Continental Airlines has announced bigger-than-expected first-quarter losses as higher jet fuel costs aroused operating costs.

Continental CEO Jeff Smisek stated that he was dissatisfied with the quarterly outcomes that were affected by the feeble financial system.

Moreover, the company's functions were hampered by paralyzing snow storms this year.

The fourth-largest US carrier said that its losses broadened to $146 million as against $136 million during the corresponding period last year.

Continental paid $854 million for jet fuel alone, which was its major expenditure.

The airline's hub in Newark, New Jersey, had to be shut down during the harsh snow storms, and sales were thrashed by $25 million. (With Inputs from Agencies)