Continental says its services help New Jersey with $6.3 billion

In a new survey released by Continental Airlines celebrating 30 years of operating into New Jersey, the carrier says that in 2008 alone, its services brought some $6.3 billion into the local economy.

Continental says that of its 110,000 employees employed in the region, 31% are considered to be employed in Newark, while 27% in the rest of New Jersey.

"As significant as these results are, this study does not measure the full economic impact of Continental's presence," notes David Harrison Jr., Continental Airlines SVP NERA and Project Manager.

"While the study measures aviation employment and passenger expenditures, including multiplier effects, it does not include other important aspects of Continental operations on the community."

The study conducted by NERA Economic Consulting finds that by 2030 Continental's contribution would account for $11 billion in personal income and $12 billion in gross regional product.