Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) applauded the decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which will allow the airline to continue to offer free Wi-Fi access through Continental’s own selected carrier in its Presidents Club lounges, including at Boston’s Logan International Airport.
WASHINGTON – Massport, operator of Logan Airport, sought to remove Continental’s Wi-Fi antenna and force the airline to use Massport’s exclusive carrier instead. Continental filed a petition for relief with the FCC in July 2005 stating that the FCC’s regulations preempted the lease restrictions that Massport tried to enforce.
Numerous interested parties including other airlines, trade groups, service providers and over 2,000 of Continental’s customers expressed their support for Continental’s position in the docket at the FCC.
In a resounding victory to the airline and to consumers, the FCC has affirmed its rules pertaining to the installation and use of wireless antennae, which prohibit landlords, such as airports, from restricting this service in areas under the control of the airline.
[GADS_NEWS]As stated by FCC Commissioner Michael Copps in a written statement attached to the Order, „Today’s decision ensures that Wi-Fi bands remain free and open to travelers, who can make productive use of their time while waiting to catch their next flight in an airport.“
Continental has 27 Presidents Club lounges in airports worldwide, and each provides free internet connection to its members and visitors to the lounges.
Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,200 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 151 domestic and 136 international destinations. More than 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 61 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.
In 2006, Continental Airlines won its sixth J.D. Power and Associates award since 1996. The carrier received the highest rank in customer satisfaction among network carriers in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Airline Satisfaction Index Survey(SM). For the third consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 Most Admired Global Airline on its 2006 list of Most Admired Global Companies. Continental was also named the No. 1 airline on the publication’s 2006 America’s Most Admired airline industry list. Additionally, Continental again won major awards at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards including „Best Airline Based in North America“ for the third year in a row, and „Best Executive/Business Class“ for the fourth consecutive year. For more company information, visit continental.com.
SOURCE Continental Airlines
11/01/2006