The FINANCIAL -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) was rated the most admired U.S. airline on FORTUNE magazine's annual airline-industry list of World's Most Admired Companies.

This is the ninth consecutive year that Continental has been the highest-ranking U.S. airline on the list. Of the 14 global carriers ranked, Continental was ranked No. 1 for people management.

"Continental's working together culture helps us deliver our industry-leading service and outstanding product," said Jeff Smisek, Continental's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "I'm proud and honored to see my co-workers' hard work recognized."

The rankings are determined in a survey of corporate and airline executives, boards of directors and industry analysts. Companies are evaluated according to the following criteria: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products/services, and global competitiveness.

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