Japanese business executives say Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) is the best foreign-flag carrier to fly to North America, according to a recent survey published by Nikkei Business Magazine.

In the Dec. 6th issue of Nikkei Business, Continental Airlines was the top-rated foreign airline to North America among the World’s Best Airlines.

In addition, Continental, a new entrant in the transpacific market, topped Japan Airlines for the best main cabin service, placing second overall.

“This survey reflects the hard work and dedication of all our employees who in one year’s time have put Continental on the map in Tokyo,” said Barry Simon, senior vice president - International for Continental Airlines. “We’ve always had a winning product, and we’re happy that people in Japan have recognized that during our first year in the transpacific market.” Nikkei Business Magazine canvassed more than 3,200 Japanese executives and frequent travelers and asked them to rate the airlines on their flights from Japan to North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia, as well as domestic flights within Japan.

This was the first time U.S.-based Continental Airlines (Houston, Texas USA), which has received numerous customer service accolades and international awards, has appeared on Nikkei’s perennial ranking of the world’s best airlines.

Continental, which sought transpacific service between the U.S. and Japan for nearly 20 years, launched daily non-stop service between New York and Tokyo on Nov. 30, 1998, and between Houston and Tokyo, Jan. 31, 1999 with 283-seat Boeing 777 aircraft. Both markets have been profitable from the beginning.
Continental’s Micronesia subsidiary has served the region for more than 30 years with flights to eight cities in Japan - more than any other U.S. carrier. Continental serves Tokyo, Nagoyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo, Niigata, and Okayama. From Guam and Saipan, Continental’s Micronesia subsidiary operates flights to Taiwan, The Republic of China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Caledonia, Hawaii, and the islands throughout Micronesia.

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