=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SFGate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2005/01/03/f= inancial1701EST0235.DTL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, January 3, 2005 (AP) Continental retires last MD-80 aircraft (01-03) 15:03 PST HOUSTON (AP) -- Continental Airlines is retiring its last MD-80 aircraft, streamlining i= ts fleet to three Boeing aircraft types, the company said Monday. The nation's fifth-largest airline has worked to simplify its fleet for = 10 years, having eliminated the A300, DC-10, 747, 737-100, 737-200, 727 and DC-9. Continental's last MD-80 will retire upon its arrival in Houston from Dallas Monday night, leaving the carrier with the 777, 767/757 and 737 models in its fleet of 348 aircraft. Of those, 70 percent are 737s. Larry Kellner, who became chairman and chief executive last week upon the retirement of former CEO Gordon Bethune, said the streamlining efforts have reduced the fleet's age while increasing fuel efficiency. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2005 AP