First nonstop N.Y.-Hong Kong flights begin

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Continental Airlines is taking the layover out of travel between New York and Hong Kong.

On March 1, the airline inaugurates what it says is the first-ever nonstop air service between the world business hubs.

Continental spokesman David Messing said the business connections between the two cities, New York's large Chinese community and feeder traffic from Continental's Newark hub all made the route feasible.

"It's just been a question of market conditions coming together at the right time," Messing said.

Continental's daily flight to Hong Kong from Newark International Airport will be the longest operated by any U.S. airlines, and the longest scheduled nonstop flight out of the New York area, the airline said.

The 7,337-mile, 15-and-a-half hour flight travels over the North Pole, Russia and China. Discount fares, with required advance purchase and other restrictions, start at $600 round trip.

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Continental Airlines
Newark International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport

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