Continental order more 777's and 737's

Continental announced this morning that it is adding 27 jets to an existing order with Boeing, saying it would purchase eight additional 777 and 19 new Next-Generation 737 (737NG) aircraft. In a press release, Continental says the aircraft orders give it “the flexibility to replace less efficient airplanes and to pursue growth opportunities. This new order brings Continental’s total firm commitments to 111 new Boeing aircraft (25 Boeing 787s, eight Boeing 777s and 78 Boeing 737s) for delivery over the next six years.” Continental says it has already taken delivery of five 737NG aircraft this year and with plans for 27 additional 737NG deliveries by the end of 2008.

Continental says it “will use the eight additional (777) aircraft announced today for long-haul international routes, such as the Newark Liberty-Shanghai route that is scheduled to start in 2009. The need for international widebodies is also driven by Continental’s commencement of service to London Heathrow next month, which represents the company’s largest-ever expansion into a single airport in one day.” The airline will begin Heathrow service with two daily flights from both Newark Liberty and Houston Bush Intercontinental. As for the new 737s, Continental says they will provide “the flexibility to continue to grow while replacing less efficient 737 Classic aircraft, such as the company’s 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft