Spirit's third quarter 2009 revenues increased to $1.054 billion, up 3 percent from the same period last year. Operating income increased 18 percent to $131 million, up from $111 million in the same period a year ago, as revenues increased, operating efficiencies improved, and period expense declined. Net income was $87 million, or $0.62 per fully diluted share, up 18 percent from $74 million, or $0.53 per fully diluted share, in the same period of 2008. (Table 1)

Table 1. Summary Financial Results (Unaudited)

    <<
    ($ in Millions,     3rd Quarter                Nine Months
     except per share   -----------                -----------
     data)              2009    2008    Change     2009    2008    Change
    -----------------   ----    ----    ------     ----    ----    ------
    >>

    <<
    Revenues          $1,054  $1,027       3%    $3,001  $3,126      (4%)
    Operating Income    $131    $111      18%      $218    $378     (42%)
    Operating Income
     as a % of
     Revenues           12.4%   10.8%  160 BPS      7.3%   12.1%  (480) BPS
    Net Income           $87     $74      18%      $142    $246     (42%)
    Net Income as a
     % of Revenues       8.3%    7.2%  110 BPS      4.7%    7.9%  (320) BPS
    Earnings per
     Share (Fully
     Diluted)          $0.62   $0.53      17%     $1.01   $1.76     (43%)
    Fully Diluted
     Weighted Avg
     Share Count
     (Millions)        140.2   139.1              140.0   139.2

    >>

"We executed well across the company as we delivered solid operating performance in the third quarter," said President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Turner. "Our results reflect improving performance as revenues and profitability increased and we recovered from the disrupted operations in the previous three quarters caused by the Machinists' strike at Boeing and the new ERP system implementation in the first half of 2009," Turner stated. "We continue to support the 787 program and are preparing for production restart and ramp-up. In addition, we continue to make good progress on other development programs as we work to grow and diversify our company," Turner added.

"While we have seen some stabilization in the global economic outlook, we remain cautious regarding the outlook of the commercial aerospace market. Our backlog remains strong and our strategy is on track to achieve long-term value creation for our customers, shareholders, and employees," Turner concluded.

Spirit's backlog at the end of the third quarter of 2009 was $28.2 billion, flat from the end of the second quarter of 2009, as Airbus and Boeing third quarter backlog reductions were offset by a follow-on contract at Spirit Europe for 777 wing components. Spirit calculates its backlog based on contractual prices for products and volumes from the published firm order backlogs of Airbus and Boeing, along with firm orders from other customers.

Spirit updated its contract profitability estimates during the third quarter of 2009, resulting in a $2 million favorable cumulative catch-up adjustment, compared to a $13 million unfavorable cumulative catch-up adjustment for the third quarter of 2008, which was largely the result of the Machinists' strike at Boeing.

Cash flow from operations was $5 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $68 million for the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to a decrease in cash advance receipts from customers of $48 million compared to the same period of 2008. (Table 2)

Table 2. Cash Flow and Liquidity

    <<
                                       3rd Quarter          Nine Months
                                       -----------          -----------
    ($ in Millions)                   2009      2008       2009      2008
    ---------------                   ----      ----       ----      ----
    >>

    <<
    Cash Flow from Operations           $5       $68      ($211)     $147
    Purchases of Property, Plant &
     Equipment                        ($51)     ($56)     ($158)    ($175)
    >>

    <<
                                                       October 1, December 31,
    Liquidity                                              2009      2008
                                                           ----      ----
    >>

    <<
    Cash                                                   $207      $217
    Total Debt                                             $884      $588

    >>

During the third quarter, Spirit issued $300 million in senior unsecured notes with a coupon rate of 7.5% and a maturity in 2017. A portion of the proceeds were used to pay down the outstanding revolver balance of $200 million prior to the close of the third quarter.

Cash balances at the end of the third quarter of 2009 were $207 million and debt balances were $884 million. During the third quarter of 2009, the company utilized its credit-line as it continued to invest in development programs. All credit-line borrowings were paid down using a portion of the funds from the issuance of the senior unsecured notes. At the end of the third quarter of 2009, the company's $729 million revolving credit facility was undrawn. Approximately $17 million of the credit facility is reserved for financial letters of credit.

