Continental Airlines today announced that it has received tentative approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to initiate service to Beijing in the People's Republic of China from its hub at New York/Newark Liberty International Airport.

A date for the daily nonstop flight to Beijing will be announced once final approval is granted.  Continental will be the only U.S. flag carrier linking the People's Republic of China with New York, one of the largest origin-and-destination points in the United States for China travel.  The flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-200ER with 283-seats, 48 in BusinessFirst and 235 in coach.

We commend the Department of Transportation for opening the door to new competition between the U.S. and China, said Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines.  Business travelers will appreciate how easy and convenient it is to use Continental to access Beijing's thriving network of high-tech industries and manufacturing plants.

Kellner thanked his coworkers, elected officials and thousands of concerned citizens and corporations for their support in securing service to Beijing.  Nearly 13,000 Continental employees sent letters to the Department of Transportation, Congress and state and local officials urging approval.

In March 2001, Continental launched daily nonstop service from New York/Newark to Hong Kong.