What is the standing of Continental Airlines?

Question

I need to know what is Continental Airlines standing in the airline industry. Who are they really merging with? (rumor I heard) What changes are being taken if any? (For all departments of Continental)

Answer 1

There's lots of rumors but you won't get the real facts until it's a done deal. That's because Continental is a publicly-traded stock and any business news like mergers or corporate splits that could impact a company's public stock price cannot be released before the fact. Final plans of a merger is considered a significant corporate development and, if leaked, could lead to insider trading. So the speculation will always be out there but nothing is for real till the paperwork is signed.

For what it's worth, Continental is in decent (not great) financial shape since they emerged from their second bankruptcy. All of the legacy carriers are constantly in the shadow of bankruptcy because operating costs are so high and revenues barely cover the costs. I don't think Continental is going to go broke any time soon but I also don't think they're going to be turning huge profits any time soon. And if there is a merger any time soon, you can pretty much expect the same changes you usually see when any two airlines merge: a reduction in combined flights as less popular runs are combined, to result in fewer flights than the two airlines had together before the merger; reduction in "redundant" staff, probably a panic as frequent fliers get scared and switch to other airlines, and a pretty aggressive campaign of low fares and good frequent flier benefits for a year or so after the merger, to attract as many new customers as possible.

Answer 2

Your best bet is to check out the company's website for details:

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/company/default.aspx?SID=B4BA28411A90428DA8C4CC5725BE8395

Check out these sites for additional info regarding the company:

http://www.hoovers.com/continental-airlines/--ID__41903--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Airlines
http://www.topix.net/com/cal
http://www.answers.com/topic/continental-airlines
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=CAL

Hope this helps.

God Bless....