Continental Airlines to launch daily non-stop flights between New York and Belfast

Continental Airlines is to launch daily non-stop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Belfast International Airport effective May 26, 2005.

The new service is the first non-stop scheduled service ever to operate from the U.S. to Northern Ireland.

“We are very excited about being the first airline to offer scheduled non-stop service to Belfast from the U.S.,” said Jim Summerford, Continental’s Vice President – Europe and the Middle East. “This is further evidence that Continental’s unique strengths – particularly our New York hub and award-winning service – give our customers better options for their trans-Atlantic travels.” 

Welcoming the announcement, Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Minster, Barry Gardiner MP, said: “This is terrific news for businesses in Northern Ireland. It will give them a real competitive edge and a boost for our tourism industry. Our congratulations go to both Continental Airlines and Belfast International Airport for this new venture. I am delighted that our Air Route Development fund was able to assist this important step in Northern Ireland’s continuing economic development.”

The North American market accounts for 22 percent of total Northern Ireland manufactured exports. In 2002 there were 160 U.S. owned firms operating in Northern Ireland, employing some 22,000 people. Overseas visitors to Northern Ireland have been increasing steadily in recent years, with 78,000 U.S. visitors recorded in 2003.

Continental's New York/Newark-Belfast flights will be operated with a 172-seat Boeing 757 aircraft, carrying 16 passengers in the BusinessFirst cabin and 156 in Economy.

Flight CO94 will depart New York/Newark daily at 7:55 p.m., arriving at Belfast at 7:30 a.m. the next day. Flight CO95 will depart Belfast daily at 9:00 a.m., arriving at New York/Newark at 11:25 a.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately six hours 35 minutes eastbound and seven hours 25 minutes westbound. During the winter months, when demand traditionally declines, Continental will operate four flights per week on the route, reverting to a daily service in Spring 2006.

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