Over the past few years, few stories have captured headlines quite like mergers and acquisitions, and 2010 is no exception. This year, United and Continental made history when they merged to become the biggest force in commercial aviation, both at home and around the world.
The massive merger displaced Delta’s position as number one, a title it held for just two years when it teamed up with Northwest Airlines to leapfrog past American Airlines and United.
Now, in a case of déjà-vous, United and No. 4 Continental banded together to usurp Delta-Northwest, reclaiming the throne as industry leader in terms of size. The new carrier will take United’s name, but will sport a paint scheme that looks much like Continental’s pre-merger design.
The deal closed on Oct. 1, but it will still be quite a while before the two carriers really begin to function as a single carrier. For now, United and Continental continue to fly under their own brand and operating certificates, while companies like Leading Edge begin the long-term process of transforming hundreds of aircraft with a unified paint scheme.
So how long will the new United Airlines be able to hold the top spot? No one knows for sure. But in an era ripe with consolidation, only time will tell.
About Leading Edge Aviation Services
Headquartered in Santa Ana, CA with facilities across the United States, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is one of the most advanced, commercial aircraft services companies in the world. Specializing in commercial, private, and military aircraft painting, the company also provides a wide range of commercial services, including fuel system, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal, long and short-term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip and painting services to various branches of the United States Military. For more information, click here
