CONTINENTAL AIRLINES AND BRISTOL AIRPORT LAUNCH POCKET GUIDE TO TRANSATLANTIC TRAVEL

Summary of information and incentives now available for agents

Bristol Airport has launched a pocket guide aimed at providing travel agents with more information about Continental Airlines’ Bristol to New York service. The dedicated guide includes timetable information and details of benefits available to passengers flying the South West’s only direct scheduled route to the United States. It also highlights the improved passenger experience resulting from infrastructure improvements and Bristol Airport’s new brand, which promises ‘Amazing Journeys Start Here’. Incentives include free parking in Bristol Airport’s Premier Car Park, situated immediately opposite the terminal building, for Continental BusinessFirst (business class) passengers. No advance reservation is required, with passengers simply taking a ticket on entry before being provided with an exit pass by Continental’s concierge at check-in. BusinessFirst passengers also enjoy exclusive use of on-site executive showers, enabling them to freshen up following their overnight return flight from the US. The showers – including a facility for passengers with reduced mobility – are conveniently located in the terminal building and stocked with luxury Temple Spa products. Passengers can pre-arrange use of the showers at the time of booking or during the return flight to Bristol. With air traffic control delays a rare occurrence and taxiing times minimal, Bristol Airport offers a speedy journey from ‘airside to kerbside’ for arriving passengers. Continental is currently installing its new BusinessFirst flat-bed seat across the 757-200 fleet which operates the Bristol-New York service. The fully lie-flat seat reclines 180 degrees to provide 6’4” of sleeping space. Audio and Video On-Demand entertainment is also available throughout the aircraft. Jason Wescott, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bristol Airport, said: “Continental’s New York flight remains the only direct scheduled service to the US from the South West and Wales. It is fast approaching its fifth anniversary in May, and we are keen to remind agents across the region of the benefits their customers can enjoy by booking Continental.” Earlier this month Bristol Airport marked the tenth anniversary of its terminal building by unveiling a new brand identity to guide its business over the next decade. The new brand represents ‘people’, ‘place’ and ‘region’ – the three pillars on which the airport’s success rests – and promises ‘Amazing Journeys Start Here’. The airport celebrates its 80th anniversary in May and the terminal is expected to handle its 50 millionth passenger towards the end of the year. A number of significant improvements to the airport will also be officially opened over the coming months. These include a 450m long walkway linking the terminal to aircraft stands on the western apron. The walkway will reduce the need for buses to transfer passengers between the terminal building and arriving and departing planes. A state-of-the-art ‘walk through’ tax and duty free store will also open in the spring, with regional products showcased in a ‘Best of the West’ range. A new fleet of buses will also shortly begin operating an improved Flyer service between Bristol and the airport. Ends For further information please contact: James Gore, Bristol Airport, 01275 475447 / 07717 896315 Jacqui Mills, Bristol Airport, 01275 473615 / 07712 792915