Continental Joins BCD In Call For ACTE-NBTA Merger

Continental Airlines has joined BCD Travel in urging ACTE and NBTA to reconsider a merger. Here's the Continental letter to the boards of the associations, in its entirety:
June 29, 2009

Association of Corporate Travel Executives

Attn: Board of Directors

515 King Street

Suite 440

Alexandria, VA 22314

National Business Travel Association

Attn: Board of Directors

110 North Royal Street

4th Floor

Alexandria, VA 22314

Dear Colleagues:

On behalf of Continental Airlines, I'd like to offer our thoughts on  

the potential merger of ACTE and NBTA, which has been a longstanding  

topic of discussion in the corporate marketplace.  Given the recent  

discussions that have resurfaced, and the fact that it appeared to be  

close to becoming a reality, we wanted to take this opportunity to  

encourage both organizations to reconsider a merger.

Continental has been a long time supporter and contributor to both  

organizations for many years. We believe each organization has been  

successful through it's accomplishments that have benefited the entire  

travel industry - quality programs and education, raising awareness on  

issues that are critical to the business travel industry and providing  

a global platform.  It's been an incredible journey of growth for both  

organizations and we are proud to have been an active member and  

played a part.

Today, all stakeholders - not just the airlines - are facing  

unprecedented times.  Business travel has been dealt a blow in this  

global recession and corporations are cutting costs and forced to make  

tough decisions.  All of our colleagues in the industry are impacted  

in some way and many have lost their jobs as part of cost cutting  

measures.  Both buyers and suppliers are challenged and it's  

imperative that as an industry we be as efficient, as nimble and  

resourceful as ever and cost is a focus for all.

We believe this is the perfect time and opportunity to merge the best  

of both worlds to create a winning, global business travel  

association.  Both ACTE and NBTA have great strengths and synergies  

and it's time to bring them together.

I am writing to you, the Board of Directors of both organizations, to  

appeal to you to give the potential merger of the ACTE and NBTA  

organizations the careful consideration it deserves.

Please don't hesitate to call me, if you would like to discuss this  

further.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Monisa Cline

Staff Vice President

North America Sales

Continental Airlines, Inc.

	Posted by: Jay More by Jay ACTE Association of Corporate Travel Executives BCD Travel Continental Airlines Inc. National Business Travel Association NBTA