Continental plans direct Delhi-NY flight

Continental Airlines today announced plans to launch daily, non-stop flights between New Delhi and New York w.e.f November 1, 2005, subject to government approval.

"Continental Airlines is proud and excited to be the first airline to introduce non-stop flights between India and the U.S.A.," Jim Summerford, Vice President (Europe, Middle East & Africa) of Continental Airlines, said. "We will be able to offer Indian trans-Atlantic travelers something none of our competitors can match - award-winning non-stop service to New York, with quick and easy same-airline, same-terminal onward connections to cities throughout the Americas.  Our service will also create a more convenient and attractive gateway to India for American visitors."

The New Delhi-New York flights will be operated with a 283-seat Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying 48 passengers in the Business/First cabin and 235 in economy class.

Subject to government approval, flight CO83 will depart New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport daily at 11:30 p.m., arriving at New
York at 4:50 a.m. the next day.   The return flight, CO82, will depart New York daily at 9:05 p.m, arriving at New Delhi at 9:30 p.m. the next day.  Flying times will be approximately 15 hours, 50 minutes westbound and 13 hours, 55 minutes eastbound.