Continental Airlines (simply known as Continental) was a major airline in the United States that operated from 1934 until it merged with United Airlines in 2012. It had ownership interests and brand partnerships with several carriers.
On 12th February 1991, Continental unveiled a new logo and livery. The logo shows a part of a globe with highlighted longitudes and latitudes. The new look was the result of 14 months of research and design by Lippincott & Margulies in New York.
“We want to send a strong signal to the world that we are new and improved, that we are strong and that we are putting the negative events of the past behind us”
— Continental chairman Hollis Harris in an article
In 2004, Continental entered the SkyTeam alliance along with Northwest/KLM and CSA. In 2009, Continental left SkyTeam to join Star Alliance. In April 2010, Continental announced that plans to merge with United Airlines. The combined entity adopted the United name and Continental's visual identity. The merger occurred on the 30th November 2011 and Continental ceased operations and merged with United Airlines on 3rd March 2012.
Notes 1Merged with United Airlines, a Star Alliance founding member. 2Merged with American Airlines, a Oneworld founding member. 3As Connecting Partner before closure. 4Renamed as LATAM Airlines Brazil and LATAM Airlines Paraguay 2 years after leave the alliance.
Former/suspended cargo members Defunct:Alitalia Cargo1 | Czech Airlines Cargo1 | Northwest Airlines Cargo4 Active:China Airlines Cargo | China Southern Airlines Cargo Active, but suspended:Aeroflot Cargo1
Notes 1Operated under its parent passenger airline instead as a standalone freighter airline. 2Merged with United Airlines, a Star Alliance founding member. 3Transfer to Star Alliance after its partner Continental Airlines merged with United Airlines. 4Merged with Delta Air Lines/Delta Cargo. 5Originally known as Dobrolet, now defunct and restructured.