The company's credit ratings remained unchanged at the end of the third quarter of 2009 with a BB rating at Standard & Poor's and a Ba3 rating at Moody's.

    <<

    2009 Outlook
    >>

Spirit revenue guidance for the full-year 2009 has been updated to reflect movement of certain forecasted non-recurring contract settlements out of 2009. Revenues are now expected to be between $4.1 and $4.2 billion based on Boeing's 2009 delivery guidance of 480-485 aircraft; anticipated B787 deliveries consistent with our expectations following Boeing's announcement of the revised B787 schedule on August 27, 2009; 2009 expected Airbus deliveries of approximately 483 aircraft; internal Spirit forecasts for non-OEM production activity and non-Boeing and Airbus customers; and foreign exchange rates consistent with fourth quarter 2008 levels.

Fully diluted earnings per share for 2009 remains unchanged and is expected to be between $1.45 and $1.55 per share after the increase in interest expense and fees associated with the recently issued senior unsecured notes.

Cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, net of customer reimbursements, is now expected to be no more than a ($150) million use of cash in the aggregate, with capital expenditures of approximately $225 million.

The effective tax rate is now forecasted to be approximately 30 percent for 2009.

The guidance assumes the settlement and receipt of certain outstanding non-recurring contract payments associated with our development programs. To the extent these forecasted payments are not received during the fourth quarter of 2009, they will represent a shift in revenues, earnings and cash flows from 2009 to 2010. (Table 3)

    <<
    Table 3.
    Financial Outlook        2008 Actual       2009 Guidance         Change
    -----------------        -----------       -------------         ------
    >>

Revenues $3.8 billion $4.1 - $4.2 billion 8% - 11%

    <<
    Earnings Per Share
     (Fully Diluted)               $1.91        $1.45 - $1.55    (24%) - (19%)
    >>

    <<
    Effective Tax Rate
     (% Pre-Tax Earnings)           30.9%           ~30%
    >>

    <<
    Cash Flow From
     Operations             $211  million*
    >>

Capital Expenditures $236 million*

Customer Reimbursement $116 million*

    <<
    *($150M) with ~$225 million of Capital Expenditures

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    >>

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "believe," "project," "continue," "plan," "forecast," or other similar words. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. Our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: our ability to continue to grow our business and execute our growth strategy, including the timing and execution of new programs; our ability to perform our obligations and manage cost related to our new commercial and business aircraft development programs; reduction in the build rates of certain Boeing aircraft including, but not limited to, the B737 program, the B747 program, the B767 program and the B777 program, and build rates of the Airbus A320 and A380 programs, which could be affected by the impact of a deep recession on business and consumer confidence and the impact of continuing turmoil in the global financial and credit markets; declining business jet manufacturing rates and customer cancellations or deferrals as a result of the weakened global economy; the success and timely execution of key milestones such as first flight and delivery of Boeing's new B787 and Airbus' new A350 aircraft programs, including receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and customer adherence to their announced schedules; our ability to enter into supply arrangements with additional customers and the ability of all parties to satisfy their performance requirements under existing supply contracts with Boeing, Airbus, and other customers and the risk of nonpayment by such customers; any adverse impact on Boeing's and Airbus' production of aircraft resulting from cancellations, deferrals or reduced orders by their customers or labor disputes; any adverse impact on the demand for air travel or our operations from the outbreak of diseases such as the influenza outbreak caused by the H1N1 virus, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome or other epidemic or pandemic outbreaks; returns on pension plan assets and impact of future discount rate changes on pension obligations; our ability to borrow additional funds, or refinance debt; competition from original equipment manufacturers and other aerostructures suppliers; the effect of governmental laws, such as U.S. export control laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, environmental laws and agency regulations, both in the U.S. and abroad; the cost and availability of raw materials and purchased components; our ability to successfully extend or renegotiate our primary collective bargaining contracts with our labor unions; our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled employees and our relationships with the unions representing many of our employees; spending by the U.S. and other governments on defense; the possibility that our cash flows and borrowing facilities may not be adequate for our additional capital needs or for payment of interest on and principal of our indebtedness; our exposure under our revolving credit facility to higher interest payments should interest rates increase substantially; the outcome or impact of ongoing or future litigation and regulatory actions; and our exposure to potential product liability claims. These factors are not exhaustive, and new factors may emerge or changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact our business. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    <<


    Appendix

    Segment Results

    Fuselage Systems
    >>

Fuselage Systems segment revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were $526 million, up 9 percent over the same period last year, as deliveries in the prior year quarter were impacted by the Machinists' strike at Boeing. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2009 was 18.1 percent, up from 15.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008, as a favorable cumulative catch-up of $4 million was realized during the quarter. During the third quarter of 2008, the segment realized an unfavorable $11 million cumulative catch-up adjustment.

