Alexandria, VA | The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) – the largest association of business travel professionals – today announced that Larry Kellner, Continental Airlines Chairman and CEO, and Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines President and CEO, will be featured on this year’s Airline CEO Panel at the 2009 NBTA International Convention & Exposition to be held August 23-26 in San Diego. Moderated again by Peter Greenberg, travel editor for NBC’s Today Show, the Airline CEO Panel will address current aviation industry trends in today’s slowing global economy and unique business environment.

Kevin Maguire, NBTA President and CEO, CCTE, GLP, commented: “The NBTA Convention Airline CEO Panel has become a highlight of the Convention for many attendees. Airline executives delve into hard-hitting industry issues, often shedding light on topics discussed in the board room, and offer insights into what corporate travel professionals can expect to see in the future of aviation. I am sure that Continental’s Kellner and Southwest’s Kelly will provide the industry views and outlooks Convention attendees have come to expect and rely on.”

Kellner joined Continental Airlines in 1995 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. In his 13 years a Continental, the world’s fifth largest airline, the carrier has won more awards for customer satisfaction than any other airlines. This year, FORTUNE magazine ranked Continental the number one airline on their annual airline industry list of “Most Admired Global Companies” for the sixth consecutive year. Kellner also serves on the board of directors for Marriott International and the Air Transport Association.

Kelly is a 22-year Southwest veteran, having begun his career with the airline as Controller in 1986 and quickly moving up to Chief Financial Officer. Under Kelly’s executive office, Southwest Airlines was named #1 in Customer Satisfaction by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and last year was listed among FORTUNE magazine’s most admired American corporations for the 12th year in a row. In January 2008, Institutional Investor magazine named Gary one of the best CEOs in America. He was also named one of Business Travel News’ 25 Most Influential Executives of 2004.

Maguire continued, “The NBTA Convention is known throughout industry as the premier international business travel event, with featured speakers who inspire, enlighten and inform, and this year’s line-up is no exception. These top airline executives, along with others who will address attendees, are sure to make the 2009 NBTA Convention yet another raving success.”

About the Global Business Travel Association | The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings organization. Collectively, GBTA's 5,000-plus members manage over $340 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA provides its network of 17,000 business and government travel and meetings managers, as well as travel service providers, with networking events, news, education & professional development, research, and advocacy. For more information, visit gbta.org