolls off the assembly line at the Boeing plant in Seattle and flies directly to the New York City area.
"As New York’s hometown airline, we thought it would be a fitting and appropriate symbol to have an airplane that takes the excitement of the Big Apple all around the world," said Continental’s Chairman and CEO Gordon Bethune, speaking at a press conference with Mayor Rudy Giuliani at City Hall. "This airplane is an international tribute to a city that is a crossroads to the world and an important hub for Continental."
Additionally, Continental Airlines and American Express announced today that they have jointly committed $1 million to improve New York City public schools. (REFERENCE SEPARATE NEWS RELEASE) "The new millennium is more than a unique opportunity for celebration; it is a chance to redouble our efforts to better prepare our children to face the challenges of the next century," said Mayor Giuliani. "This public/private partnership with Continental Airlines and American Express will go a long way in educating our children and ensuring that they are ready to face those challenges."
Continental is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., offering more than 2,200 departures daily to 130 domestic and 85 international destinations. Operating major hubs in Houston, Newark and Cleveland, Continental (http://www.continental.com) has extensive service throughout the Americas, and to Europe and Asia. Continental recently initiated a strategic global alliance with Northwest Airlines. Continental is in the top half of Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work for in America," and has won first or second place FrequentFlyer magazine and J.D. Power awards for four consecutive years. Continental has received numerous awards for its BusinessFirst premium cabin (Condé Nast Traveler, OAG Official Airline Guides, Entrepreneur and Smart Money magazines), OnePass frequent flyer program (InsideFlyer’s Freddie Awards) and overall operations and management (Air Transport World’s 1997 Airline of the Year).