March 13, 2007: Five more Dreamliners will soon make Continental the proud owner of 25 Jumbo 787s. The airline has reportedly said it would place orders for an additional five Boeing Co Jumbo 787 Dreamliners aircraft.

Aimed at modernization of its fleet and strengthening of its international expansion opportunities, the Houston-based airline has restructured its initial order with Boeing and increased the number of 787-9s, which carry more passengers and fly farther than the 787-8s, said a report.

Significantly, this is the second time Continental has increased its 787 order. The world's fifth-largest airline, has about $9 billion of Boeing aircraft on order and in addition to the 25 787s, it boasts of as many as 60 737s and two 777s on order, plus options for 82 additional 737 and 787 aircraft. The two 777s will be delivered within the next 45 days, according to a report.

Meanwhile, Continental recently announced that it will begin flying to Mumbai from Newark starting this autumn season. With Mumbai being the largest trans-Atlantic market not currently served by Continental, the Houston-based carrier now will offers significant opportunities for growth in the future with the new flight.

According to a report, Continental has been expanding internationally but has picked up the pace during the past few years as domestic competition has intensified. Continental's initial service to India had helped a rise in demand for visas. In 2006, 30 percent more visas have been issued by the Indian consulate than the previous year, with business visas increasing as much as 60 percent, it said.