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(it's capital with a small 'c' by the way!)

Continental boss reveals high hopes for NY route

THE chief executive of Continental Airlines has vowed the company's
new route between Edinburgh and New York will be a success.

Gordon Bethune believes the daily direct flight between the Capital
and Newark will be a hit with business travellers and tourists alike.

Despite problems experienced by other carriers, including Duo which
went bust earlier this month with debts of £20 million, Mr Bethune was
upbeat about his plans for the new route.

Fares will range from £190 in the winter up to £440 in the summer, and
Continental expects to carry more than 75,000 passengers during the
first year.

Mr Bethune said Continental's knowledge of the Scottish market,
coupled with its international standing would prevent a repeat of the
Duo scenario which left thousands of passengers stranded.

He said: "I think what you need to do is choose your carriers wisely.
We did not pursue this because of some underlying subsidy.

"We chose this because Edinburgh is a great market - it is a huge
market which is under-serviced.

"We think it has great potential and we are committed to the route.

"More companies will choose to do business here because it will be so
much easier to get to.

"More people from across America will be able to get here just by
making one stop at Newark."