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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003

OR

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF     

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 1-10323

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

74-2099724

(State or other jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

1600 Smith Street, Dept. HQSEO

Houston, Texas 77002

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

713-324-2950

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes X No _____

__________

As of July 14, 2003, 65,735,778 shares of Class B common stock were outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

     

Item 1.

Financial Statements -

 
     
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

3

     
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets -

 
 

Assets

4

 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

5

     
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

6

     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

     

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

and Results of Operations

22

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

33

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

33

     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

34

     

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

34

     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

34

     

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

34

     

Item 5.

Other Information

35

     

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

35

     
 

Signatures

37

     
 

Certifications

38

     
 

Index to Exhibits

40

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2003  

2002  

2003  

2002  

 

(Unaudited)          

(Unaudited)        

Operating Revenue:

       

Passenger

$2,026 

$2,062 

$3,898 

$3,934 

Cargo, mail and other

190 

130 

360 

252 

 

2,216 

2,192 

4,258 

4,186 

         

Operating Expenses:

       

Wages, salaries and related costs

762 

746 

1,541 

1,478 

Aircraft fuel

 302 

 254 

 649 

 462 

Aircraft rentals

224 

231 

446 

459 

Landing fees and other rentals

152 

160 

304 

321 

Maintenance, materials and repairs

126 

119 

260 

232 

Depreciation and amortization

110 

112 

226 

218 

Reservations and sales

102 

101 

193 

203 

Passenger servicing

73 

73 

143 

150 

Commissions

36 

57 

72 

128 

Security fee reimbursement

(176)

(176)

Fleet impairment losses and other

special charges

14 

164

79 

254 

Other

    253

    290

    508 

    582 

 

 1,978 

 2,307 

 4,245 

 4,487 

         

Operating Income (Loss)

 238

(115)

   13

(301)

         

Nonoperating Income (Expense):

       

Interest expense

(93)

(91)

(188)

(173)

Interest capitalized

13 

20 

Interest income

11 

Other, net

     8

   (3)

      6

     (4)

 

  (76)

  (79)

 (161)

 (146)

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

and Minority Interest

 162

 (194)

 (148)

 (447)

         

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

 (68)

   65

 36

 155

         

Minority Interest

(13)

(8)

(25)

(8)

         

Distributions on Preferred Securities of Trust,

net of applicable income taxes of $1,

$1, $3 and $3, respectively

 

     (2)

 

     (2)

 

     (5)

 

     (5)

         

Net Income (Loss)

$   79 

$ (139

$ (142

$ (305

         

Earnings (Loss) per Share:

       

Basic

$1.20

$(2.18)

$(2.18)

$(4.79)

Diluted

$1.10

$(2.18)

$(2.18)

$(4.79)

Shares Used for Computation:

       

Basic

65.4

63.8

65.3

63.7

Diluted

74.5

63.8

65.3

63.7

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except for share data)

 

 

June 30,  

December 31,

June 30,    

ASSETS

  2003    

   2002    

  2002      

 

(Unaudited) 

 

(Unaudited)  

       

Current Assets:

     

   Cash and cash equivalents, including

  restricted cash of $129, $62, and $28

$1,485  

 

$ 1,225 

 

$ 1,177 

 

   Short-term investments

142  

 

117 

 

134 

 

   Accounts receivable, net

453  

 

377 

 

512 

 

   Spare parts and supplies, net

230  

 

248 

 

273 

 

   Deferred income taxes

175  

 

165 

 

162 

 

   Prepayments and other

    232  

 

     145 

 

     193 

 

      Total current assets

 2,717  

 

  2,277 

 

  2,451 

 
             

Property and Equipment:

           

   Owned property and equipment:

           

      Flight equipment

6,691  

 

6,762 

 

6,764 

 

      Other

  1,301  

 

  1,275 

 

   1,175 

 
 

7,992  

 

8,037 

 

7,939 

 

       Less: Accumulated depreciation

 1,754  

 

  1,599 

 

  1,438 

 
 

  6,238  

 

  6,438 

 

  6,501 

 
             

   Purchase deposits for flight equipment

     256  

 

     269 

 

     286 

 
             

   Capital leases:

           

      Flight equipment

117  

 

117 

 

136 

 

      Other

     270  

 

     262 

 

     254 

 
 

387  

 

379 

 

390 

 

       Less: Accumulated amortization

     122  

 

     118 

 

     118 

 
 

     265  

 

     261 

 

     272 

 

          Total property and equipment

  6,759  

 

  6,968 

 

  7,059 

 
             

Other Assets:

           

   Routes

684  

 

684 

 

684 

 

   Airport operating rights, net

311  

 

325 

 

335 

 

   Intangible pension asset

144  

 

144 

 

148 

 

   Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

83  

 

82 

 

77 

 

   Other assets, net

     312  

 

     260 

 

     265 

 
             

           Total Assets

$11,010  

 

$10,740 

 

$11,019 

 

 

(continued on next page)

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except for share data)

 

LIABILITIES AND

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

June 30,   

December 31,  

June 30,      

  2003     

   2002      

  2002        

 

(Unaudited)  

 

(Unaudited)    

       

Current Liabilities:

     

   Current maturities of long-term debt and

      capital leases

$   445 

 

$   493 

 

$   429  

 

   Accounts payable

853 

 

930 

 

931  

 

   Air traffic liability

1,139 

 

882 

 

1,229  

 

   Accrued payroll

278 

 

285 

 

314  

 

   Accrued other liabilities

    343 

 

    336 

 

    342  

 

      Total current liabilities

3,058 

 

2,926 

 

3,245  

 
             

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases

5,392 

 

5,222 

 

5,093  

 
             

Deferred Income Taxes

    494 

 

    520 

 

    721  

 
             

Accrued Pension Liability

    837 

 

    723 

 

    238  

 
             

Other

    318 

 

    329 

 

    329  

 
             

Commitments and Contingencies

           
             

Minority Interest

        32 

 

         7 

 

     (13

 
             

Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of

   Subsidiary Trust Holding Solely Convertible

   Subordinated Debentures of Continental

 

    241 

 

 

    241 

 

 

   243  

 
             

Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary

        5 

 

        5 

 

         5  

 
             

Stockholders' Equity:

           

   Preferred Stock - $.01 par, 10,000,000 shares

      authorized; one share of Series B issued and

      outstanding, stated at par value

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Class B common stock - $.01 par, 200,000,000 shares

      authorized; 91,202,972, 91,203,321 and 89,782,876

      shares issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

1  

 

   Additional paid-in capital

1,395 

 

1,391 

 

1,376  

 

   Retained earnings

767 

 

910 

 

1,056  

 

   Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(389)

 

(395)

 

(135) 

 

   Treasury stock - 25,467,194, 25,442,529 and

    25,442,529 shares, at cost

 (1,141)

 

 (1,140)

 

 (1,140

 

      Total stockholders' equity

       633 

 

      767 

 

  1,158  

 

         Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 11,010 

 

$ 10,740 

 

$11,019  

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

 

        Six Months 

               Ended June 30,    

 

2003  

    2002    

 
 

(Unaudited)                 

     

Net cash provided by (used in) operations

$

$   225 

$   (24)

 
         

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

       

Capital expenditures

 

(107)

(417)

 

Purchase deposits paid in connection with future

aircraft deliveries

 

 

(17)

(43)

 

Purchase deposits refunded in connection with

aircraft delivered

 

37 

172 

 

Purchase of short-term investments

 

(24)

(134)

 

Other

 

      26 

      (6)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

   (85)

  (428)

 
         

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

       

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net

 

381 

216 

 

Proceeds from sale of ExpressJet stock, net

 

447 

 

Payments on long-term debt and capital lease

obligations

 

(265)

(175)

 

Proceeds from issuance of Class B common stock

 

-  

13 

 

Payments to collateralize letters of credit

 

(63)

 

Other

 

        - 

     (2)

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

     53 

    499 

 
         

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

193 

47 

 
         

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period (1)

 

1,163 

1,102 

 
         

Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period (1)

 

$ 1,356 

$ 1,149 

 
         

Investing and Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash:

       

Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt

 

$       -  

$   908 

 

 

  1. Excludes restricted cash.

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

In our opinion, the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except for the security fee reimbursement and fleet impairment losses and other special charges. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A-1 for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the "2002 10-K"). As used in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms "Continental", "we", "us", "our" and similar terms refer to Continental Airlines, Inc. and, unless the context indicates otherwise, our subsidiaries. "Holdings" refers to our 53.1%-owned subsidiary, ExpressJet Holdings, Inc., and "ExpressJet" refers to ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., Holdings' wholly owned subsidiary whic h operates as Continental Express.

Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior period's financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE 1 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions):

 

Three Months

Ended June 30, 2003

Numerator for basic earnings per share - net income

$ 79

 
     

Effect of dilutive securities:

   

Preferred Securities of Trust

2

 

4.5% Convertible Notes

   1

 
     

Numerator for diluted earnings per share - net income after assumed

Conversions

$ 82

 
     

Denominator:

   

Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares

 65.4

 
     

Effect of dilutive securities:

   

Preferred Securities of Trust

4.1

 

4.5% Convertible Notes

 5.0

 

Dilutive potential common shares

 9.1

 
     

Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average

and assumed conversions

74.5

 

Weighted average options to purchase approximately 7 million, 1 million, 7 million and 1 million shares of our Class B common stock were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would have been antidilutive. The shares issuable upon conversion of the 5% Convertible Notes due 2023 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share since the conditions for conversion have not been met (see Note 7). Because of losses during the three months ended June 30, 2002 and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, the Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trust and 4.5% Convertible Notes were also antidilutive. As a result, there was no difference between basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended June 30, 200 2 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

NOTE 2 - STOCK PLANS AND AWARDS

We account for our stock-based compensation plans under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". No stock-based employee compensation cost for our stock option plans is reflected in our consolidated statement of operations since all options granted under our plans have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 123, "Accounting for Stock-based Compensation" (in millions except per share amounts):

 

Three Months   

Ended June 30,  

Six Months      

Ended June 30,   

 

2003  

2002  

2003  

2002  

         

Net income (loss), as reported

$ 79 

$(139)

$(142)

$(305)

Deduct total stock-based employee compensation

expense determined under SFAS 123, net of tax

 (1)

   (11)

    (4)

   (12)

Net income (loss), pro forma

$ 78 

$(150)

$(146)

$(317)

         

Earnings (loss) per share:

       

Basic, as reported

$1.20 

$(2.18)

$(2.18)

$(4.79)

Basic, pro forma

$1.19 

$(2.35)

$(2.23)

$(4.99)

         

Diluted, as reported

$1.10 

$(2.18)

$(2.18)

$(4.79)

Diluted, pro forma

$1.09 

$(2.35)

$(2.23)

$(4.99)

NOTE 3 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

We include in other comprehensive income (loss) changes in minimum pension liabilities and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments which qualify for hedge accounting. For the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, total comprehensive income (loss) amounted to $85 million and $(154) million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, total comprehensive loss amounted to $(138) million and $(310) million, respectively. The difference between the net income (loss) and total comprehensive income (loss) for each period was primarily attributable to changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments.

NOTE 4 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Disposal or Exit Activities", which requires liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities to be recognized when the liabilities are incurred, rather than when an entity commits to an exit plan. The new rule changes the timing of liability and expense recognition related to exit or disposal activities, but not the ultimate amount of such expenses.

We also adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". Interpretation 45 requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. This interpretation applies to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and has had no impact on our consolidated results of operations or consolidated balance sheet.

Effective July 1, 2003, we will adopt SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity". Upon adoption, we will reclassify the $5 million redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary to a liability. This standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued Interpretation 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46"), in January 2003. FIN 46 requires the consolidation of certain types of entities in which a company absorbs a majority of another entity's expected losses, receives a majority of the other entity's expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the other entity. These entities are called "variable interest entities". The principal characteristics of variable interest entities are (1) an insufficient amount of equity to absorb the entity's expected losses, (2) equity owners as a group are not able to make decisions about the entity's activities, or (3) equity that does not absorb the entity's losses or receive the entity's residual returns. "Variable interests" are contractual, ownership or other monetary interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entity's net asset value. As a result, variable interest entities can arise from items such as lease agreements, loan arrangements, guarantees or service contracts.

If an entity is determined to be a "variable interest entity", the entity must be consolidated by the "primary beneficiary". The primary beneficiary is the holder of the variable interests that absorbs a majority of the variable interest entity's expected losses or receives a majority of the entity's residual returns in the event no holder has a majority of the expected losses. There is no primary beneficiary in cases where no single holder absorbs the majority of the expected losses or receives a majority of the residual returns. The determination of the primary beneficiary is based on projected cash flows at the inception of the variable interests.

FIN 46 initially applied to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to variable interest entities in which a company obtained an interest after that date. However, beginning in the third quarter of 2003, we must also apply FIN 46 to all interests in variable interest entities existing prior to January 31, 2003. We have identified several types of transactions that may be impacted by this interpretation. While we are continuing to evaluate the impact of this complex interpretation, our initial conclusions about the application of FIN 46 are as follows:

We will continue to evaluate the impact of FIN 46 during the third quarter of 2003.

NOTE 5 - FLEET INFORMATION

As shown in the following table, our operating aircraft fleet consisted of 358 mainline jets and 212 regional jets at June 30, 2003, excluding aircraft out of service. Our purchase commitments (firm orders) for aircraft, as well as options to purchase additional aircraft as of June 30, 2003 are also shown below.

Aircraft          

Type             

Total       

Aircraft    

Owned

Leased

Firm 

Orders

Options

           

777-200ER

18 

 

 

12 

 

 

 

767-400ER

16 

 

14 

 

 

 

 

767-200ER

10 

 

 

 

 

 

757-300

 

 

 

11 

 

11 

 

757-200

41 

 

13 

 

28 

 

 

 

737-900

12 

 

 

 

 

12 

 

737-800

77 

 

22 

 

55 

 

38 

 

35 

 

737-700

36 

 

12 

 

24 

 

15 

 

24 

 

737-500

63 

 

15 

 

48 

 

 

 

737-300

56 

 

14 

 

42 

 

 

 

MD-80

25 

 

  7 

 

18 

 

- 

 

- 

 

Mainline Jets

358 

 

124 

 

234 

 

67 

 

 87 

 
                     

ERJ-145XR

42 

 

 

42 

 

62 

 

100 

 

ERJ-145

140 

 

18 

 

122 

 

 

 

ERJ-135

   30 

 

    - 

 

 30 

 

    - 

 

    - 

 

Regional Jets

212 

 

 18 

 

194 

 

  62 

 

100 

 
                     

Total

570 

 

142 

 

428 

 

     

 

As of June 30, 2003, we had the following aircraft out of service:

 

 

Aircraft Type   

Total  Aircraft

Owned

Leased

         
 

DC 10-30

10 

 

 

MD-80

13 

 

 

EMB-120

18 

 

10 

 

ATR-42-320

 22 

 

  - 

22 

 

Total

63 

 

20 

43 

The 20 owned out-of-service aircraft are being carried at an aggregate fair market value of $32 million. In the first half of 2003, we sold eight owned ATR-42-320s, two MD-80s and two 747-200s. Also in the first half of 2003, we returned 11 leased out-of-service aircraft to their lessors, including one DC10-30, five MD-80s and five 737-300s. We currently sublease three of the DC10-30 aircraft to third parties and continue to explore sublease or sale opportunities for the remaining out-of-service aircraft that do not have near-term lease expirations. The timing of the disposition of these aircraft will depend on the economic environment in the airline industry as well as our ability to find purchasers or sublessees for the aircraft. We cannot predict if purchasers or sublessees can be found, and it is possible that our assets (including aircraft currently in service) could suffer additional impairment.

