Continental phases in new turboprops at Newark hub

At Continental Airlines’ Newark hub, Continental Express feeder partner Colgan Air has started to deploy new Bombardier Q400 aircraft for regional flights. Continental said the 74-seat, single-class turboprop planes are “efficient, quiet and comfortable,” and will enable the carrier to add more regional capacity out of Newark without adding more flights to the crowded airport. Continental said the Q400s will initially be used on flights from Newark to Albany, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Rochester, with more routes to be added over the course of 2008. “The Q400 is an ideal aircraft to operate at (Newark) Liberty as it will allow more extensive use of alternate approach and departure routes and will enable flight operations at lower altitudes,” said a spokesman.