Which two American airlines merged in 2010 to form the United Continental Holdings parent company?

United Airlines and Continental Airlines merged in 2010 to form United Continental Holdings.

The companies announced their agreement in May 2010, and United Continental Holdings began operating as the combined parent in October. The merger created one of the world’s largest airlines by passenger traffic and fleet size.

United and Continental initially maintained separate operating certificates and brands while integrating their systems, employees, and routes. The combined airline eventually adopted the United name and Continental’s globe-style logo and blue-and-gold visual identity.

This deal is distinct from the 2013 American Airlines–US Airways merger, which created the current American Airlines Group. It is also separate from Delta’s 2008 acquisition of Northwest, another major United States airline combination.