Continental expects to complete United merger in 1Q2012 or 2Q2012

Continental Airlines confirmed it has signed a definitive merger agreement with United Airlines and anticipates it will get regulatory and governmental approval later in 2010. Integration between the carriers is expected to be completed in 1Q2012 or 2Q2012. The carrier expects the impact on frontline employees to be "minimal" with staff reductions to come through retirements, attrition and voluntary programmes. [more]