We removed eight mainline jet aircraft from service in the first half of 2003, including two 737-500s, two 737-300s and four MD-80 aircraft. Four of these removals occurred in the second quarter and four occurred in the first quarter, primarily in conjunction with the expiration of their lease terms. In the second half of 2003, 10 mainline jet aircraft (mainly leased 737-300 aircraft) have leases that expire, some of which are expected to be returned to their lessors.

As of June 30, 2003, we had firm purchase commitments for 67 Boeing aircraft with an estimated cost of approximately $2.7 billion and options to purchase an additional 87 Boeing aircraft. During the second quarter of 2003, we agreed to defer firm deliveries of 36 Boeing 737 aircraft that were originally scheduled for delivery in 2005, 2006 and 2007. These aircraft will now be delivered in 2008 and beyond. In connection with the deferrals, we have recorded a charge of $14 million. Additionally, we are in discussions with Boeing regarding the terms of delivery of the 11 remaining 757-300 aircraft that we have on order.

We are currently in negotiations with Boeing for backstop financing for approximately 12 firm aircraft. We do not have backstop financing or any other financing currently in place for the remainder of the firm aircraft. In addition, at June 30, 2003, we had firm commitments to purchase 8 spare engines related to the new Boeing aircraft for approximately $53 million. We have financing in place for the first three of these spare engines, which are scheduled for delivery between September and December 2003. We do not have financing currently in place for the remaining five spare engines, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2004 and the first quarter of 2005. Further financing will be needed to satisfy our capital commitments for our firm aircraft. There can be no assurance that sufficient financing will be available for the aircraft on order or the other related capital expenditures.

During the first half of 2003, ExpressJet took delivery of 24 ERJ-145XR aircraft, of which 12 were delivered in the second quarter. As of June 30, 2003, ExpressJet had firm commitments for an additional 62 Embraer regional jets with an estimated aggregate cost of $1.2 billion and options to purchase an additional 100 Embraer regional jets exercisable through 2008. Effective February 2003, ExpressJet and Embraer amended the purchase agreement to slow the pace of regional jet deliveries. ExpressJet will take delivery of 12 regional jets during the remainder of 2003 (for a total of 36 in 2003), down from its original plan for 48 deliveries, and will take 21 aircraft deliveries in 2004, down from 36. As a result, ExpressJet will increase its aircraft deliveries to 21 and eight for 2005 and 2006, up from two and zero for these years, respectively. Neither we nor ExpressJet has any obligation to take any of these firm aircraft that are not financed by a third party and leased either to them or us. In addition, ExpressJet expects to purchase 12 spare engines related to the 62 remaining aircraft on firm order for approximately $33 million through 2006. Neither we nor ExpressJet has any financing currently in place for these spare engines. ExpressJet would have no obligation to acquire the spare engines if the firm order aircraft were not delivered for any reason.

Substantially all of the aircraft and engines we own are subject to mortgages. A significant portion of our spare parts inventory is also encumbered.

NOTE 6 - FLEET IMPAIRMENT LOSSES AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES

We recorded fleet impairment losses and other special charges in the first quarter of 2003 and the first two quarters of 2002, each of which was partially the result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and their aftermath. The special charge in the second quarter of 2003 relates to the deferral of aircraft deliveries (see Note 5).

In the first quarter of 2003, we recorded fleet impairment losses and other special charges of $65 million ($41 million after income taxes). This charge consisted of a $44 million additional impairment of our fleet of owned MD-80s, which was initially determined to be impaired and written down to fair value in 2002. The remainder of the charge consisted primarily of the write-down to market value of spare parts inventory for permanently grounded fleets. The first quarter 2003 charge reflects the impact of the war in Iraq and the resulting deterioration of the already weak revenue environment for the U.S. airline industry. These write-downs were necessary because the fair market values of the MD-80 fleet and spare parts inventory had declined as a result of the difficult financial environment and further reductions in capacity by U.S. airlines.

In the first quarter of 2002, we recorded a fleet charge of $90 million ($57 million after taxes) primarily in connection with the permanent grounding and retirement of our leased DC10-30 fleet. In the second quarter of 2002, we recorded a fleet charge of $59 million ($37 million after taxes) primarily related to the permanent grounding and retirement of ExpressJet's leased turboprop aircraft and certain leased MD-80 aircraft. The majority of these charges related to future commitments under noncancelable lease agreements past the dates the aircraft were permanently removed from service. The remainder of these charges related to costs expected to be incurred related to the storage and return of these aircraft. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2002, we performed an impairment assessment of our owned aircraft and concluded that the carrying value of our owned turboprop and MD-80 fleets was not recoverable. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $93 million ($59 million after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of these aircraft to their estimated fair value.

In the second quarter of 2002, we filed our final application for a grant under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act. We recorded a charge of $12 million ($8 million after taxes) to write down our receivable from the U.S. government based on this final application.

Activity related to the accruals for future lease payments, return condition and storage costs and closure/under-utilization of facilities for the six months ending June 30, 2003 is as follows (in millions):

 

December 31,

       2002       

Accrual

Payments

June 30,

   2003   

         

Allowance for future lease payments, return

Condition and storage costs

$107

 

-

 

(23)

 

$84

 

Closure/under-utilization of facilities

22

 

-

 

(2)

 

20

 

NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT

Maturities of long-term debt due before December 31, 2003 and for the next four years are as follows (in millions):

 

July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003

$213

 
 

Year ending December 31,

   
 

2004

437

 
 

2005

654

 
 

2006

499

 
 

2007

851

 

In May 2003, we issued $100 million of floating rate secured subordinated notes due December 2007. The notes are secured by a portion of our spare parts inventory. The notes bear interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus 7.5%, for an initial all-in rate of 8.78%.

In May 2003, we incurred $96 million of floating rate indebtedness under a term loan agreement that matures in May 2011. This indebtedness is secured by certain of our spare engines and initially bears interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.5%, for an initial all-in rate of 4.78%.

In June 2003, we issued $175 million of 5% Convertible Notes due 2023. The notes are convertible into our Class B common stock at an initial conversion price of $20 per share, subject to certain conditions on conversion. The notes are redeemable for cash at our option on or after June 18, 2010 at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Holders may require us to repurchase the notes on June 15 of 2010, 2013 or 2018 or in the event of certain changes in control at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. We may at our option choose to pay this repurchase price in cash or in shares of common stock or any combination thereof, except in certain circumstances involving a change in control, in which case we will be required to pay cash.

In addition, in May 2003, ExpressJet incurred $11 million of floating rate indebtedness under a term loan agreement that matures in May 2011, which is secured by a flight simulator for Embraer aircraft. ExpressJet used the proceeds to repay a portion of its indebtedness to us.

We used the proceeds from these borrowings for working capital and general corporate purposes.

NOTE 8 - SECURITY FEE REIMBURSEMENT

In May 2003, we received and recognized in earnings $176 million in cash from the United States government pursuant to a supplemental appropriations bill enacted in April 2003. This amount is reimbursement for our proportional share of passenger security and air carrier security fees paid or collected by U.S. air carriers as of the date of enactment of the legislation, together with other items. Highlights of the provisions of the legislation are as follows:

NOTE 9 - CAPACITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Our capacity purchase agreement with Holdings and ExpressJet provides that we purchase in advance all of ExpressJet's available seat miles for a negotiated price, and we are at risk for reselling the available seat miles at market prices. Our payments to ExpressJet under the capacity purchase agreement for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2002 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2002, respectively, totaled $320 million, $270 million, $627 million and $535 million. These payments are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2003, in connection with ExpressJet's agreement to slow the delivery of regional jets from Embraer (see discussion in Note 5), we extended by one year, to December 31, 2006, our agreement that ExpressJet will be our sole provider of regional jet service in our hubs and agreed that the first date on which we could exercise our right to terminate the capacity purchase agreement without cause would be extended by one year to January 1, 2007.

