Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) has been ranked the No. 1 innovative user of information technology among all airlines, according to the recently released InformationWeek 500 list. The airline ranked No. 25 out of 500 companies on the 12th annual list, coming in first among all carriers.

InformationWeek editors judge companies by their demonstration and pattern of technological, procedural and organizational innovation. Continental was praised for its “holistic view of customers.”

“Our goal is: if you don’t want to talk to anyone, you don’t have to,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Janet Wejman in the article. “But if you need customer service, we have the people and the technology to care for our customer’s needs.”

The article, which appeared in the September 11 issue of CMP’s InformationWeek, praised Continental for its E-Ticketing capabilities and Customer First initiatives.

“Thanks to the leadership of Janet Wejman and the hard work of her team, Continental is leading the pack in its use of Information Technology,” said Continental Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Larry Kellner. “Our IT initiatives assure our customers only the best in convenience and efficiency.” InformationWeek helps the people who buy, build and manage technology drive business innovation powered by technology.

Continental Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., offering more than 2,300 departures daily to 138 domestic and 96 international destinations. Operating major hubs in Newark, Houston and Cleveland, Continental (www.continental.com) serves more international cities than any other U.S. carrier, including extensive service throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

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