Continental, the fifth-largest airline in the United States, flies to 117 international destinations.
Continental Airlines Inc., which operates the country's fifth-largest airline, lost $149 million, or $2.58 a share.
The announcements underscored that the nation's fifth-largest airline had not yet stabilized itself after emerging last year from its second tour through bankruptcy.
A long strike could easily lead to a liquidation at Northwest, the country's fifth-largest airline.
Swissair, Europe's fifth-largest airline, is also seeking government support to stay in operation.
The nation's fifth-largest airline is taking great pains to assure customers and travel agents that it will remain in the air.
Continental, the nation's fifth-largest airline, was the first large carrier to report earnings for the quarter.
By contrast, at Continental, the nation's fifth-largest airline, it is a season of celebration.
The nation's fifth-largest airline filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday while assuring passengers and travel agents that it would continue to do business as usual.
Northwest, the fifth-largest domestic airline, said yesterday that it lost $420 million in the fourth quarter, or $4.84 a share.
