News Release
Continental Express Introduces Regional Jet Service to Shreveport
HOUSTON, December 12, 2001 -- Continental Express, the regional air carrier of Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), today announced it will begin daily regional jet service between Shreveport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Thursday, Dec. 13.
Continental Express will upgrade two of its seven, daily non-stop flights between Shreveport and Houston to the fast, quiet, 50-passenger Embraer-145 ExpressJet.
"We are committed to Shreveport and pleased to be introducing the ExpressJet on this important route," said a Continental Express spokesperson. "The ERJ-145 has proven to be incredibly popular with our customers, both for its luxury and speed."
The new Continental Express jet service includes daily departures from Shreveport at 6:10 a.m., arriving at Houston Intercontinental at 7:09 a.m., and at 5:00 p.m., arriving in Houston at 5:59 p.m. Return flights depart Houston at 3:35 p.m., arriving in Shreveport at 4:35 p.m., and at 8:30 p.m., arriving in Shreveport at 9:30 p.m.
"The new ExpressJet flights reflect Continental Express’ growing commitment to the Shreveport and Ark-La-Tex market," said Shreveport Major Keith Hightower. "Local travelers have told us they prefer jets, and Continental Express has made it clear with this new service that they’re listening and responding."
Dr. C.O. Simpkins, chairman of the Shreveport Airport Authority added, "We’re trying hard to make air travel at Shreveport Regional more customer-friendly, and the moves by Continental Express certainly support these efforts. Continental Express’ decision to add regional jets is a vote of confidence in the Shreveport market and a benefit to travelers throughout the region."
Continental Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental Airlines, is a regional air carrier employing more than 5,000 people. Continental Express offers nearly 900 daily departures to more than 100 cities from its Houston, New York/Newark and Cleveland hubs with Embraer and ATR aircraft. Continental Express provides service between the U.S., Canada and Mexico and offers advance seat assignments and OnePass frequent flyer miles, which can be redeemed anywhere in the world Continental and its alliance carriers fly. Continental Express is operated by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc.