Airlines (NYSE: CAI.B and CAI.A) today earned a top spot in the national Airline Quality Rating, an annual study conducted by the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute. Continental ranked second in the study, up from third last year and fifth place in 1997.

The Airline Quality Rating study compares 10 major U.S. airlines` service quality, based on factors such as baggage handling, on-time arrivals, denied boardings and customer service.

“Our employees are working hard to deliver high-quality service,” said Continental Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gordon Bethune. “This study is further testimony that we`re doing a good job.”

The AQR study ranking was 1) US Airways, 2) Continental Airlines, 3) American, 4) Delta, 5) Southwest, 6) America West, 7) TWA, 8) Alaska, 9) Northwest and 10) United.

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