News from February 2010

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES SHOWCASES NEW FLAT BED SEAT

Published: 23 February 2010

New BusinessFirst seat display to visit the city for the first time

Continental Airlines unveiled its new BusinessFirst flat bed seat to travel agents, corporate travel buyers and other stakeholders at an event in Belfast.

The event was the first time the seat display has visited Belfast, a city that Continental serves with direct flights from Belfast airport to its New York hub, Newark Liberty International.

Bob Schumacher, Continental Airlines Senior Director - U.K. & Ireland, commented: "The roadshow will give our travel agency partners and many of our corporate clients in Belfast their first opportunity to see the new seat and learn more about its features. It's a highly significant product development so we're delighted to be able to bring it to Belfast and show how it will take our award-winning BusinessFirst service to an even higher level."

The flat bed seat made its operational debut in November 2009 and is currently being installed on Continental's Boeing 777 and 757-200 fleets, the latter of which serves Belfast International Airport. Installation on 767-400ER and 767-200ER aircraft will begin in 2011. 

"The current 757 installation schedule indicates that nearly 80 percent of the fleet will have the new seat installed by year end, so Belfast will start seeing the new seat regularly from the autumn," said Schumacher.   

The new seat, reclining 180 degrees and providing 6 feet 6 inches/1.98 metres of sleeping space in the fully extended position on the 777 (6 feet 4 inches/1.93 metres on the 757-200), is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 27 inches/68.5 cm when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion on the 777 (25 inches/63.5 cm on the 757-200). Electronic controls enable customers to easily move the seats to the custom position most comfortable for them.  The seats provide more individual storage space for personal items.  Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer's shoulder.  iPod connectivity allows each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music, all while their iPod is charging.  The new seats feature 15.4-inch/39-cm video monitors for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games, and have a privacy shell that allows for seclusion from other travellers.