Beginning July 1, 2004, we have the right to reduce the number of aircraft covered by the contract. Under the agreement, we are entitled to remove capacity under an agreed upon methodology provided that we have given 12 months notice before such action.

Set forth below are estimates of our future minimum noncancelable commitments under the capacity purchase agreement, as amended, excluding the underlying obligations for aircraft and facility rent (in millions):

 

July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003

$   559

 
 

2004

1,153

 
 

2005

894

 
 

2006

912

 
 

2007 and thereafter

   376

 
 

Total

$3,894

 

It is important to note that in making the assumptions used to develop these estimates, we are attempting to estimate our minimum noncancelable commitments and not the amounts that we currently expect to pay to ExpressJet (which are expected to be higher since we do not currently expect to reduce capacity under the agreement to the extent assumed above or terminate the agreement at the earliest possible date). In addition, our actual minimum noncancelable commitments to ExpressJet could differ materially from the estimates discussed above, because actual events could differ materially from the assumptions used to develop these estimates.

NOTE 10 - SEGMENT REPORTING

We have two reportable segments: (1) mainline jet and (2) regional jet and turboprop (turboprops were removed entirely from our fleet in December 2002). We evaluate segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating income (loss). Since assets can be readily moved between the two segments and are often shared, we do not report information about total assets or capital expenditures between the segments.

Financial information for the three and six months ended June 30 by business segment is set forth below (in millions):

 

Three Months     

Ended June 30,    

Six Months       

Ended June 30,    

 

  2003 

  2002 

  2003 

  2002 

         

Operating Revenue:

       
 

Mainline Jet

$1,881 

$1,942 

$3,657 

$3,723 

 

Regional Jet and Turboprop

   335 

   250 

   601 

   463 

 

Total Consolidated

$2,216 

$2,192 

$4,258 

$4,186 

         

Operating Income (Loss):

       
 

Mainline Jet

$   220 

$   (96)

$    40 

$ (227)

 

Regional Jet and Turboprop

     18 

      (19)

( 27)

   (74)

 

Total Consolidated

$   238 

$ (115)

$    13 

$ (301)

           

Net Income (Loss):

       
 

Mainline Jet

$    88 

$ (116)

$  (85)

$ (245)

 

Regional Jet and Turboprop

     (9)

   (23)

  (57)

   (60)

 

Total Consolidated

$    79 

$ (139)

$(142)

$ (305)

The amounts presented above for the regional jet and turboprop segment are not the same as the amounts reported in stand-alone financial statements of Holdings. The amounts presented above are presented on the basis of how our management reviews segment results. Under this basis, the regional jet and turboprop segment's revenue includes a pro-rated share of our ticket revenue for segments flown by Holdings, and expenses include all activity related to the regional jet and turboprop operations, regardless of whether the costs were paid by us or by Holdings. Net income for the regional jet and turboprop segment for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2002 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2002, respectively, reflects a $13 million, $8 million, $25 million and $8 million after-tax reduction in earnings attributable to the minority interest that is reflected in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

Holdings' stand-alone financial statements are based on its results of operations, which are driven almost exclusively by the capacity purchase agreement. Under this agreement, we pay Holdings for each scheduled block hour based on an agreed formula. On this basis, selected results of operations for Holdings were as follows (in millions):

 

Three Months     

Ended June 30,    

Six Months       

Ended June 30,    

 

  2003 

  2002 

  2003 

  2002 

         

Revenue

$320

$270

$627

$535

Operating Income

45

36

88

72

Net Income

27

20

52

40

The minority interest in Holdings' operations reported in our consolidated statement of operations is based on these net income amounts.

NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Financings and Guarantees. We are the guarantor of approximately $1.6 billion aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt special facilities revenue bonds and interest thereon (excludes certain City of Houston bonds and includes a US Airways contingent liability, both discussed below). Excluding the US Airways contingent liability, these bonds, issued by various airport municipalities, are payable solely from our rentals paid under long-term agreements with the respective governing bodies.

In August 2001, the City of Houston completed the offering of $324 million aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt special facilities revenue bonds to finance the construction of Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental Airport. In the aggregate, this project will add 20 gates to our Houston hub. We began using seven gates for domestic operations in June 2003, and expect the entire terminal to be substantially completed by December 2003. The final phase of the Terminal E project, the international ticketing hall facility, is projected to be substantially completed by the City of Houston in the spring of 2005, at which time the City of Houston is also expected to complete a new federal customs and immigration facility, enabling both domestic and international use of the entire Terminal E concourse.

In connection therewith, we entered into a long-term lease with the City of Houston requiring that upon completion of construction, with limited exceptions, we will make rental payments sufficient to service the related tax-exempt bonds through their maturity in 2029. Approximately $174 million of the bond proceeds had been expended as of June 30, 2003 and this project is proceeding within budget. During the construction period, we retain the risks related to our own actions or inactions while managing portions of the construction. Potential obligations associated with these risks are generally limited based upon the percentages of construction costs incurred to date. We have also entered into a binding corporate guaranty with the bond trustee for the repayment of the principal and interest on the bonds that becomes effective upon the completion of construction, our failure to comply with the lease (which is within our control), or our termination of the lease. Further, we have not assumed any c ondemnation risk, casualty event risk (unless caused by us), or risk related to certain overruns (and in the case of cost overruns, our liability for the project would be limited to 89.9% of the capitalized costs) during the construction period. Accordingly, we are not considered the owner of the project and, therefore, have not capitalized the construction costs or recorded the debt obligation in our consolidated financial statements. However, our potential obligation under the guarantee is for payment of the principal of $324 million and related interest charges, at an average rate of 6.78%.

We remain contingently liable until December 1, 2015, for US Airways' obligations under a lease agreement between US Airways and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey related to the East End Terminal at LaGuardia airport. These obligations include the payment of ground rentals to the Port Authority and the payment of principal and interest on $182 million par value special facilities revenue bonds issued by the Port Authority. Upon its emergence from bankruptcy on March 31, 2003, US Airways assumed the lease. If US Airways defaulted on these obligations, we would be required to cure the default, and we would have the right to occupy the terminal.

We also have letters of credit and performance bonds at June 30, 2003 in the amount of $144 million with expiration dates through June 2008.

General Guarantees and Indemnifications. We are the lessee under many real estate leases. It is common in such commercial lease transactions for us to agree to indemnify the lessor and other related third parties for tort liabilities that arise out of or relate to our use or occupancy of the leased premises. In some cases, this indemnity extends to related liabilities arising from the negligence of the indemnified parties, but usually excludes any liabilities caused by their gross negligence or willful misconduct. Additionally, we typically indemnify such parties for any environmental liability that arises out of or relates to our use of the leased premises.

In our aircraft financing agreements, we typically indemnify the financing parties, trustees acting on their behalf and other related parties against liabilities that arise from the manufacture, design, ownership, financing, use, operation and maintenance of the aircraft and for tort liability, whether or not these liabilities arise out of or relate to the negligence of these indemnified parties, except for their gross negligence or willful misconduct.

We expect that we would be covered by insurance (subject to deductibles) for most tort liabilities and related indemnities described above with respect to real estate we lease and aircraft we operate.

In our financing transactions that include loans from banks in which the interest rate is based on LIBOR, we typically agree to reimburse the lenders for certain increased costs that they incur in carrying these loans as a result of any change in law and for any reduced returns with respect to these loans due to any change in capital requirements. We had $1.5 billion of floating rate debt at June 30, 2003. In several financing transactions, with an aggregate carrying value of $930 million and involving loans from non-U.S. banks, export-import banks and other lenders secured by aircraft, we bear the risk of any change in tax laws that would subject loan payments thereunder to non-U.S. lenders to withholding taxes. In addition, in cross-border aircraft lease agreements for two 757 aircraft, we bear the risk of any change in U.S. tax laws that would subject lease payments made by us to a resident of Japan to U.S. taxes. Our lease obligations for these two aircraft totaled $73 million at June 30, 2003 .

We cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under the foregoing indemnities and agreements.

Virgin Atlantic Codeshare Agreement. Effective April 1, 2003, we made adjustments to our codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic Airways eliminating our fixed commitment to purchase seats. We continue to codeshare on each other's flights between New York/Newark and London, and we continue to place our code on seven other routes flown by Virgin Atlantic between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Employees. Collective bargaining agreements between both us and ExpressJet and our respective pilots became amendable in October 2002. After being deferred due to the economic uncertainty following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, negotiations recommenced with the Air Line Pilots Association in September 2002 and are continuing. We continue to believe that mutually acceptable agreements can be reached with our pilots, although the ultimate outcome of the negotiations is unknown at this time.

Environmental Matters. We could be responsible for environmental remediation costs primarily related to jet fuel and solvent contamination surrounding our aircraft maintenance hangar in Los Angeles. In 2001, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board mandated a field study of the site, which was completed in September 2001. We have established a reserve for estimated losses from environmental remediation at Los Angeles and elsewhere in our system, based primarily on third-party environmental remediation costs.

We expect our total losses from environmental matters, net of insurance recoveries, to be $37 million for which we were 100% accrued at June 30, 2003. Although we believe, based on currently available information, that our reserves for potential environmental remediation costs are adequate, reserves could be adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. However, we do not expect these items to materially impact our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Internal Revenue Service Examination. The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of examining our income tax returns for years through 1999 and has indicated that it may disallow certain deductions we claimed. We believe the ultimate resolution of this audit will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Legal Proceedings. Sarah Futch Hall d/b/a/ Travel Specialists v. United Air Lines, et al. (U.S.D.C. Eastern District of North Carolina). This class action was filed in federal court on June 21, 2000 by a travel agent, on behalf of herself and other similarly situated U.S. travel agents, challenging the reduction and ultimate elimination of travel agent base commissions by certain air carriers, including Continental and other domestic and international air carriers. The amended complaint alleges an unlawful agreement among the airline defendants to reduce, cap or eliminate commissions in violation of federal antitrust laws during the years 1997 to 2002. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and treble damages, injunctive relief and their attorneys' fees. The class was certified on September 18, 2002. Discovery has been completed. Summary judgment and other motions are pending. Recently, the Court set a new trial date of February 2, 2004. We believe the plaintiffs' claims are without mer it and are vigorously defending this lawsuit. A final adverse court decision awarding substantial money damages, however, would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

We and/or certain of our subsidiaries are defendants in various other lawsuits, including suits relating to certain environmental claims, and proceedings arising in the normal course of business. While the outcome of these lawsuits and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, it is our opinion, after consulting with counsel, that the ultimate disposition of such suits will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

Results of Operations.

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are not limited to historical facts, but reflect our current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events. In connection therewith, please see the risk factors set forth in our 2002 10-K, which identify important factors such as the war in Iraq, terrorist attacks and the resulting regulatory developments and costs, our recent operating losses and special charges, our high leverage and significant financing needs, our historical operating results, the significant cost of aircraft fuel, labor costs, certain tax matters, the Japanese economy and currency risk, competition and industry conditions, regulatory matters and the seasonal nature of the airline business, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the foregoing risks, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve the pre-tax contributions from the revenue-generating and cost-reducing initiatives discussed below, some of which will depend, among other matters, on customer acceptance and competitor actions. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report.

General information about us can be found at www.continental.com/About Continental/Investor Relations. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to those reports, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC.

OVERVIEW

Despite recent improvements, the current U.S. domestic airline environment continues to be one of the worst in airline history, and could deteriorate further. Please see the "Overview" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2002 10-K for a detailed discussion of the financial and operational challenges we face.

Subsequent to the filing of our 2002 10-K, several significant developments adversely affected our results.

First, the United States and certain of its allies commenced military actions in Iraq. The hostilities and post-war unrest in Iraq significantly reduced our bookings and lowered passenger traffic. Second, the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or "SARS", in China, Hong Kong, Canada and elsewhere caused a further decline in passenger traffic, particularly to Hong Kong and some of the other Asian cities we serve. Both of these events disproportionately affected our international passenger traffic. We responded to the reduced actual and anticipated demand by reducing capacity on certain trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes (including the suspension of our flights between Hong Kong and Newark from April 2003 until August 2003) and by reducing our summer schedule.

In March 2003, we announced plans to implement measures designed to improve our current 2004 pre-tax outlook by $500 million, although we have not yet identified all of the measures to achieve that goal, nor have we been able to implement all identified savings opportunities. We currently believe that we will realize more than $150 million in pre-tax benefits in 2003 as these initiatives are implemented.

During the second quarter of 2003, we agreed to defer firm deliveries of 36 Boeing 737 aircraft that were originally scheduled for delivery in 2005, 2006 and 2007. These aircraft will now be delivered in 2008 and beyond. In connection with the deferrals, we have recorded a charge of $14 million in fleet impairment losses and other special charges. Additionally, we are in discussions with Boeing regarding the terms of delivery of the 11 remaining 757-300 aircraft that we have on order. With current planned deliveries of new Boeing aircraft in 2003 and 2004 and retirements of older MD-80s and 737-300s, we currently expect our mainline fleet to decline slightly through 2007. With the exit of the MD-80s by January 2005, we will operate just three common-rated mainline jet fleet types, consisting of the Boeing 737, 757/767 and 777 aircraft.

In spite of these measures, increased hostilities in the Middle East, continued soft demand or yields, or cost increases outside our control (such as fuel, security and insurance) could lead to further reductions in service, including service to small and medium-sized communities, and further job eliminations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations and reasons for material changes therein for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the corresponding periods ended June 30, 2002.

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 to Three Months Ended June 30, 2002

We recorded consolidated net income of $79 million for the second quarter of 2003 as compared to consolidated net loss of $139 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002. The primary reasons for the change were a $176 million security fee reimbursement received from the federal government under the supplemental appropriations bill enacted in April 2003 and a fleet impairment loss and other special charges of $164 million in 2002. The following discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations and other reasons for material changes therein for the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the corresponding period in 2002.

Total passenger revenue decreased 1.7%, $36 million, during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002, which was principally due to traffic and capacity declines. These traffic and capacity declines were largely due to a reduction in certain international flights in response to decreased demand during the war in Iraq and related to SARS. Yield was 1.2% lower in the second quarter of 2003 than in the second quarter 2002 primarily as a result of continued weakness in the number of business travelers.

 

Comparisons of passenger revenue, revenue per available seat mile (RASM) and available seat miles (ASMs) by geographic region for our mainline jet and regional jet and turboprop (turboprops were removed entirely from our fleet in 2002) operations are shown below:

Increase (Decrease) for Second Quarter 2003 vs. Second Quarter 2002

 

Passenger Revenue

RASM

ASMs

       

Domestic

(4.2)%

 

1.0 %

(5.2)%

Latin America

(1.7)%

 

1.3 %

(2.9)%

Trans-Atlantic

(6.7)%

 

2.2 %

(8.7)%

Pacific

(31.3)%

 

(13.9)%

(20.3)%

Total Mainline Jet Operations

(6.3)%

 

0.5 %

(6.8)%

         

Regional Jet and Turboprop

32.2 %

 

(2.3)%

35.2 %

Cargo, mail and other revenue increased 46.2%, $60 million, during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002 primarily due to military charter flights, higher mail volumes and revenue-generating initiatives.

Wages, salaries and related costs increased 2.1%, $16 million, during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002, primarily due to higher wage rates and pension costs, partially offset by a 3.4% reduction in the average number of employees.

Aircraft fuel expense increased 18.9%, $48 million, in the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in the prior year. The average jet fuel price per gallon increased 22.9% from 68.27 cents in the second quarter of 2002 to 83.90 cents in the second quarter of 2003. Fuel consumption was down 7.2% as a result of reduced flights and more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Landing fees and other rentals decreased 5.0%, $8 million, primarily due to lower rent at certain airports as a result of the reduced number of flights.

