The planned merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines joins two airlines that together will become the world’s largest, surpassing Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines.
Delta became the world’s largest carrier through its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008. The two carriers have combined most of their operations, though some labor integration issues remain.
Combined, United and Continental logged 203 billion "revenue passenger miles" -- one passenger flown one mile -- in 2009. Delta reported 189 billion for the year. Revenue passenger miles is the commonly accepted measure of airline size in the industry.
United-Continental also had slightly more revenue combined, at $28.9 billion vs. $28.1 billion for Delta, as well as more employees and destinations. Delta boarded more passengers, 161 million vs. 144 million, owing to its route system and more short flights.
Although United and Continental are not major players at the Atlanta airport, their merger will create a bigger competitor for Delta in other markets, both domestic and international. Airlines especially tout the breadth of their route systems in wooing corporate travel contracts.
In Georgia, United and Continental have a combined 46 daily flight departures from Atlanta and Savannah. They have about 240 employees in the state.
Their primary hubs are in Denver, Washington-Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, San Francisco, Cleveland, Newark and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental. The two airlines said they will continue to serve all the communities they currently serve.
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