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.