Continental likely to look for partners

A loss of $80 million in the first quarter of 2008 and the likely competition from the merger of Delta and Northwest have forced Continental Airlines to reconsider its decision to remain independent, reported MarketWatch.

It has become easier for Continental to consider new deals after Northwest has surrendered its golden share. The golden share could have empowered Northwest to veto any changes in the structure of Continental. Northwest relinquished the share in Continental to join hands with Delta.

MarketWatch quoted Lawrence Kellner, CEO of Continental Airlines, as saying: "As I have consistently said, our preference has been to remain independent as long as the competitive landscape didn't change. However, the landscape is changing. We're reviewing our strategic alternatives, and we'll do what we need to do to continue our success and remain a strong long-term competitor."

Partnership with other airlines may help Continental deal with mounting fuel costs and make use of better-yielding routes.

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