Continental Airlines (NYSE:  CAL) begins new nonstop service from Honolulu and its Guam hub to Nadi, Fiji on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.

“Nadi is a popular vacation spot that attracts visitors from around the world and fits well with our portfolio of destinations throughout the Pacific,” said Jim Compton, Continental’s executive vice president of marketing. “We’ve scheduled the Fiji flights to conveniently connect with Continental’s flights from the U.S. mainland, Japan and Micronesia.”

Continental serves more destinations in the Pacific than any other U.S. carrier. In addition to the new Fiji service, Continental operates twice-daily flights between Houston and Honolulu, daily flights between New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu and between Honolulu at Guam, and three-times-weekly service between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia.

During the busy holiday travel season, Continental will operate a third daily flight between Houston and Honolulu. Beginning March 7, 2010, Continental will add daily service between Los Angeles and Maui and Orange County and Honolulu, and four-times-weekly service between Orange County and Maui.

The new Fiji service is operated by Continental Micronesia using two-cabin Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 155 seats.

The flights from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 12:40 a.m. two calendar days later after crossing the International Date Line. Return flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing Nadi at 9:50 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25 p.m. the previous day.

The flights from Guam’s A.B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 10:55 p.m. and arriving at Nadi at 8:30 a.m. the next morning. Return flights operate on Wednesdays and Sundays departing Nadi at 1:40 a.m. and arriving in Guam at 5:10 a.m. the same day.

Fiji, located in the heart of the South Pacific, is a group of more than 300 islands and atolls dotted across 200,000 square miles of sea. The islands are known for their picturesque coasts, tall coconut palms and brilliant turquoise lagoons fringed by coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Travelers from around the world visit Fiji for its pristine beauty, varied activities including diving and surfing, and relaxed lifestyle.

Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World’s Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.