Continental Airlines has been rated the most admired U.S. airline on FORTUNE magazine’s America’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. Continental ranked No. 1 in several key categories on the list, including quality of products and services, quality of management, innovation, and social responsibility.

“We are honored to have been named America’s most admired airline,” said Larry Kellner, Continental’s chairman and CEO. “It is a direct reflection on my 42,000 co-workers, who are truly the reason for Continental’s success. Despite the challenges facing the industry, our employees continue to deliver a world-class product with outstanding service, day in and day out.”

The rankings are determined in a survey of industry analysts, boards of directors, and corporate and airline executives. They survey eight areas, including quality of products and services, quality of management, innovation, social responsibility, financial soundness, employee talent, use of corporate assets, and long-term investment value.

Southwest Airlines was ranked second on the list, followed by AMR, Alaska Air Group, ExpressJet Holdings, America West Holdings, Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, UAL and US Airways Group.
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