United Airlines Earns Perfect Score in Annual Corporate Equality Index

Airline named one of the "Best Places to Work" by Human Rights Campaign

News provided by

Dec 10, 2013, 10:00 ET

CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines achieved a 100 percent rating in the Human Rights Campaign's 2014 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) – the third consecutive year the airline has earned a perfect score from the prominent civil rights organization. The CEI ranks top companies based on their policies regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees. United is one of only two airlines to earn a perfect score on the CEI and be named a Best Place to Work.

"Our working together culture – based on dignity, inclusion and respect – is the cornerstone of our business and critical to our success," said Nene Foxhall, executive vice president of communications and government affairs at United. "We are proud to earn this tremendous distinction once again, and remain committed to supporting the culture and people that make United such a great place to work."

The CEI rates companies on specific policies and practices related to LGBT equality. To earn a perfect score and be named one of the Campaign's "Best Places to Work," companies must have fully inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, offer equal employment benefits, demonstrate LGBT competency within their organization, publically exhibit their commitment to equality, and exercise responsible citizenship.

"We congratulate United Airlines for earning a 100 percent on the 2014 Corporate Equality Index and designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality three years in a row," said Deena Fidas, director of the Workplace Equality Program at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

United has long supported programs that promote LGBT awareness and inclusion. Earlier this year, the airline received the Business Leadership Award from Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest LGBT advocacy group. United was also recently honored by Work Life Matters magazine as a leader for LGBT equality – the only company within the travel industry recognized by the publication for 2013.

United believes that the rich diversity of ideas, experiences, cultures and lifestyles that make up its workforce of more than 85,000 allows the airline to deliver great service and products to its customers around the globe. United is committed to creating a work environment where all employees feel included and empowered to make a measurable difference in its success. United offers policies, programs, benefits, privileges and recognition designed to reward and support the success of its diverse workforce. The airline is equally committed to its multicultural community sponsorships as well as supplier diversity initiatives.

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.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM89155LOGO)

SOURCE United Airlines