    <<

    Propulsion Systems
    >>

Propulsion Systems segment revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were $266 million, down 9 percent over the same period last year due to fewer 747 deliveries and lower aftermarket sales. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2009 was 13.3 percent, down from 16.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to lower spares volumes. During the quarter, an unfavorable cumulative catch-up of $1 million was realized.

    <<

    Wing Systems
    >>

Wing Systems segment revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were $257 million, up 4 percent over the same period last year as increased deliveries to Airbus and Boeing more than offset fewer Hawker 850XP deliveries. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2009 was 10.3 percent, down from 10.9 percent in the third quarter of 2008, as an unfavorable cumulative catch-up of $1 million was realized during the quarter. During the third quarter of 2008, the segment realized an unfavorable $2 million cumulative catch-up adjustment.

    <<



    >>

Table 4. Segment Reporting

    <<
                            (Unaudited)                  (Unaudited)
    ($ in Millions,         3rd Quarter                  Nine Months
     except margin          -----------                  -----------
     percent)         2009      2008   Change     2009       2008      Change
    --------------    ----      ----   ------     ----       ----      ------
    Segment Revenues
       Fuselage
        Systems      $525.9    $484.8    8.5%  $1,497.6   $1,470.2      1.9%
       Propulsion
        Systems      $266.2    $291.5   (8.7%)   $772.1     $863.1    (10.5%)
       Wing
        Systems      $257.3    $246.8    4.3%    $712.9     $773.5     (7.8%)
       All Other       $4.4      $4.1    7.3%     $18.2      $18.9     (3.7%)
                       ----      ----    ---      -----      -----     ----
    Total Segment
     Revenues      $1,053.8  $1,027.2    2.6%  $3,000.8   $3,125.7     (4.0%)
    >>

    <<
    Segment Earnings
     from Operations
       Fuselage
        Systems       $95.2     $73.5   29.5%    $229.4     $255.0     (10.0%)
       Propulsion
        Systems       $35.3     $47.1  (25.1%)    $97.2     $140.9     (31.0%)
       Wing
        Systems       $26.6     $26.9   (1.1%)   ($12.7)     $92.3    (113.8%)
       All Other       $1.0      $0.0     NA      ($1.0)      $0.1  (1,100.0%)
                       ----      ----    ---      -----       ----  --------
    Total Segment
     Operating
     Earnings        $158.1    $147.5    7.2%    $312.9     $488.3     (35.9%)
    >>

    <<
    Unallocated
     Corporate
     SG&A Expense    ($26.7)   ($35.6) (25.0%)   ($92.9)   ($109.7)    (15.3%)
    Unallocated
     Research &
     Development
     Expense          ($0.4)    ($0.7) (42.9%)    ($1.6)     ($1.1)     45.5%
                      -----     -----  -----      -----      -----      ----
    Total Earnings
     from Operations $131.0    $111.2   17.8%    $218.4     $377.5     (42.1%)
    >>

    <<
    Segment Operating
     Earnings as
     % of Revenues
       Fuselage
        Systems        18.1%     15.2%   290 BPS   15.3%      17.3%   (200)BPS
       Propulsion
        Systems        13.3%     16.2%  (290)BPS   12.6%      16.3%   (370)BPS
       Wing
        Systems        10.3%     10.9%   (60)BPS   (1.8%)     11.9% (1,370)BPS
       All Other       22.7%      0.0% 2,270 BPS   (5.5%)      0.5%   (600)BPS
                       ----       ---  ---------   ----        ---    --------
    Total Segment
     Operating
     Earnings as %
     of Revenues       15.0%     14.4%    60 BPS   10.4%      15.6%   (520)BPS
    >>

