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Continental Joins BCD In Call For ACTE-NBTA Merger

Jay CampbellJay Campbell
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: [more]


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.