chperplt
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Jack Creighton, the man who has been at the helm of troubled United Airlines for only six months, is stepping down as chairman and chief executive officer.
Mr Creighton moved into the job last October after the departure of James Goodwin who had warned the Chicago-based carrier could perish unless there were drastic changes.
Since then 69-year-old Creighton has grappled with a series of labor problems and asked employees to consider making pay concessions to help United's financial troubles. He has managed to agree new labor contracts with some of United's unions, although flight attendants have warned they will not talk about concessions.
The airline was badly affected by the slump in air travel following last September's terrorist attacks in the US. It has cut 20,000 jobs and reported a USD$510 million loss in the first quarter of this year.
The board of UAL Corp, the airline's parent company, said Tuesday that it is bringing in a head hunting firm to look for Mr Creighton's successor.
Following the board's announcement, Jack Creighton said in a statement: "I was brought in for the short term to stabilize United and improve the relationship between management and employees. We have made some important strides in each of these areas, and I will continue to focus on those priorities as we search for my replacement.
"In the weeks and months ahead, I will work to help find the best CEO for United. At the same time, I will work with the leadership of our unions to find ways to assure the viability of this great company.
"We confront huge challenges, and we must secure the co-operation and support of our employees if we are to succeed."
Mr Creighton moved into the job last October after the departure of James Goodwin who had warned the Chicago-based carrier could perish unless there were drastic changes.
Since then 69-year-old Creighton has grappled with a series of labor problems and asked employees to consider making pay concessions to help United's financial troubles. He has managed to agree new labor contracts with some of United's unions, although flight attendants have warned they will not talk about concessions.
The airline was badly affected by the slump in air travel following last September's terrorist attacks in the US. It has cut 20,000 jobs and reported a USD$510 million loss in the first quarter of this year.
The board of UAL Corp, the airline's parent company, said Tuesday that it is bringing in a head hunting firm to look for Mr Creighton's successor.
Following the board's announcement, Jack Creighton said in a statement: "I was brought in for the short term to stabilize United and improve the relationship between management and employees. We have made some important strides in each of these areas, and I will continue to focus on those priorities as we search for my replacement.
"In the weeks and months ahead, I will work to help find the best CEO for United. At the same time, I will work with the leadership of our unions to find ways to assure the viability of this great company.
"We confront huge challenges, and we must secure the co-operation and support of our employees if we are to succeed."