    <<
    Total Operating
     Earnings as %
     of Revenues       12.4%     10.8%   160 BPS    7.3%      12.1%   (480)BPS
    >>

    <<
                   Spirit Ship Set Deliveries
               (One Ship Set equals One Aircraft)
    >>

2008 Spirit AeroSystems Deliveries

    <<
                  1st Qtr  2nd Qtr  3rd Qtr  4th Qtr  Total 2008
                  -------  -------  -------  -------  ----------
            B737      93      95      87       42        317
            B747       4       7       4        1         16
            B767       3       3       3        1         10
            B777      20      22      18        8         68
            B787       1       1       1        0          3
                     ---     ---     ---      ---        ---
           Total     121     128     113       52        414
    >>

    <<
     A320 Family      95      95      90       87        367
        A330/340      24      21      23       22         90
            A380       4       2       4        6         16
                     ---     ---     ---      ---        ---
           Total     123     118     117      115        473
    >>

    <<
    Hawker 850XP      15      24      24       28         91
                     ---     ---     ---      ---        ---
    >>

    <<
    Total Spirit     259     270     254      195        978
                     ===     ===     ===      ===        ===
    >>

2009 Spirit AeroSystems Deliveries

    <<
                  1st Qtr  2nd Qtr  3rd Qtr  YTD 2009
                  -------  -------  -------  --------
            B737      74      96      93      263
            B747       3       1       3        7
            B767       3       3       3        9
            B777      21      21      21       63
            B787       2       2       2        6
                     ---     ---     ---      ---
           Total     103     123     122      348
    >>

    <<
     A320 Family     105     101      94      300
        A330/340      26      23      28       77
            A380       0       2       5        7
                     ---     ---     ---      ---
           Total     131     126     127      384
    >>

    <<
    Hawker 850XP      18      13       6       37
                     ---     ---     ---      ---
    >>

    <<
    Total Spirit     252     262     255      769
                     ===     ===     ===      ===
    >>

    <<
                         Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.
                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                    (unaudited)
    >>

    <<
                              For the     For the       For the     For the
                          Three Months Three Months   Nine Months  Nine Months
                              Ended        Ended         Ended       Ended
                            October 1, September 25,  October 1, September 25,
                               2009         2008         2009         2008
                            ----------  -----------   ----------  -----------
                                  ($ in millions, except per share data)
    >>

    <<
    Net Revenues              $1,053.8     $1,027.2     $3,000.8     $3,125.7
      Operating costs and
       expenses:
      Cost of sales              878.3        864.3      2,637.2      2,596.1
      Selling, general
       and administrative         30.5         39.0        103.6        119.0
      Research and
       development                14.0         12.7         41.6         33.1
                                  ----         ----         ----         ----
        Total Operating
         Costs and Expenses      922.8        916.0      2,782.4      2,748.2
        Operating Income         131.0        111.2        218.4        377.5
    Interest expense and
     financing fee
     amortization                (10.2)        (9.9)       (29.1)       (29.5)
    Interest income                1.6          4.4          6.2         15.1
    Other income, net             (0.5)        (0.7)         5.2          0.9
                                  ----         ----          ---          ---
        Income Before
         Income Taxes            121.9        105.0        200.7        364.0
    Income tax provision         (34.4)       (31.0)       (58.8)      (118.4)
                                 -----        -----        -----       ------
        Income Before
         Equity in Net Loss
         of Affiliate             87.5         74.0        141.9        245.6
    Equity in net loss of
     affiliate                    (0.2)           -         (0.2)           -
                                  ----          ---         ----          ---
        Net Income               $87.3        $74.0       $141.7       $245.6
                                 =====        =====       ======       ======
    >>

    <<
    Earnings per share
    Basic                        $0.63        $0.54        $1.03        $1.79
    Shares                       138.6        137.0        138.2        136.9
    >>

    <<
    Diluted                      $0.62        $0.53        $1.01        $1.76
    Shares                       140.2        139.1        140.0        139.2
    >>

