CONTINENTAL EXPRESS ANNOUNCES NEW DAILY, NONSTOP SERVICE BETWEEN HOUSTON AND ZACATECAS, MEXICO

Continental Express, the regional air carrier for Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), announced today that it will initiate daily, nonstop flights between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the Zacatecas International Airport in Zacatecas, Mexico, on May 2, 2001, pending government approval.

The new Houston-Zacatecas flights will feature Spanish-speaking flight attendants, as do all Continental flights to Mexican and Latin American destinations. Bilingual customer service representatives will be available to assist passengers at ticket counters and departure/arrival gates.

"By offering the only nonstop flights between Houston and Zacatecas, Continental Express is providing business travelers and tourists with quick, convenient U.S.-Mexico service options," said Jim Ream, president of Continental Express.

The addition of Zacatecas, capital of the north-central state of the same name, will bring to 20 the number of Mexican destinations served by Continental and Continental Express. With nearly 300 departures a week to Mexico, Continental already serves more Mexican business and leisure destinations than any other U.S. air carrier.

Continental Express will operate the 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, known as the ExpressJet, on the daily, nonstop flight. The flight will depart Houston Intercontinental Airport at 8:30 p.m., arriving in Zacatecas at 10:24 p.m. The return flight will leave Zacatecas at 7:40 a.m., arriving in Houston at 9:24 a.m. The Embraer ERJ-145 offers amenities such as jet-bridge loading, a fully equipped galley, spacious lavatory, leather-covered seats and carry-on luggage storage. Zacatecas was founded by Spanish explorers in 1548, two years after silver was discovered in the area. Still a mining center, the city also is a commercial and manufacturing center for area agricultural production and is known for its cathedral and nearby Indian ruins. Zacatecas is situated on the major highway and railroad linking Ciudad Juarez on the U.S.-Mexico border and Mexico City.