United plans leisure airline.(Briefs)(United Airlines to restructure, use more regional jets)(Brief Article)

Crain's Chicago Business, February, 2003

Elk Grove Township-based United Airlines, whose parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December, revealed some of its restructuring strategy, including the use of more regional jets and plans for a separate, low-cost airline. United, which posted a net loss of $3.2 billion last year, told employees in a taped message that it needs a discount carrier to compete in the leisure market, and is proposing a separate entity with its own management and workforce.

United pilots and flight attendants said they will fight plans for a separate company that could be spun off. Separately, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Chief Judge Eugene Wedoff granted United more time to seek concessions from the lessors of many of its jets.