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Continental Says Cutbacks In Works; Impact On TIA Unclear

Associated Press file photo

Continental Airlines plans to cut 3,000 jobs and 67 planes from its fleet.

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 5, 2008

TAMPA - Continental Airlines joined a growing list of major airlines this morning to announce fleet, capacity and staffing reductions to deal with high fuel costs.

Continental, along with American Airlines, is the fifth busiest airline at Tampa International Airport. In April, the most recent month figures are available, Continental had 7.5 percent of the local market share.

The airline said it will begin reducing seating capacity in September, when the peak summer season ends.

The reductions will result in a 16 percent decline in domestic departures by year's end compared with 2007 and an 11 percent decline in available seat miles compared with a year ago.

Continental is expected to provide details next week on specific flights and destinations that will be trimmed back or eliminated.

Continental serves its hubs in Newark, N.J., Cleveland and Houston from Tampa International Airport with 13 daily round-trip flights. It serves other Florida destinations through its Continental Express affiliate.

"We are hopeful we won't see a major impact in Tampa … because they serve their hub airports from here," Tampa International Airport director Louis Miller said.

United, American, Delta and Spirit Airlines have announced possible flight and employee reductions recently. Also, the USA3000 airline said it would discontinue service from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport after Aug. 18.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817 and tjackovics@tampatrib.com.

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