CONTINENTAL EXPRESS ANNOUNCES NON-STOP FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK CITY

Lexington, KY – Continental Express, the regional air carrier for Continental Airlines has announced new non-stop jet service between Lexington 's Blue Grass Airport and New York/Newark (EWR) beginning June 14, 2002.

Continental Express will operate the new service using the popular ERJ-135 regional jet aircraft. The new flight will be the only non-stop service between Lexington and Continental's hub in New York.

"We have committed to delivering non stop New York service in order to fulfill the needs of the Central Kentucky business community," said Continental Express President Jim Ream. "With the addition of this new service to our major Northeast hub at Newark International, Lexington will be connected to New York via non stop flights for the first time in decades."

The daily flights will depart Lexington at 6:45 a.m. and arrive at NewYork/Newark at 8:45 a.m. The return flight will depart Newark at 7:00 a.m. , arriving in Lexington at 9:10 a.m. Travelers can also take advantage of one stop service via Continental's service through Cleveland . From the New York hub Continental offers hundreds of flights worldwide.

"Non-stop access to New York City remains a dream of many cities coast to coast. We are delighted to announce that non-stop jet service from Lexington to New York is now a reality," said Michael Gobb, Executive Director for Blue Grass Airport.

"We applaud the significant investment of resources Continental Express has made in Central Kentucky," said Jon Zachem, Chair, Lexington Fayette Urban County Airport Board. "This is the second new non stop destination Continental Express has launched in Lexington since September 11. The airline has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the region by providing more flights and new destinations."

With Continental Express' latest flight addition the airline will offer five daily all-jet departures from Lexington to Cleveland , Houston and New York.