    <<
                        Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.
                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                   (unaudited)
                                                    October 1,   December 31,
                                                        2009          2008
                                                    ----------   -----------
                                                        ($ in millions)
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                          $206.7         $216.5
    Accounts receivable, net                            235.8          149.3
    Current portion of long-term receivable              28.2          108.9
    Inventory, net                                    2,204.6        1,882.0
    Other current assets                                 85.8           76.6
                                                         ----           ----
        Total current assets                          2,761.1        2,433.3
    Property, plant and equipment, net                1,224.0        1,068.3
    Pension assets                                       60.0           60.1
    Other assets                                        238.6          198.6
                                                        -----          -----
        Total assets                                 $4,283.7       $3,760.3
                                                     ========       ========
    Current liabilities
    Accounts payable                                   $421.2         $316.9
    Accrued expenses                                    164.1          161.8
    Current portion of long-term debt                     6.7            7.1
    Advance payments, short-term                        194.3          138.9
    Deferred revenue, short-term                         59.3          110.5
    Other current liabilities                            25.8            8.1
                                                         ----            ---
        Total current liabilities                       871.4          743.3
    Long-term debt                                      583.5          580.9
    Bonds payable, long-term                            293.4              -
    Advance payments, long-term                         806.5          923.5
    Deferred revenue and other deferred credits          54.3           58.6
    Pension/OPEB obligation                              49.1           47.3
    Other liabilities                                   169.6          109.2
    Shareholders' equity
    Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 10,000,000
     shares authorized, no shares issued and
     outstanding                                            -              -
    Common stock, Class A par value $0.01,
     200,000,000 shares authorized, 104,819,957
     and 103,209,466 issued and outstanding,
     respectively                                         1.0            1.0
    Common stock, Class B par value $0.01,
     150,000,000 shares authorized, 36,216,211
     and 36,679,760 shares issued and
     outstanding, respectively                            0.4            0.4
    Additional paid-in capital                          946.3          939.7
    Minority interest                                     0.5            0.5
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss               (124.1)        (134.2)
    Retained earnings                                   631.8          490.1
                                                        -----          -----
        Total shareholders' equity                    1,455.9        1,297.5
                                                      -------        -------
        Total liabilities and shareholders'
         equity                                      $4,283.7       $3,760.3
                                                     ========       ========
    >>

    <<
                        Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.
                 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                   (unaudited)
    >>

    <<
                                                    For the        For the
                                                  Nine Months    Nine Months
                                                     Ended          Ended
                                                   October 1,   September 25,
                                                      2009           2008
                                                   ----------   -------------
                                                       ($ in millions)
    Operating activities
    Net Income                                        $141.7          $245.6
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
     cash provided by (used in) operating activities
         Depreciation expense                           91.9            90.8
         Amortization expense                            7.7             7.1
         Accretion of long-term receivable              (5.8)          (13.0)
         Employee stock compensation expense             6.7            11.6
         Loss from the ineffectiveness of hedge
          contracts                                        -             0.4
         (Gain) loss from foreign currency transactions (3.9)            0.3
         Gain on disposition of assets                     -            (0.2)
         Deferred taxes                                (20.5)            0.9
         Pension and other post-retirement
          benefits, net                                  1.6           (21.5)
         Grant income                                   (1.4)              -
         Equity in net income of affiliate               0.2               -
    Changes in assets and liabilities
         Accounts receivable                           (84.6)          (28.4)
         Inventory, net                               (319.5)         (432.9)
         Accounts payable and accrued liabilities      104.9            30.5
         Advance payments                              (61.6)          230.4
         Deferred revenue and other deferred credits   (54.9)           16.9
         Other                                         (13.8)            8.1
                                                       -----             ---
            Net cash provided by (used in) operating
             activities                               (211.3)          146.6
                                                      ------           -----
    Investing Activities
    Purchase of property, plant and equipment         (158.0)         (175.2)
    Long-term receivable                                86.5            87.1
    Other                                                0.2            (0.7)
                                                         ---            ----
            Net cash (used in) investing activities    (71.3)          (88.8)
                                                       -----           -----
    Financing Activities
    Proceeds from revolving credit facility            300.0            75.0
    Payments on revolving credit facility             (300.0)          (75.0)
    Proceeds from issuance of debt                         -             8.8
    Proceeds from issuance of bonds                    293.4               -
    Proceeds from government grants                      0.7             1.6
    Principal payments of debt                          (5.8)          (11.9)
    Debt issuance and financing costs                  (17.2)           (6.8)
                                                       -----            ----
            Net cash provided by (used in) financing
             activities                                271.1            (8.3)
                                                       -----            ----
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
     and cash equivalents                                1.7            (5.2)
                                                         ---            ----
            Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
             equivalents for the period                 (9.8)           44.3
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
     the period                                        216.5           133.4
                                                       -----           -----
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period      $206.7          $177.7
                                                      ======          ======