Maintenance, materials and repairs increased 5.9%, $7 million, in the second quarter of 2003 compared to the second quarter of 2002 primarily due to increases in the engine cost per hour contract rates.

Commission expense decreased 36.8%, $21 million, during 2003 as compared to 2002 primarily due to the elimination of domestic base commissions in 2002.

Other operating expense decreased 12.8%, $37 million, in the three months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of lower insurance costs and cost saving measures.

Other nonoperating income (expense) in the three months ended June 30, 2003 included foreign currency gains of $4 million and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries of $4 million.

Our effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to expenses that are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, state income taxes and the accrual in 2003 of income tax expense on our share of Holdings' net income.

Minority interest represents the portion of Holdings' net income attributable to the 46.9% of Holdings that we do not own.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 to Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

We recorded consolidated net loss of $142 million for the first half of 2003 as compared to consolidated net loss of $305 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The primary reasons for the change were a $176 million security fee reimbursement received from the federal government under the supplemental appropriations bill enacted in April 2003 and $175 million higher fleet impairment losses and other special charges in 2002 than in 2003. The following discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations and other reasons for material changes therein for the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the corresponding period in 2002.

Total passenger revenue decreased 0.9%, $36 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002, which was principally due to traffic and capacity declines. These traffic and capacity declines were largely due to a reduction in certain international flights in response to decreased demand during the war in Iraq and related to SARS. These declines were offset in part by slightly higher yield.

Comparisons of passenger revenue, revenue per available seat mile (RASM) and available seat miles (ASMs) by geographic region for our mainline jet and regional jet and turboprop (turboprops were removed entirely from our fleet in 2002) operations are shown below:

Increase (Decrease) for June 30, 2003 YTD vs. June 30, 2002 YTD

 

Passenger Revenue

RASM

ASMs

       

Domestic

(4.6)%

 

0.2 %

(4.8)%

Latin America

(2.0)%

 

(2.2)%

0.3 %

Trans-Atlantic

(1.0)%

 

(2.7)%

1.8 %

Pacific

(17.8)%

 

(11.7)%

(6.9)%

Total Mainline Jet Operations

(4.8)%

 

(1.6)%

(3.2)%

         

Regional Jet and Turboprop

28.3 %

 

(1.2)%

29.9 %

Cargo, mail and other revenue increased 42.9%, $108 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002 primarily due to military charter flights, higher mail volumes and revenue-generating initiatives.

Wages, salaries and related costs increased 4.3%, $63 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002, primarily due to higher wage rates and pension costs, partially offset by a 1.7% reduction in the average number of employees.

Aircraft fuel expense increased 40.5%, $187 million, in the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in the prior year. The average jet fuel price per gallon increased 41.6% to 91.17 cents in the first six months of 2003 from 64.37 cents in the first six months of 2002. Fuel consumption was down 4.2% as a result of reduced flights and more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Landing fees and other rentals decreased 5.3%, $17 million, primarily due to lower rent at certain airports.

Maintenance, materials and repairs increased 12.1%, $28 million, in the first half of 2003 compared to the first half of 2002 primarily due to increases in the engine cost per hour contract rates.

Commission expense decreased 43.8%, $56 million, during 2003 as compared to 2002 primarily due to the elimination of domestic base commissions in 2002.

Other operating expense decreased 12.7%, $74 million, in the six months ended June 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of lower insurance costs and cost saving measures.

Other nonoperating income (expense) in the six months ended June 30, 2003 included foreign currency gains of $5 million and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries of $6 million, offset by the write-off of our $6 million investment in Cordiem LLC, an internet-based procurement service.

Our effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to expenses that are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, state income taxes and the accrual in 2003 of income tax expense on our share of Holdings' net income.

Minority interest represents the portion of Holdings' net income attributable to the 46.9% of Holdings that we do not own.

 

Certain Statistical Information

An analysis of statistical information for our operations for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

Three Months Ended   

     

 

          June 30,             

Increase/ 

 

 2003   

   2002   

(Decrease)

       

Mainline Jet Statistics:

     

Revenue passengers (thousands)

10,120

10,727

(5.7)%

Revenue passenger miles (millions) (1)

14,673

15,486

(5.2)%

Available seat miles (millions) (2)

19,168

20,573

(6.8)%

Cargo ton miles (millions)

225

224

0.4 %

Passenger load factor (3)

76.5%

75.3%

1.2 pts.

Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents)

8.86

8.82

0.5 %

Total revenue per available seat mile (cents)

9.81

9.44

3.9 %

Operating cost per available seat mile including security

  fee reimbursement and fleet impairment losses and

  special charges (cents)

 

8.67

 

9.91

 

(12.5)%

Security fee reimbursement and fleet impairment losses

  and special charges per available seat mile (cents)

(0.83)

0.78

NM   

Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) (4)

11.58

11.71

(1.1)%

Average price per gallon of fuel, excluding

  fuel taxes (cents)

83.90

68.27

22.9 %

Average price per gallon of fuel, including

  fuel taxes (cents)

88.10

72.34

21.8 %

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)

308

332

(7.2)%

Average fare per revenue passenger

$167.87

$169.11

(0.7)%

Average length of aircraft flight (miles)

1,252

1,230

1.8 %

Average daily utilization of each aircraft (hours) (5)

9:21

9:41

(2.1)%

Actual aircraft in fleet at end of period (6)

358

374

(4.3)%

       

Regional Jet and Turboprop Statistics:

     

Revenue passengers (thousands)

2,924

2,372

23.3 %

Revenue passenger miles (millions) (1)

1,456

1,003

45.2 %

Available seat miles (millions) (2)

2,073

1,533

35.2 %

Passenger load factor (3)

70.2%

65.4%

4.8 pts.

       

Consolidated Statistics:

     

Consolidated passenger load factor (3)

75.9%

74.6%

1.3  pts.

Consolidated breakeven passenger load factor (7)

70.1%

85.7%

(15.6) pts.

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended    

     

 

            June 30,             

Increase/ 

 

 2003   

   2002   

(Decrease)

       

Mainline Jet Statistics:

     

Revenue passengers (thousands)

19,365

20,784

(6.8)%

Revenue passenger miles (millions) (1)

27,947

29,518

(5.3)%

Available seat miles (millions) (2)

38,244

39,525

(3.2)%

Cargo ton miles (millions)

458

432

6.0 %

Passenger load factor (3)

73.1%

74.7%

(1.6) pts.

Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents)

8.66

8.79

(1.5)%

Total revenue per available seat mile (cents)

9.56

9.42

1.5 %

Operating cost per available seat mile including security

  fee reimbursement and fleet impairment losses and

  special charges (cents)

 

9.46

 

10.00

 

(5.4)%

Security fee reimbursement and fleet impairment losses

  and special charges per available seat mile (cents)

(0.24)

0.64

NM   

Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) (4)

11.84

11.77

0.6 %

Average price per gallon of fuel, excluding

  fuel taxes (cents)

91.17

64.37

41.6 %

Average price per gallon of fuel, including

  fuel taxes (cents)

95.44

68.51

39.3 %

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)

613

640

(4.2)%

Average fare per revenue passenger

$170.93

$167.22

2.2 %

Average length of aircraft flight (miles)

1,254

1,203

4.2 %

Average daily utilization of each aircraft (hours) (5)

9:20

9:36

(1.7)%

Actual aircraft in fleet at end of period (6)

358

374

(4.3)%

       

Regional Jet and Turboprop Statistics:

     

Revenue passengers (thousands)

5,197

4,377

18.7 %

Revenue passenger miles (millions) (1)

2,534

1,838

37.9 %

Available seat miles (millions) (2)

3,840

2,956

29.9 %

Passenger load factor (3)

66.0%

62.2%

3.8 pts.

