Super-airline' merger will give job stability, claim bosses

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The new bosses behind the newly-merged United and Continental Airlines have said the move will ensure greater stability in its jobs in aviation. However, they have not said how many - if any - positions will be lost.

The merger was made official on Friday, creating the world's largest global commercial aviation carrier. The new unified company, known as United Continental Holdings Inc, now operates approximately 5,800 flights every day, serving 371 airports around the world. It has predicted revenues of about $35.4 billion in 2011 and around 80,000 employees. It will operate under the United Airlines banner, and gradually phase out the Continental branding.

New chief executive, Jeff Smisek - who was formerly the chief executive of Continental - said the employees were the company's greatest asset and they aimed to do the very best for them.

"Our outstanding team is the most important asset of the new airline," he said. "We will be working together to provide our co-workers with the right culture, tools and incentives to do their jobs well and to make them proud to work for the new United."

Smisek added that the new company creates a platform for greater job stability, career opportunities, and retirement security for its employees by being part of a larger, financially stronger and more geographically diverse carrier that is better able to compete successfully in the global marketplace.