Continental Airlines to launch daily non-stop service between New York and Oslo, Norway

Continental Airlines today announced it will launch daily non-stop Boeing 757 flights between its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Oslo, Norway effective June 17, 2004 (eastbound), subject to government approval.

The new service, the only scheduled non-stop transatlantic service to Oslo, will link the capital of Norway with the world's financial capital. Oslo will become the 19th city, and Norway the 12th country, in Continental's transatlantic route network and the airline's only Scandinavian destination.

"We are looking forward to bringing our award-winning service to Oslo and the Norwegian market," said Jim Summerford, Continental's Vice President - International. "By providing non-stop service to New York and quick and easy connections to destinations throughout the Americas, we will be able to offer convenient travel options to our Norwegian customers, as well as to visitors to Norway."

Nic Nilsen, Managing Director of Oslo Airport, said: "I am delighted that Continental will be flying to Oslo. The New York route is a very important one for us and Continental's plans fit well with our long-term strategy."

Oslo Airport, owned and managed by Oslo Lufthavn AS, is Norway's gateway airport. Opened in 1998, the airport has an annual capacity of 17 million passengers and handles an average of 600 aircraft movements a day. It is linked by direct rail service to downtown Oslo with a journey time of 20 minutes.

Norway's key industries include oil and gas - it is the world's seventh largest oil producer - shipping and maritime industries and seafood. The country's spectacular fjords, exciting range of outdoor activities and diverse cultural attractions make it an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Continental's Liberty-Oslo flights will be operated with a 172-seat Boeing 757 aircraft, carrying 16 passengers in the BusinessFirst cabin and 156 in Economy. 

Flight CO38 will depart Liberty daily at 8:00 p.m., arriving at Oslo at 9:45 a.m. the next day. The return flight, CO39, will depart Oslo daily at 11:15 a.m., arriving at Liberty at 1:50 p.m. the same day. Flying time will be approximately seven hours 45 minutes eastbound and eight hours 35 minutes westbound.