US Continental Airlines to launch nonstop service to Beijing

Continental Airlines announced Monday that it would soon launch its new nonstop flight to Beijing from its New York hub at Newark airport.

Continental Airlines spokesman said that it would begin daily nonstop service from New York/Newark Liberty Airport to Beijing, China starting on June 15, 2005. The 13-hour flight would depart New York at noon, arriving in Beijing at 1:50 p.m. the next day. The return flight would leave Beijing at 3.50 p.m., arriving in New York at 5:15 p.m. the next day.

Continental was the only US carrier offering daily nonstop service from New York to Beijing. Earlier, Continental launched a nonstop flight from New York to Hong Kong. It was in talks with US Department of Transportation to start a nonstop flight from New York to Shanghai starting in 2007.

"The Beijing route holds exceptional long-term promise since it connects the world's fastest growing economy with the financial center of the US," said Continental Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.

Continental Airline was the world's sixth-largest airline. Based in Houston, Texas and with 41,000 employees, Continental had more than 3,000 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 150 domestic and 130 international destinations.