CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ORDERS 10 MORE BOEING 787s AND 24 MORE BOEING 737s
Airline gains flexibility to replace less efficient aircraft and continue successful growth
HOUSTON, June 6, 2006 – Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it has ordered 10 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, bringing to 20 the total number of 787s the company has ordered from The Boeing Company and making Continental the largest U.S. customer for Boeing’s newest widebody aircraft.
In addition, the company will acquire 24 more Boeing Next-Generation 737 (737NG) aircraft, bringing the total number of Boeing 737NGs in its fleet to 213 when these aircraft, and pre-existing firm order 737NG aircraft, are delivered.
“These aircraft will give us the ability to seize long-haul market opportunities, remove less efficient aircraft from our fleet and maintain our role as a global network leader,” said Larry Kellner, Continental’s chairman and CEO. “We continue to target 5 to 7 percent annual growth in capacity. Our fleet plan remains flexible, permitting us to respond appropriately to market conditions.”
Working together with its valued business partners at Boeing, Continental has been acquiring modern, fuel-efficient aircraft over the past decade, giving the airline a natural fuel hedge and an advantage over its competitors. Since 1998, the company has improved fuel efficiency by nearly 25 percent per available seat mile as a result of several factors including fleet modernization, implementation of fuel-saving technology like winglets, and improved operating procedures.
787s Optimal for International Growth
The Boeing 787 is the optimal aircraft to support Continental’s strategy for continued international growth. With expanded range capabilities, unmatched fuel efficiency and superior operating economics, the 787s will allow the company to replace less efficient widebody aircraft, such as the company’s 767-200 aircraft, and target additional long-haul markets. The 787s will also give Continental the ability to offer more capacity on international routes that need larger aircraft to support traffic growth.
737NGs Provide Fleet Flexibility
One of the world’s most popular and reliable aircraft the Boeing 737NGs feature advanced technology for greater operational efficiencies. The 24 additional 737NGs, along with other 737NG aircraft already on order, will give Continental the flexibility to continue to grow while replacing older, less efficient 737 classic aircraft, such as the company’s 737-300 aircraft. Continental has arranged backstop financing for the additional 737NG aircraft.
Delivery Schedule
This new order will bring Continental’s firm commitments for new aircraft to 88 (20 Boeing 787s, two Boeing 777s and 66 Boeing 737s). The first of the 20 Boeing 787 aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2009, and the first additional 737NG will be scheduled for delivery in 2008.
Well-Managed Fleet Plan
Since announcing its fleet modernization program a decade ago, Continental has reduced the number of airplane types in its fleet from nine to three and reached its goal of operating one of the most efficient fleets among U.S. airlines. More than 70 percent of its fleet consists of common-rated Boeing 737 series aircraft, which allow for greater efficiencies in pilot training, enhanced crew flexibility, increased savings from simplified maintenance and reduced spare parts inventory costs.