Barely United: airline board battle erupts as Continental's Bethune reappears

© Jorg Hackemann

A little break from freight, to focus on internal – and external – rumblings at United, the carrier which has not quite reached its potential. Anyway, for airline buffs, this ATW article reveals how two unhappy shareholders have nominated six new directors, one of whom is former CEO of Continental and turnaround specialist Gordon Bethune. Mr Bethune has decided to get stuck in, blaming a “country club atmosphere” for United’s difficulties. And United’s board is none too pleased. But the good news is that the airline will have CEO Oscar Munoz back next week, fully recovered from his October heart attack. Although it doesn’t sound like the most relaxing start back.