Greg Hart to Become Chief Operations Officer of United Airlines

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Dec 05, 2013, 04:45 ET

CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today announced that Greg Hart will be named executive vice president and chief operations officer, succeeding Pete McDonald, who is retiring after nearly 45 years with United.

In his new position, Hart will be responsible for airport operations, cargo, technical operations, network operations, flight operations, inflight service, safety and food services.

"We will miss Pete, and congratulate him on his retirement," said Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Smisek. "His leadership and tremendous knowledge of our business have been great assets to United. Our team and our Board of Directors are confident that Greg will successfully lead our operations groups as we focus on improving our operational quality and efficiency while running an on-time airline with great customer service."

Hart previously served as United's senior vice president of technical operations. He earlier held the role of senior vice president network. Hart joined the airline in 1997 and held various leadership positions including vice president of network strategy, staff vice president of domestic scheduling and managing director of corporate development.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom, economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United continues to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company will have launched 14 new international and 19 new domestic routes, including the addition of seven new cities to its network, by the end of 2013. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Air Transport World named United as the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines