In support of Continental Airlines' proposal for a new Shanghai nonstop to New York route, the Chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines, Larry Kellner, is making the rounds in China to seek support for the company's travel proposal.

"We know there is substantial demand for the Shanghai-New York service, which will offer competitive benefits to customers both in China and U.S." said Larry Kellner. "The new Shanghai flight would give travelers another convenient option for reaching the U.S. from China on Continental in addition to Continental's current nonstop flights from Beijing and Hong Kong to Newark Liberty. As the largest carrier in New York area, passengers can also access to over 150 destinations throughout the Americas."

If awarded the new route, Continental plans to operate the flight daily with a Boeing 777 aircraft with 283 seats. The flight would depart Shanghai in the late afternoon at 4:05 p.m. and arrive at Newark Liberty in the evening of the same day at 6:30 p.m. The return flight would depart Newark Liberty at 11:50 am, and arrive in Shanghai mid-afternoon the following day at 2:05 p.m. These flights would offer connecting service between Shanghai and over 75 cities served through Continental's Newark Liberty hub.

"Based on our successful Beijing – New York service for the last 15 months, and strong business and leisure market demand in Shanghai - New York market, we are confident that Continental Airlines will be awarded the Shanghai – New York route to start in March 2007. We are very excited to provide more customers in China with our award-winning services in this new route" Kellner said.