Continental Airlines

Over 60 years ago, Walter T. Varney founded Continental airlines along with his partner Louis Mueller. Varney Speed Lines, which was Continentals predecessor, flew its first flight on July 15, 1934. Later in the year Varney gave total control to Mueller. In 1937, the name was changed to Continental Airlines.

In the 1940’s, Continental built the Denver Modification Center. It was here that they made their contribution to the war effort by modifying B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-29 in 1953 they signed a merger agreement with Pioneer Airlines. Continental made their first true jet flight on June 8, 1959.

Continental established a “progressive maintenance program.” This made it possible for them to fly their 707 fleet for 16 hours a day, seven days a week. Continental’s headquarters was moved to Los Angeles in 1963. They also transported U.S. troops to the Orient during the Vietnam War.

In 1968, Continental formed Air Micronesia. Their first flight covered more than 4,000 miles with seven stops from Saipan travelling to Honolulu. In 1969, Continental started their Mainland-Hawaii service. Throughout the 1970’s, Continental greatly expanded their travel route map.

During 1982, Continental merged with Texas International. They could now serve four continents. The next year Continental filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In 1984, they were able to make a $50million dollar profit.

With the consolidation of Frontier, People Express and New York Air, Continental became the third largest US Airline. In 1990 Continental had to file for bankruptcy again. This was in large part a result of the rising fuel costs. In 1992, Air Partners/ Air Canada invested $450 million in Continental, and so they were able to emerge from bankruptcy.

On July 18, 1995, Continental achieved their largest quarterly profit in the history of their company. In December of 1995, Continental's Class B Common Stock had risen from a low of $6.50 per share in early January to a high of $47.50. They ended the year with their largest profit ever.

In May of 1997, Continental became first airline ever to receive back-to-back J.D. Power Awards for Best Airline on Flights of 500 miles or more. The same year they made an all-time record annual profit of $640 million. In 2001, Continental Airlines was named "Airline of the Year" by the aviation industry's leading monthly trade publication, Air Transport World for the second time in give years. At the OAG Airline of the Year Awards 2001, they won more awards than any other Airline.

If you are travelling to a foreign desination then you would be well advised to have a suitable travel insurance policy for yourself and any other travellers in your travel party. One travel insurance policy can be for all your family when you travel.