Let's Fly Together
United Airlines and Continental Airlines, two of the world’s premier airlines, have agreed to a merger of equals to create the world’s leading airline, featuring the world’s most comprehensive network.
United and Continental Announce Merger of Equals to Create World-Class Global Airline
Ours will be the world’s leading airline, offering customers greater, easier access to the world’s most comprehensive network.
The world’s most comprehensive airline route network will preserve and enhance service to underserved small- and medium-sized communities.
The combined company will be well-positioned to succeed in an increasingly competitive global and domestic aviation industry.
Walter T. Varney founded Varney Air Lines, which would later become United Airlines, in 1925 as a mail service. In 1935 Varney founded a second mail service, Varney Speed Lines, which would later become Continental Airlines.
Taking the suggestion of nurse Ellen Church, Steve Stimpson, traffic manager for Boeing Air Transport - a predecessor subsidiary of United - proposed that nurses minister to apprehensive flyers. On May 15, 1930, Boeing Air Transport introduced the world's first stewardess service. Church was the world's first stewardess.
As CEO of Continental for 44 years, Robert Six transformed Continental from a small fleet of mail carriers to a robust global airline. Six dedicated his career to providing passengers with the highest level of service at an economical price.
On May 1, 1947, United launched its first flight from San Francisco to Honolulu.
In the 1950's, Continental’s network expanded through joint service agreements with American and Braniff and the acquisition of Pioneer Airlines. 
In 1965, United launched its "Fly the Friendly Skies" slogan, which becomes the industry's longest-running marketing message.
Continental merged with Texas International in 1982 and acquired People Express in 1986. Through these deals, Continental utilized its new hub in Newark, NJ to become a key airline service provider to New York City and the third-largest carrier in the U.S.
On February 11, 1986, United purchased Pan American Airways' Pacific Division and began service to 13 Pacific cities.
In 2004, Continental becomes the first major U.S. airline to order the Boeing 787 aircraft.The merger of Continental and United will create the world’s leading airline with superior service for customers, expanded access with an unparalleled global airline network serving 370 destinations around the world, improved long-term career opportunities for employees, and a platform for improved profitability and sustainable long-term value for shareholders.
The combined company will provide a platform for increased profitability and sustainable long-term value for shareholders.
It is expected to realize $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion in net annual synergies by 2013, including between $200 million and $300 million of net annual cost synergies.