Alex Brownsell
May 5, 2010

Continental and United Airlines to create world's largest airline

GLOBAL - US carriers Continental Airlines and United Airlines are merging to create the world's largest airline.

Continental and United Airlines to create world's largest airline
The two companies have announced plans to come together under a single holding company, United Continental Holding.

United and Continental currently fly to 370 destinations worldwide, flying 144 million passengers a year. The merger will see the combined group leapfrog American Airlines to become the leading global carrier.

It is expected to fly to 370 destinations in 59 countries - 14 more than Delta Air Lines.

The company will be led by Continental chief executive Jeffrey Smisek. New branding will incorporate the Continental logo and colours but feature the United Airlines brand.

A launch campaign based around the strapline ‘Let's Fly Together' is anticipated, and will point consumers towards a new website.

United Airlines' Glenn Tilton, who will become non-executive chairman of the new company, said: "Building on our Star Alliance partnership, we are creating a stronger, more efficient airline, both operationally and financially, better positioned to succeed in a dynamic and highly competitive global aviation industry."

Continental Airlines' £2 million (US$3 million) UK advertising account has been held by Team Saatchi since November 2008, while the carrier has also worked with creative agency Souk for nearly 20 years. Media planning and buying duties are currently handled by Starcom.

United Airlines' global media arrangements are handled by Mediaedge:cia.
Source:
Campaign Asia

Related Articles

Just Published

1 day ago

Indonesia bans iPhone 16 sales over lack of local ...

Marketing and sale of Apple's latest phones have been blocked in Indonesia after the tech giant failed to comply with regulations requiring 40% of smartphones to be made from local parts.

1 day ago

Is Publicis’ dismissal of staff for return-to-office...

Adland weighs in on where the flexible working debate is heading.

1 day ago

40 Under 40 2024: Crystalbelle Lau Lay Yee, VoxEureka

Lau’s business acumen and hands-on support for her team have led to her being affectionately labelled as VoxMama within the communications agency she co-founded.

1 day ago

What will it really take for adland to divest from ...

Financial profit is often attributed as the main reason agencies continue to work with fossil-fuel clients. Experts in the industry argue that stricter regulation and forward-thinking measures are needed to move away from agencies’ over-reliance on fossil fuels.