11 November 2008

Continental outlines introduction of lie-flat seats

Continental Airlines will start rolling out its new business class lie-flat seat on flights from the UK in summer 2009.

The airline, which now operates three daily flights from London Heathrow to New York and two to Houston, said the installation will start in its Boeing 777 aircraft, which fly on the transatlantic routes.

The roll out will then move to its 757 aircraft, used from regional airports, then to its 767-400s, and will be fitted on its 787s, due to be delivered in 2010.

All of its fleet will have the new seat by the end of 2012 or early 2013, said senior director UK and Ireland Bob Schumacher at World Travel Market.

Meanwhile, the airline awaits approval from competition authorities in the US and Europe over its planned joint venture with United Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada.

Industry observers expect that the approval will be given shortly, but the recent change of US Government could delay the process.

Until the airlines get Anti Trust Immunity, they cannot begin discussing the details of any deal.

Schumacher said the switch from the Skyteam to the Star Alliance was on track for completion in autumn 2009.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis will be the first time an airline has gone from one alliance to another,Ã¢â¬~ he said. Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe want to make sure that every care is taken to make the transition as smooth as possible for our customers.Ã¢â¬~

He said Continental Airlines remains dedicated to working with the UK travel trade.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe are the only US airline with a stand here at WTM, which demonstrates our commitment to the travel trade,Ã¢â¬~ he said. Ã¢â¬ÅâœAround 70-75% of our business is done through the trade.Ã¢â¬~

By Bev Fearis