- 11 April 2008 -
Continental Airlines Receives
EPA Award for Use of Non-Toxic Pretreatment in Aircraft Painting Process

Continental Airlines, the industry’s fifth-largest carrier, has received an award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) Program. The honor is in recognition of the airline's use of PreKote, an environmentally friendly, non-chromium surface pretreatment for its aircraft. Continental is the first commercial air carrier to use this technology—which is produced by Pantheon Chemical—on its aircraft.

"Continental is pleased to be acknowledged by the EPA for our part in using a more environmentally friendly product," said Mark Moran, Continental's executive vice president of operations. "Continental is always looking for 'green' alternatives, which support not only our commitment to the environment but also ensures our employees have a great place to work."

The purported benefits of this technology include: the elimination of toxins and hazardous chemicals used in pretreating aircraft prior to repainting; improved worker health and safety conditions; and the reduction of wastewater as a result of the process.

"We applaud Continental Airlines for its leadership in health and environmental stewardship," said Richard E. Greene, EPA Regional Administrator. "This is an important national effort to safeguard human health and protect the environment."

Continental's use of the PreKote product is part of a company-wide commitment to environmental responsibility. The airline has achieved a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption per mainline revenue passenger mile flown over the past 10 years. This is due, in large part, to the efforts of its employees in streamlining operational procedures and to an investment of more than $12 billion to acquire 270 fuel-efficient aircraft and related equipment. In addition, Continental has reduced by 75% nitrogen-oxide emissions from ground equipment at the carrier's largest hub, in Houston, by switching to electric ground service equipment and other new technology. Continental also remains committed to investing in a fuel-efficient fleet, and has also partnered with Boeing and GE Aviation to conduct a biofuels demonstration flight, planned for the first half of 2009.