Continental Unveils Details of Flight Capacity Cuts

Continental Airlines has released details of the reductions in flight schedules that were announced last week.

Starting in September, at the conclusion of the peak summer season, Continental will reduce capacity from its hubs, resulting in an 11 percent decline of domestic mainline capacity (available seat miles, or ASMs) in the fourth quarter, compared to the same period last year.

The changes will result in a 6.4 percent decline in consolidated (mainline plus regional) capacity in the fourth quarter, compared to the same period last year. As of Sept. 3, Continental will be reducing frequencies in certain markets and will also discontinue service between its hubs shown below and the following cities or airports.

The specific number of involuntary furloughs will not be determined until August, after the company knows how many co-workers elect to take advantage of voluntary programs.

The company will work with furloughed/terminated co-workers to provide information on benefits and other employment opportunities available to them. In the case where suppliers and vendors are affected by capacity reductions, Continental will work with them to determine if there are other job opportunities for their affected employees.

Continental customers who are currently booked on flights previously scheduled to operate on or after September 3 that are affected by the capacity reductions will be contacted by Continental to make alternate arrangements.