    >>

SOURCE: Spirit AeroSystems

Investor Relations, Alan Hermanson, +1-316-523-7040, or Media, Debbie Gann,
+1-316-526-3910, both of Spirit AeroSystems Web Site: http://www.spiritaero.com

Skymark Research is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America. Our services include research analysis on the small- and micro-cap markets, real-time news and financial data, market commentary and the SMR newsletter. Skymark Research's staff of small-cap investment professionals is dedicated to providing the small market's investment community with the tools and avenues necessary to make the important investment decisions. To view our research reports on a complimentary trial basis and take advantage of our other services, go to www.skymarkresearch.com and click on the complimentary trial subscription button on our home page, or go directly to our registration page at www.skymarkresearch.com/signup.php

About Boeing (NYSE:BA)

Boeing (NYSE:BA): is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing operates the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

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SOURCE: Skymark Research

CONTACT:  Skymark Research
Dylan Boyle
202-657-6249
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"We began designing this seat three years ago, involving our customers and numerous other experts to get it just right and I couldn't be more pleased with the end result," said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. "This is a great seat and I am excited to see more of them on flights throughout our system."

Flat-Bed Seat Reclines 180-Degrees

Continental's new BusinessFirst seats allow customers to lie completely flat, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 A 1/2 feet (2 meters) of sleeping space in the fully extended position. Electronic controls enable customers to easily move the seat to an infinite number of adjustments, including lumbar support and fully extended sleep positions. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer's shoulder and iPod connectivity is also available at the seat. The seats feature 15.4-inch video monitors.

Perfecting Design Since Autumn 2006

Continental's product marketing team began researching new seat options in the autumn of 2006 when planning BusinessFirst service for the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline visited with numerous seat manufacturers worldwide before selecting BE Aerospace, which created five different design concepts. Concurrently, Continental sought feedback from a focus group of BusinessFirst frequent flyers that identified and prioritised key needs of global travellers and worked closely with the airline's project team and the seat manufacturer to help create the new seat. The important features requested by the focus group were to install a wider seat that could lie completely flat and be easy to operate.

Continental currently operates the Boeing 777 on routes between Newarkand Beijing, Shanghai, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London/Heathrow, Mumbai, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv and Tokyo, and between Houstonand London/Heathrow, Amsterdamand Tokyo.

Continental uses the Boeing 767-400 on routes between Newarkand Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Genevaand Honolulu; between Houstonand Frankfurt, Paris, Rio de Janeiroand Honolulu; and between Guam and Honoluluand Narita.

BusinessFirst on the Boeing 757 is currently offered on routes between Newarkand Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hamburg, Lisbon, London/Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Shannon and Stockholm.

Notes to editors:

Continental Airlines (continental.com), celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. Across the Atlantic, Continental operates up to 312 departures weekly from 29 airports in 16 countries to its U.S.gateway hubs at New York, Houstonand Cleveland, with onward connections to more than 200 cities throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Fortune magazine ranked Continental as the top airline in its World's Most Admired Companies 2009, for the sixth consecutive year. At the OAG Airline of the Year Awards 2008, based on voting by frequent flyers around the world, Continental won the Best Airline Based in North Americaaward, for the fifth year in a row. Continental's alliance carriers in Europe, the Middle East and Indiainclude, in addition to Star Alliance carriers, Emirates, Kingfisher Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Issued by Trimedia on behalf of Continental Airlines on 3 November 2009.

CONTACT: George Morrison / Susan Hutchinson, Trimedia Tel: +44 (0)20 7025 7500 e-mail: george.morrison@trimediauk.com e-mail: susan.hutchinson@trimediauk.com

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