Continental to lay off 500 workers in Houston

Continental Airlines will cut about 500 jobs at its downtown offices beginning April 1, the carrier told the Texas Workforce Commission.

On Oct. 1, Continental merged with Chicago-based United Airlines. At that time, Continental announced it would continue to employ its management and administrative workers in Houston through the end of March. Continental continues to operate as a subsidiary of United until the Federal Aviation Administration approves a joint operating certificate later this year.

The job cuts, starting in April, will continue through June 30 and will affect Continental’s offices at 1600 Smith Street and 600 Jefferson Avenue. Primarily employees working in management and clerical duties will lose their jobs.

“There’s minimal impact on front line employees” such as pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and other people who work at the airport, said Continental spokeswoman Julie King.

Houston will continue to be a major hub for the carrier and its financial department will remain downtown and its reservations and customer care facilities will remain in the Greenspoint area, she said.

jenalia.moreno@chron.com