AIRLINES

Continental Seeks Ties with Vietnam Airlines: Continental Airlines has started negotiations on a formal relationship with Vietnam Airlines in a bid to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. Houston-based Continental said it is considering several investment, operational and marketing arrangements with the Vietnamese government-owned carrier once the U.S. trade embargo against Vietnam has been lifted. “We believe, and others believe, there is going to be a boom in business development in Vietnam,” said Art Kent, a spokesman for Continental. “And we would like to be in the forefront of that development.”