CHICAGO – United Airlines got a judge’s final go-ahead Friday to leave bankruptcy after a record three-year stay. It comes out a smaller and more efficient carrier than when it began its overhaul, but is challenged more than ever by fuel costs.
The approval of its reorganization plan by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Eugene Wedoff removed the final obstacle to its targeted exit from Chapter 11 on Feb. 1 after the largest and longest airline bankruptcy ever.
Once free of bankruptcy, UAL Corp.’s United intends to be more competitive with its rivals while working its way back toward profitability, which has eluded it since 2000. It also plans to improve its operations, spending $400 million this year on refurbished airplane cabins, more check-in kiosks, upgraded computer systems and new ground equipment.
The latest surge in oil prices back toward $70 a barrel – far above the $50 average that management is counting on to get into the black this year – underscored how difficult it will be for even a restructured United to make money. The company has recorded net losses of more than $15 billion since mid-2000.
But Friday, as the judge noted, was a time for exultation and relief for all involved now that the costly reorganization is complete.
Despite the losses suffered by employees and UAL shareholders, Wedoff said there is “reason to feel good” about the confirmation of the plan, which settles the company’s accounts with its creditors and sets out its new financing obligations.
“Three years ago, United Airlines was, bluntly, in danger of dying, with all of its assets liquidated and all of its jobs lost,” he said.
Now, after restructuring its obligations, “once again it has the potential to be a profitable investment, a reliable business partner and a stable employer.”
At 371/2 months and counting, the restructuring has taken twice as long as the Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based company had forecast. But the restructuring was extensive, covering all facets of the company.
United used the protection of federal bankruptcy law to trim $7 billion in annual costs, including two rounds of employee pay cuts; eliminate about 25,000 jobs; dump its defined-benefit pensions; and reduce its cost structure. It also shed more than 100 airplanes from its fleet, cut some U.S. flights and expanded internationally.
Company executives were upbeat following the ruling, but acknowledged that the restructuring was more challenging than anticipated.
“It was every bit as difficult as we expected it to be, and then some,” chief financial officer Jake Brace said.
CEO Glenn Tilton called Friday an important day.
“We are concluding our restructuring work, and look forward to competing in the marketplace and focusing on our customers without distraction,” he said in a recorded message. Because of all the changes United has made, he added, “Our competitors are likely concerned.”
Tilton also thanked employees for their contributions, acknowledging that the last three years have been difficult because of wage and benefit cuts and layoffs.
The airline’s move to eliminate traditional pensions and replace them with less costly 401(k)-style ones prompted the biggest turmoil of its bankruptcy. That battle ended earlier this week when flight attendants ended a yearlong legal fight against the company and reached tentative agreement on a replacement retirement plan.
Some unions and industry experts say employee morale could still be an issue after United leaves bankruptcy, particularly with resentment still high over the stock plan that will award 8 percent of the 125 million new UAL shares to 400 top managers.
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