George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is considered a primary gateway to Latin America with easy access to Mexico, Central and South America. Continental Airlines has announced they will operate three weekly flights between Houston and Rio de Janerio, Brazil. The new, nonstop seasonal route will operate from December 17, 2008 through February 28, 2009. The service will fit the needs of business travelers providing a much needed link for the oil and gas industry and other corporate travelers. In addition, the seasonal service will give Bush Intercontinental passengers access to two of the world’s most famous beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana; and a chance to visit Rio de Janeiro’s annual festival - Carnival, which is scheduled to take place in February, 2009.

Continental Airlines will be using a 767-400 aircraft for the seasonal Houston - Rio de Janeiro flight.

Currently Bush Intercontinental passengers are able to connect with 14 countries and 46 cities in Latin America.

Adding Rio de Janeiro, a major oil city to the list of destinations is something Houston Airport System (HAS) officials have been waiting for.

“The Houston Airport System is very excited about this long-awaited nonstop service to Rio de Janeiro,” says Genaro Pena, HAS marketing director. “While Rio de Janeiro has been served from Houston for many years over Sao Paulo, the addition of seasonal nonstop service greatly improves the quality of service offered to our corporate and leisure travelers from Houston.”

Flights will depart from Bush Intercontinental on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:00 p.m. and arrive at Rio's Galeao International Airport at 11:10 a.m. the following day.

The return flights will depart from Rio de Janeiro on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:40 p.m. and arrive at Houston at 6:00 a.m. the following day.

Continental timed the new nonstop flights to provide convenient roundtrip connections in and out of IAH to more than 160 cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Continental also offers daily service between Houston and Rio de Janerio via Sao Paulo.

“Responding to the needs of our corporate customers, we're pleased to offer convenient nonstop service between these two important oil markets," said John Slater, Continental's managing director Latin America. "This new service will also provide easier access to one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world.”

Continental will use a Boeing 767-400 aircraft on the new, nonstop route, with 35 seats in BusinessFirst and 200 seats in Economy.

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