United, Continental to offer service to Mexico

CHICAGO -- United Continental Holdings Inc. said Continental Airlines and United Airlines will boost flights between the United States and Mexico where the carriers provide the leading network among U.S. airlines.

The service changes are consistent with the airlines’ previously announced capacity guidance.

“The new flights complement our industry-leading service to Mexico, Jim Compton, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of United Continental Holdings, said in a statement. “With our expanded global network, we are focusing on linking together our key markets to improve travel options for our customers.

Continental Airlines will launch daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Leon/Guanajuato, Mexico (BJX), subject to Mexican government approval, beginning Nov. 1. The daily service operate with a Boeing 737-500 aircraft, with seating for eight customers in first class and 106 in economy.

In addition, Continental filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to begin once-weekly nonstop service to Cancun, Mexico, from three new cities: Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. These Saturday services, which are subject to government approval, would begin Feb. 19, 2011.

In addition, United Airlines applied for authority to place its UA code on Continental-operated flights between these cities, further enhancing service options for customers traveling to Cancun.

Continental plans to operate the service with Boeing 737-700 aircraft, with seating for 12 in first class and 112 in economy.

Additionally, United is boosting service into Mexico City from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. United will launch a second daily flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City beginning Oct. 15, and a third daily beginning Jan. 4, 2011.

From Chicago, United’s current Saturday-only service to Mexico City will become twice-daily beginning Nov. 4.