This summer, Continental is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Houston-based airline.

"Continental is our hometown airline strategically located at Bush Intercontinental and we look forward celebrating many more years of our dynamic partnership," says Eric Potts, Houston Airport System Interim Director. 

Continental employees flocked to Gate E-5 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in June to welcome a new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft into service. More than 200 employees took time from their routine duties to watch and celebrate as the jet took everyone back in time.

To help commemorate the event, this new jet was painted with the retro livery that Continental originally used in 1947.

"I am proud to celebrate this exciting occasion with the Continental team, including both our current 43,000 co-workers, as well as the many retired co-workers who paved Continental's history and made the airlines what it is today," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive officer. "Not many 75 year-olds believe their future will be longer and more vibrant than their history but that's exactly what we're looking forward to at Continental."

The Houston-based airline operates its largest hub at IAH. As the airline begins 75 years of service, it will enter a new chapter this fall with membership in Star Alliance.

According to Kellner, Continental is working to provide a seamless transition for its customers from the SkyTeam alliance to Star Alliance. This move will ensure global competition with other antitrust immunized alliances while encouraging the retention and growth of open skies between the U.S. and other nations.

In addition to United, the other Star Alliance members who have been granted DOT approval for antitrust immunity include Air Canada, Austrian, bmi, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), SWISS and TAP Air Portugal.