       

Consolidated Statistics:

     

Consolidated passenger load factor (3)

72.4%

73.8%

(1.4) pts.

Consolidated breakeven passenger load factor (7)

77.2%

86.4%

(9.2) pts.

__________________

  1. The number of scheduled miles flown by revenue passengers.
  2. The number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of scheduled miles that those seats are flown.
  3. Revenue passenger miles divided by available seat miles.
  4. The average revenue received for each mile a revenue passenger is carried.
  5. The average number of hours per day that an aircraft flown in revenue service is operated (from gate departure to gate arrival).
  6. Excludes aircraft that are either temporarily or permanently removed from service.
  7. The percentage of seats that must be occupied by revenue passengers for us to break even on a net income basis. Security fee reimbursement and fleet impairment losses and other special charges in the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 included in the consolidated breakeven passenger load factor account for a decrease of 7.4, an increase of 8.3, a decrease of 2.3 and an increase of 6.6 percentage points, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

As of June 30, 2003, we had $1.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, which is $285 million higher than at December 31, 2002. Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2003 included $129 million of restricted cash held by us and $118 million of cash held by Holdings (to which we do not have access). The restricted cash is primarily collateral for letters of credit and interest rate swap agreements. Our cash balance at June 30, 2003 was positively impacted by the May 2003 receipt of $176 million from the United States government pursuant to a supplemental appropriations bill enacted in April 2003 and the financings discussed below.

Operating Activities. Cash flows provided by operations for the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $225 million compared to cash flows used in operations of $24 million in the comparable period of 2002. The 2003 period was impacted by the security fee reimbursement and the 2002 period was impacted by our January 2002 payment of $168 million in transportation taxes, the payment of which had been deferred pursuant to the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act.

We expect to incur a significant loss for the full year 2003. Absent adverse factors outside our control such as those described herein or in our 2002 10-K, we believe that our liquidity and access to cash will be sufficient to fund our current operations through 2004 (and beyond if we are successful in implementing our previously announced revenue-generating and cost cutting measures). These measures, which are designed to permit us to operate profitably in a prolonged low-fare environment, are as follows:

Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities, primarily capital expenditures, were $85 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and $428 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002, reflecting fewer aircraft deliveries in 2003.

We have substantial commitments for capital expenditures, including for the acquisition of new aircraft. See Note 5. Capital expenditures for the full year 2003 are expected to be $260 million, or $210 million when reduced by purchase deposits to be refunded, net of purchase deposits paid, in 2003. Through June 30, 2003, our capital expenditures totaled $107 million and net purchase deposits refunded totaled $20 million. Projected capital expenditures consist of $90 million of fleet expenditures, $100 million of non-fleet expenditures and $70 million for rotable parts and capitalized interest.

Financing Activities. Cash flows provided by financing activities, primarily the issuance of long-term debt, were $53 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $499 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002. The 2002 amount includes $447 million received in the initial public offering of Holdings.

In May 2003, we issued $100 million of floating rate secured subordinated notes due December 2007. The notes are secured by a portion of our spare parts inventory. The notes bear interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus 7.5%, for an initial all-in rate of 8.78%.

In May 2003, we incurred $96 million of floating rate indebtedness under a term loan agreement that matures in May 2011. This indebtedness is secured by a portion of our spare engines and initially bears interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.5%, for an initial all-in rate of 4.78%.

In June 2003, we issued $175 million of 5% Convertible Notes due 2023. The notes are convertible into our Class B common stock at an initial conversion price of $20 per share, subject to certain conditions on conversion. The notes are redeemable for cash at our option on or after June 18, 2010 at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Holders may require us to repurchase the notes on June 15 of 2010, 2013 or 2018 or in the event of certain changes in control at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. We may at our option choose to pay this repurchase price in cash or in shares of common stock or any combination thereof, except in certain circumstances involving a change in control, in which case we will be required to pay cash.

In addition, in May 2003, ExpressJet incurred $11 million of floating rate indebtedness under a term loan agreement that matures in May 2011, which is secured by a flight simulator for Embraer aircraft. ExpressJet used the proceeds to repay a portion of its indebtedness to us.

On several occasions subsequent to September 11, 2001, each of Moody's Investors Service, Standard and Poor's and Fitch, IBCA, Duff & Phelps downgraded the credit ratings of a number of major airlines, including our credit ratings. Additional downgrades were made in March and April 2003 and further downgrades are possible. As of June 30, 2003, our senior unsecured debt was rated Caa2 by Moody's, CCC+ by Standard and Poor's and CCC+ by Fitch, IBCA, Duff & Phelps. Reductions in our credit ratings have increased the interest we pay on new issuances of debt and may increase the cost and reduce the availability of financing to us in the future. We do not have any debt obligations that would be accelerated as a result of a credit rating downgrade.

Under the most restrictive provisions of a credit facility agreement with an outstanding balance of $71 million at June 30, 2003, we are required to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance of $600 million. Also, under a separate agreement with an outstanding balance of $43 million at June 30, 2003, we are required to maintain a minimum 1:1 ratio of EBITDAR (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and aircraft rentals) to fixed charges, which consist of interest expense, aircraft rental expense, cash income taxes and cash dividends, for the previous four quarters. We met both of these covenants at June 30, 2003 and believe that we will be able to meet them for the remainder of 2003.

We do not currently have any undrawn lines of credit and substantially all of our otherwise readily financeable assets are encumbered.

We have utilized proceeds from the issuance of pass-through certificates to finance the acquisition of 257 leased and owned mainline jet aircraft. Typically, these pass-through certificates, as well as a separate financing secured by aircraft spare parts, contain liquidity facilities whereby a third party agrees to make payments sufficient to pay at least 18 months of interest on the applicable certificates if a payment default occurs. The liquidity providers for these certificates include the following: Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen Girozentrale, Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Westdentsche Landesbank Girozentrale, AIG Matched Funding Corp., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Credit Suisse First Boston, Caisse des Depots et Consignations, Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale, ING Bank N.V. and De Nationale Investeringsbank N.V.

We currently utilize policy providers to provide credit support on three separate financings with an outstanding principal balance of $585 million at June 30, 2003. The policy providers have unconditionally guaranteed the payment of interest on the notes when due and the payment of principal on the notes no later than 24 months after the final scheduled payment date. Policy providers on these notes are MBIA Insurance Corporation (a subsidiary of MBIA, Inc.), Ambac Assurance Corporation (a subsidiary of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.) and Financial Security Assurance, Inc. (a subsidiary of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.). Financial information for the parent companies of these policy providers is available over the internet at the SEC's website at http//www.sec.gov or at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C.

Income Taxes.  As of December 31, 2002, we had a net deferred tax liability of $355 million including gross deferred tax assets aggregating $1,801 million, $704 million related to net operating losses ("NOLs"), and a valuation allowance of $603 million.

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 382") imposes limitations on a corporation's ability to utilize NOLs if it experiences an "ownership change." In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership of certain stockholders in the stock of a corporation by more than 50 percentage points over a three-year period. In the event of an ownership change, utilization of our NOLs would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 determined by multiplying the value of our stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable federal long-term tax-exempt rate (which was 4.45% for June 2003). Any unused annual limitation may be carried over to later years. The amount of the limitation may be increased under certain circumstances by the built-in gains in assets held by us at the time of the change that are recognized in the five-year period after the change. Under current conditions, if an ownership change were to occur, our annual NOL util ization would be limited to approximately $43 million per year other than through the recognition of future built-in gain transactions.

The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of examining our income tax returns for years through 1999 and has indicated that it may disallow certain deductions we claimed. We believe the ultimate resolution of this audit will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Employees. Collective bargaining agreements between both us and ExpressJet and our respective pilots became amendable in October 2002. After being deferred due to the economic uncertainty following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, negotiations recommenced with the Air Line Pilots Association in September 2002 and are continuing. We continue to believe that mutually acceptable agreements can be reached with our pilots, although the ultimate outcome of the negotiations is unknown at this time.

