In 2010, which airline merged with Continental Airlines to form the world's largest airline?

In 2010, United Airlines merged with Continental Airlines, creating a combined carrier that ranked as the world’s largest by revenue passenger miles.

The merger was approved by the two airlines’ boards on May 2, 2010, after earlier negotiations had repeatedly stalled. Both carriers had suffered financially, including during the recession, and expected the combination to produce savings and a stronger worldwide network. The transaction was structured as a stock swap, with United’s parent, UAL Corporation, acquiring Continental.

The new company initially became United Continental Holdings, while the airline kept the United name. Its visual identity used Continental’s globe-inspired logo and livery, and headquarters remained in Chicago, United’s longtime base. Continental chief executive Jeff Smisek became CEO of the combined company.

“Largest airline” depends on the measurement used; the 2010 claim referred specifically to revenue passenger miles. The legal merger closed on October 1, 2010, but the airlines continued operating separately for a time. The FAA issued a single operating certificate in November 2011, and operational integration followed in 2012.