1.   At the trial, Northwest will be allowed to ask Continental executives leading questions, a right usually reserved for cross examination of witnesses from the opposing side.

2.   A person familiar with the carrier said that Ornstein was forced to resign yesterday after Continental executives learned of the fines and conducted an internal investigation.

3.   But for now, at least Continental executives appear eager to celebrate rare good news.

4.   But John E. Luth, at the time a top Continental executive, said GE narrowly beat out competitive bids.

5.   Continental executives declined to say how much profit the company would receive from the sale.

6.   Continental executives say passengers were the driving force.

7.   Continental executives did not disclose Tuesday how much money the operation lost in the third quarter, but they indicated that many other parts of its business were profitable.

8.   Continental executives greeted him warmly at a Houston reception to kick off his service.

9.   Difficult conditions are unlikely to improve soon, Continental executives said.

10.   In a teleconference with reporters Monday, Continental executives were bullish about the future.