Overview
Established in 1927, United Airlines started out as Boeing Air Transport. It was only in 1934 when the airline decided to change its name, thereby taking the name of United Airlines. Its main hubs are located at Denver International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. With Mileage Plus for its frequent flyer program, the Red Carpet Club is the member lounge of the airline. Moreover, under its parent company, the UAL Corporation, United Airlines is also an active member of Star Alliance. From its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, the airline operates a fleet size of 395 units flying to over 200 destinations all over the world.
Company Profile
United Airlines is one of the major airlines of America. It is actually a subsidiary of the UAL Corporation, with its largest operational hub located at the O’Hare International Airport where it mans 650 departures every day. The airline’s largest maintenance hub is actually the Maintenance Operations Center located at San Francisco International Airport.
As of July 2006, United Airlines garnered the title of world’s 2nd largest airline in terms of revenue passenger miles. The airline is just behind American Airlines for this title. United Airlines also garnered the title of 3rd largest airline in terms of total operating revenues, following both American Airlines and Air France-KLM. Lastly, United Airlines also garnered the title of 4th largest airline in terms of total number of passengers transported. This time, the airline is behind, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. At present, the airline has over 56,000 people under its employ.
United Airlines and Star Alliance
United Airlines is actually one of the founding members of Star Alliance back in 1997. The other co-founding airlines include Thai Airways, SAS, Lufthansa, and Air Canada.
United Airlines and Merger Talks with US and Continental Airways
As of late April 2008, both United Airlines and US Airways were reportedly engaging in merger talks, which shortly followed the announcement given by Continental Airlines. The announcement outlined the decision of Continental Airlines not to pursue its prospective merger with United Airlines. This thereby prodded United Airlines to turn to US Airways for another prospective merger agreement.
United Airlines Fleet
As of 2009, the following aircraft models comprise the fleet of United Airlines:
- Airbus: A319-131 and A320-232
- Boeing: 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300ER, 777-200, and 777-200ER
