Of all the major carriers, Continental along with American, has weathered the crisis the best. Continentals employees, reduced costs, and diversified route network are it's chief assets. As of 2001, Continental still had extensive routes to Europe, Asia, South America, and was pursuing closer code-sharing with shareholder Northwest. Founder Robert F. Six could scarcely imagine the airlines serving far flung destinations such as Rio De Janeiro, Tel Aviv, and Hong Kong. In late 2001, Continental inaugurated the world's longest flight, a 777 from Newark to Hong Kong. The DC-10's were finally retired in October 2001 after 29 years in service.Of all the major carriers, Continental along with American, has weathered the crisis the best. Continentals employees, reduced costs, and diversified route network are it's chief assets. As of 2001, Continental still had extensive routes to Europe, Asia, South America, and was pursuing closer code-sharing with shareholder Northwest. Founder Robert F. Six could scarcely imagine the airlines serving far flung destinations such as Rio De Janeiro, Tel Aviv, and Hong Kong. In late 2001, Continental inaugurated the world's longest flight, a 777 from Newark to Hong Kong. The DC-10s were finally retired in October 2001 after 29 years in service.