| CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2010 – United Airlines today joined other businesses and government leaders in a forum targeted at bringing the private sector and government together to discuss new ways to close the technology gap between the public and private sectors. The forum was designed to have private sector leaders share best practices and ideas on the use of technology to streamline government operations, improve customer service and maximize return on technology investments.
United Chairman and CEO Glenn Tilton joined other government, business and labor leaders to discuss how the government can maximize its technology return on investment. Specifically, leaders were asked to provide input from their own companies and experience about how government can better manage its IT project portfolio and budget. Tilton discussed the importance of having a clear vision of why change is needed, rebalancing the portfolio of projects to ensure focus is on highest-return work and leveraging IT as an integrating function that enables the business functions to operate as a seamless, well run business.
During the meeting, Tilton talked about one such project that comports with those guidelines and exemplifies maximizing the return on a given investment -- the need for accelerated next-generation air traffic control investment and funding to replace antiquated, land-based radar systems.
“We are delighted to be invited by President Obama to participate in such an important forum and have a discussion that is critical for the airline industry, our passengers and taxpayers about maximum return on technology spending,” said Tilton, who is also chairman of the Air Transportation Association board of directors. “An inefficient and outdated ATC system costs U.S. businesses some $40 billion annually. A $6.4 billion government investment in a satellite-based air traffic control system helps to close the technology gap, provide significant financial return for the country and reduce fuel burn, environmental impact and delays for customers.”
About United
United Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA), operates approximately 3,300* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 1,077 destinations in 175 countries worldwide. United's 47,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.
*Based on United's forward-looking flight schedule for October 2009 to October 2010. |