Pension Plans. We have a noncontributory defined benefit plan covering substantially all our employees. As of December 31, 2002, this plan was underfunded by approximately $1.2 billion as measured by SFAS 87, "Employers Accounting for Pensions". We contributed $42 million to our plan on June 30, 2003 and expect to make additional contributions of at least $47 million by December 31, 2003.

OUTLOOK

Based on current information and trends (including currently anticipated unit revenue and costs), we expect to incur a significant loss for the fourth quarter and full year 2003. We expect our mainline passenger load factor to be flat or slightly higher for the full year compared to 2002, although against reduced capacity. We may make further reductions in capacity in response to market conditions. The reduced capacity, coupled with the fact that many of our costs are fixed in the intermediate to long term, will continue to drive higher unit costs.

We currently expect our net cash flows for the third quarter of 2003 to be breakeven, including required debt payments and capital expenditures.

We also have significant future funding requirements for our pension plan beyond 2003. Absent any changes to the plan (which in most cases are subject to collective bargaining agreements with our unions), changes in governing legislation or a waiver by the Internal Revenue Service of required payments, the minimum funding requirement in 2004 related to the 2002 plan year is approximately $240 million. We expect that minimum funding requirements in 2004 relating to the 2003 plan year will also be significant. Investment returns on plan assets, changes to the discount rate used to value the pension liability and the possibility that we will make higher than required contributions in 2003 will also impact the required contributions in 2004.

We believe that our costs are likely to be affected in the future by a number of factors, which are discussed in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Overview" of our 2002 10-K.

OTHER

In March 2003, the Department of Transportation completed its review of our marketing agreement with Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, which we have now begun to implement. When fully implemented, this alliance will involve codesharing, reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and reciprocal airport lounge privileges.

Effective April 1, 2003, we made adjustments to our codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic Airways eliminating our fixed commitment to purchase seats. We continue to codeshare on each other's flights between New York/Newark and London, and Continental places its code on other routes flown by Virgin Atlantic between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2002 10-K except as follows:

Our results of operations are significantly impacted by changes in the price of aircraft fuel. From time to time, we enter into petroleum call options and petroleum swap agreements to provide short-term protection (generally three to nine months) against a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. As of June 30, 2003, we had hedged approximately 25% of our remaining 2003 projected fuel requirements using petroleum call options. We estimate that a 10% increase in the price per gallon of aircraft fuel would increase the fair value of petroleum call options existing at June 30, 2003 by approximately $13 million.

Also, as of June 30, 2003, we entered into option and forward contracts to hedge approximately 58% of our projected yen-denominated net cash flows for the remainder of 2003. We estimate that at June 30, 2003, a 10% strengthening in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the yen would have increased the fair value of the existing option and forward contracts by $5 million, offset by a corresponding loss on the underlying 2003 Japanese yen exposure of $7 million, resulting in a net loss of $2 million.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

On July 15, 2003, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have been designed to permit us to effectively identify and timely disclose important information. They concluded that the controls and procedures were effective. We have made no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our internal controls since July 15, 2003.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

None.

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 14, 2003. The following individuals were elected to the Company's Board of Directors to hold office for the ensuing year:

NOMINEE

VOTES FOR 

VOTES WITHHELD

     

Thomas J. Barrack, Jr.

49,448,286

2,737,605

Gordon M. Bethune

48,610,194

3,575,697

David Bonderman

49,447,168

2,738,723

Kirbyjon H. Caldwell

49,379,509

2,806,382

Patrick Foley

49,522,543

2,663,348

Lawrence W. Kellner

49,522,444

2,663,447

Douglas H. McCorkindale

49,533,465

2,652,426

George G. C. Parker

49,398,216

2,787,675

Richard W. Pogue

49,514,365

2,671,526

William S. Price III

49,465,151

2,720,740

Donald L. Sturm

49,514,300

2,671,591

Karen Hastie Williams

45,853,835

6,332,056

Charles A. Yamarone

49,453,799

2,732,092

A proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 was voted on by the stockholders as follows:

  Votes For  

Votes Against

Votes Abstaining

Broker Non-Votes

       

50,402,099

1,711,223

72,569

-

 

A proposal that stockholders request that the Company annually submit to a stockholder vote any poison pill adopted since the previous annual meeting and/or currently in place was voted on by the stockholders as follows:

 

  Votes For  

Votes Against

Votes Abstaining

Broker Non-Votes

       

17,464,270

6,676,173

266,221

27,779,227

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

  1. Exhibits:
  2.  

    10.1

    Agreement between the Company and the United States of America, acting through the Transportation Security Administration, dated May 7, 2003.

     

    10.2

    Agreement between the Company and Gordon M. Bethune, dated May 19, 2003.

     

    10.3

    Agreement between the Company and Lawrence W. Kellner, dated May 19, 2003.

     

    10.4

    Supplemental Agreement No. 19 to Agreement of Lease between the Company and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport.

     

    99.1

    Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  3. Reports on Form 8-K:

 

(i)

Report dated March 28, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with this report, which reported the downgrading of our corporate credit rating and included a press release reporting our March 2003 performance and our estimated consolidated breakeven load factor for April 2003.

     
 

(ii)

Report dated April 15, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with this report, which included a press release reporting our first quarter 2003 results of operations and a letter to investors and analysts related to our financial and operational outlook for the second quarter and full year 2003.

     
 

(iii)

Report dated May 1, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with the report, which included a press release reporting our April 2003 performance and our estimated consolidated breakeven load factor for May 2003.

     
 

(iv)

Report dated May 9, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with this report, which included a press release announcing the closing of an offering of $100 million of Floating Rate Secured Subordinated Notes due December 2007.

     
 

(v)

Report dated May 14, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with the report, which included a press release announcing the election by our Board of Directors of Ronald B. Woodard to fill a vacancy on the Board.

     
 

(vi)

Report dated June 2, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with the report, which included a press release reporting our May 2003 performance and our estimated consolidated breakeven load factor for June 2003.

     
 

(vii)

Report dated June 4, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with the report, which included a press release announcing a proposed offering of $150 million of 5% Convertible Notes due 2023 pursuant to Rule 144A.

     
 

(viii)

Report dated June 5, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with the report, which included a letter to investors and analysts related to our financial and operational outlook for the second quarter of and for the full year 2003.

     
 

(ix)

Report dated June 10, 2003, reporting Item 9. "Regulation FD Disclosure". No financial statements were filed with this report, which included exhibits related to data being presented by certain of our officers at a conference.

     
 

(x)

Report dated June 10, 2003, reporting Item 5. "Other Events". No financial statements were filed with the report, which included a press release announcing the completion of our sale of $175 million principal amount of our 5% Convertible Notes due 2023.

     
     

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.          

   

                     Registrant

     
     
     

Date: July 17, 2003    

by:

/s/ Jeffrey J. Misner                        

   

Jeffrey J. Misner

   

Senior Vice President and

   

Chief Financial Officer

   

(On behalf of Registrant)

     

Date: July 17, 2003    

by:

/s/ Chris Kenny                               

   

Chris Kenny

   

Staff Vice President and Controller

   

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Gordon M. Bethune, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Continental Airlines, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
  2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
  3. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  1. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
  2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: July 17, 2003

/s/ Gordon M. Bethune                               

Gordon M. Bethune

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

I, Jeffrey J. Misner, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Continental Airlines, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
  2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
  3. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most

recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's

board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  1. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
  2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: July 17, 2003

/s/ Jeffrey J. Misner                                    

Jeffrey J. Misner

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

OF

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

10.1

Agreement between the Company and the United States of America, acting through the Transportation Security Administration, dated May 7, 2003.

10.2

Agreement between the Company and Gordon M. Bethune, dated May 19, 2003.

10.3

Agreement between the Company and Lawrence W. Kellner, dated May 19, 2003.

10.4

Supplemental Agreement No. 19 to Agreement of Lease between the Company and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport.

99.1

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.