United's Tilton expects mergers by 2012

United Airlines CEO, Glenn Tilton, stated he expects that the growing alliance trend is bringing airlines close together to the point that they may consolidate by merger (Chicago Tribune, 25-Jan-2010). His airline has been involved in most merger speculation which sees Continental Airlines merging with United. Tilton, along with US Airways, is well known to be in favour of more airline mergers. During recent conferences in December, analysts asked each CEO about the prospect for mergers in 2010. For its part, Continental has stuck to being independent, but left the door open depending on how competitive Delta is now that it has absorbed Northwest.