CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
(USA)

It was in recent time that Continental became a real challenger for other US-airlines, although the airline is one of the world's oldest, dating back from 1926. After American, United and National, Continental became the fourth costumer for the DC-10-10, introducing the first aircraft in June of 1972. Later, Continental became the launch costumer for the DC-10-10CF (and with 8 of nine aircraft the main costumer) and decided to phase out every aircraft except the 727-200 and DC-10. For this purpose, more 727s and DC-10s were ordered and for a short time, also only these two types were operated. In total 49 DC-10s were operated, making Continental the fifth largest DC-10 operator of all times.
Only one DC-10, N68045, was lost in 1978. Losses at the beginning of the 1980s, as a result of the deregulation, forced Continental to dispose of some DC-10-10CFs. The 1980s were full of crisis for Continental, but throughout this time, the DC-10, especially the new ordered DC-10-30, became the workhorse of the fleet serving the high density routes as well as the intercontinental services. Thanks to Gordon Bethune and his team, Continental became one of the fastest growing airlines all over the world so that a large number of DC-10-30s from difference sources were added to serve the new routes. After the series 10 aircraft had been transferred to its subsidiary Continental Micronesia, the DC-10-30 became the only long range widebody aircraft until the 777 arrived in 1998. In late 1999 the first DC-10s left the fleet with more 777s arriving making Continental’s fleet one of the youngest among the US trunk carriers. The retirement of the last DC-10 in September 2001 came somewhat surprinsing and was a consequence of the shock on the airline industry after the terror attacks from September 11th of the same year. #190 had the honour of doing the last revenue flight for Continental while #88 was the last one to be retired. The Boeing 777 and the 767-200/400 series took over the routes from the DC-10. Other fleet members are 737-300/500/700/800/900, MD-80 and 757-200/300.
Note that some of Continentals DC-10s wore CO colors on one side while the other side was painted in the colors of another airline. Schemes from VASP and Alitalia are known.

Photos
Upper Right: Continental Airlines DC-10 - BY THOMAS MILLARD
Left: Continental Airlines DC-10 - BY RAFAL SZCZYPEK
Lower Right: Continental Airlines DC-10 in old color scheme - BY ANDREW ABSHIER

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