CO Pushing 777 Internationally

<B> CO Pushing 777 Internationally</B>

By David Jonas

Continental Airlines last month took delivery of its fourteenth Boeing 777 long-haul jet, and immediately deployed it on its premier transoceanic routes, further symbolizing the carrier's successful international expansion. Meanwhile, the 777s have gained popularity and customers, and is fast becoming a benchmark for long-haul flight operations.

Continental's newest 777, is the fourteenth of a total of 50 widebody aircraft the carrier has ordered from Boeing. In fact, Continental in 1999 will be Boeing's largest customer for the second year in a row.

"We can put more seats in the market with this airplane," said chairman and CEO Gordon Bethune, adding that the 777 will "segment the Pacific" and bring nonstop service to smaller Asian-U.S. markets.

The passenger-friendly 777, which has fared extremely well in Boeing's surveys of travelers who have flown comparable Airbus aircraft, also is playing a pivotal role in CO's rapid expansion into Latin America. The carrier already serves 39 cities in 20 countries and is seeking authority to fly to Buenos Aires.

The Continental march southward directly has affected American Airlines' business. Indeed, AA chief Don Carty noted that the carrier's business has "flattened out" in the region (<I>BTN</I>, Nov. 15).

Many other domestic and international carriers have taken delivery of 777s to enhance long-haul service and address the high praise garnered from travelers. In fact, Boeing reported 28 customers had placed a total of 430 orders for the widebody aircraft through the end of October, and that the 777 family "has captured 61 percent of the market for airplanes in its class."

United is the industry leader with 38 777s in the skies and another 23 in the pipeline. American operates 11, with 26 more on order. Delta, meanwhile, came late to the game due to a conflict with its pilots over 777 pay rates. Since the dispute was resolved in September, Delta has put two of the planes into service and ordered 11 more. Overseas, All Nippon Airways, British Airways and Singapore are the heaviest users of the 777.

Northwest, one of the few U.S. carriers with a major international presence and without any 777s, said the aircraft doesn't fit its system. Instead, the carrier uses DC-10s and 747s. US Airways, meanwhile, opted for Airbus A330s for its transatlantic operations.