Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) today announced an order for 15 new 757-300 aircraft from The Boeing Company as part of the airline`s ongoing fleet modernization and growth program. The first delivery is expected in late 2001. Deliveries will continue through 2003.

Continental anticipates using the aircraft principally in domestic service, with 24 seats in first class and 186 seats in coach. The 757-300 is a stretched version of the 757-200. The extra length allows it to carry 27 more coach passengers than the 757-200 and increases the available cargo volume by nearly 40 percent. Additionally, the 757`s commonality with the 767 gives the airline added flexibility in aircraft scheduling.

“As we reduce our fleet to just three types of aircraft, this new 757 model will help us efficiently serve a set of routes that demand additional capacity,” said Gordon Bethune, Continental chairman and CEO.

The new aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 engines, which have demonstrated a high degree of reliability. This order will take Continental`s 757 fleet to 56 aircraft, including the 41 757-200s that Continental has acquired since 1994. Currently Continental operates a total fleet of 367 jets. In addition to the order announced today, Continental has 78 scheduled deliveries and 99 options for new Boeing aircraft.

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