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U.S. Continental Airlines Inaugurates Nonstop New York-Shanghai Service

26-Mar-2009

U.S. Continental Airlines Inaugurates Nonstop New York-Shanghai Service

U.S. Continental Airlines on Wednesday became the first U.S. carrier to inaugurate scheduled service between New York and Shanghai, China, with daily nonstop flights from the airline's hub at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The new service will provide daily nonstop flights in the largest U.S.-China market that today lacks daily service, linking the world's financial center and top business and tourism destination with China's center for finance and trade, according to a press release obtained by Xinhua.

Chinese Consul General in New York Peng Keyu delivers a speech during an inauguration ceremony at Newark Liberty Internaitonal Airport in New Jersey, the United States, March 25, 2009

"China is a valued international market for Continental, and we expect great success from this new nonstop route to Shanghai," said Continental President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Smisekat a ceremony specially held for the maiden flight on Wednesday.

"China remains an important business destination, with economic growth projected to continue this year despite the weakened global economy," he said. "We are proud to bring our outstanding product to Shanghai by launching this service as previously announced, even as other airlines are canceling or delaying similar routes."

With the success of the Beijing Olympics showcasing modern China to the world, and the upcoming Expo in Shanghai in 2010, Continental expects to see increased demand for service between the United States and China over time, according to the press release.

Continental Airlines President and Chief Operating Offier Jeff Smisek (3rd L front) and Chinese Consul General in New York Peng Keyu (2nd L front) cut the ribbon during an inauguration ceremony at Newark Liberty Internaitonal Airport in New Jersey, the United States, March 25, 2009

Addressing a cheerful crowd at the ceremony, Chinese Consul General in New York Peng Keyu expressed the hope that this new flight will help boost bilateral trade, tourism and even cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Continental has operated nonstop service between New York and Hong Kong since 2001 and between New York and Beijing since 2005.With the new service to Shanghai, Continental will be the only airline in the world providing daily nonstop service between New York and three Chinese cities.

Continental will operate the nonstop flight daily with a Boeing777-200 aircraft. Flight 87 will depart Liberty at 11:20 a.m., arriving in Shanghai mid-afternoon the following day at 1:45 p.m. The return flight 86 will depart Shanghai in the afternoon at 3:45p.m. and arrive at Liberty in the evening of the same day at 6:20 p.m. Flying times are approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes in each direction. The flight is timed to provide convenient round-trip connections at Continental's New York hub to more than 60 other cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Continental also offers tour packages to China through Continental Airlines Vacations.

Xinhua News

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