Bob Schumacher, Continental's senior director UK and Ireland, said plans for improvements in customer service at UK airports had to be welcomed, but questioned how far it could go without an increase in capacity.
"I think we've got to say hurrah. If there's going to be an industry led task force that is going to look into how we can improve the customer experience, that's got to be pretty great," said Schumacher.
"I hope within that context they also realise part of that comes from demand. The more the demand rises, and that is dictated by school holidays as much as anything else, that's where the airports really need to be assessed as to whether they're performing.
"On a sleepy day in November they do well, and generally across the whole of the winter period. The challenges come in the summer."
Schumacher said improvements would mean a more consistent experience for customers.
"If we can have the airports deliver a better product for our customer, that just mirrors what we're doing on board our aeroplanes at great cost, with our new seats," he said.
"Everything being done in the air being mirrored on the ground would be a great thing. Whether that can happen in a supply constrained airport world, remains to be seen."
Schumacher said Continental has seen signs of improvement in the UK market.
"It's great to report and great to see. There's some statistical illusion compared to last year, because last year was awful, but even looking back two years things are looking strong," said Schumacher.
"Load factors are stronger, which allows us to revenue manage the aeroplane more sensibly as well. The whole business model is strengthening."
He said the airline is responding to the increased demand with more services.
"We're building up our services out of Heathrow, to four daily services out of New York. It really is becoming a serious offer. We're building up to five in October."