Continental Airlines has submitted its application to the United States Department of Transportation to provide the first nonstop U.S. carrier service between Newark and Shanghai.

As part of the plan, Continental will also provide through flight service between Cleveland and Shanghai. Continental seeks the route award as part of a new landmark aviation agreement officially signed July 9, 2007, which provides extensive additional air service opportunities between the U.S. and China over the next six years.

"Continental again congratulates the DOT on securing the multiple rights for additional competitive U.S. airline service to China which Continental intends to utilize in 2009, by offering daily nonstop service in the most significant U.S.-China market that lacks daily nonstop U.S. carrier service," said Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.

The proposed route from Continental's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport will provide additional customer choices for air service to Shanghai from the New York/New Jersey region and the entire northeastern region of the U.S.