CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

EXHIBIT 10.17

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

0000 XXXXX XX.

XXXXXXX, XXXXX 00000

March 12, 2004

Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx

Executive Vice President

Continental Airlines, Inc.

0000 Xxxxx Xx., Xxxx. XXXXX

Xxxxxxx, XX 00000

Dear Xx. Xxxxxx:

The purpose of this letter agreement is to amend your employment agreement with Continental Airlines, Inc. (the "Company") to take into account the March 12, 2004 amendment to the definition of "Change in Control" in the Company's various employee benefit plans and programs, including the Incentive Plan 2000 and the Long Term Incentive Performance Award Program. The definition of Change in Control was amended to delete references to certain Excluded Persons and to update those individuals who comprise the Incumbent Board, all as such terms are used in the Change in Control definition. The Company has provided you a copy of the amended Change in Control definition.

You and the Company agree that your current employment agreement is amended so that all references therein to "Change in Control" refer to such amended "Change in Control" definition.

If you agree with the foregoing, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter agreement and return the enclosed copy to me, whereby this letter agreement shall be a binding agreement between you and the Company and shall amend your current employment agreement accordingly.

Sincerely,

/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx

Senior Vice President - Human

Resources and Labor Relations

Agreed:

/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Smisek______

Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx