United Services - News & Media : Press Releases

News & Media : Press Releases

United Airlines Earns Approval of Chinese Government to Train Pilots in Fastest-Growing Aviation Market

United Services Flight Training becomes first provider outside China to be certified under Civil Aviation Authority of China's new approval process Chinese airline has signed contract for United's training

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 17, 2006 - United Services Flight Training - a division of United Airlines - has become the first training provider outside of China to receive Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) certification to train the nation's airline pilots. United has already signed one contract under this certification with a Chinese airline and is finalizing a second to train their pilots on Boeing 757 and Airbus 320 aircraft at the Denver Flight Training Center (Denver TK). Airline industry estimates indicate a need for up to 10,000 new pilots in China through 2010 -- making it one of the fastest-growing markets for the type of flight training United provides.

"We are pleased the CAAC recognizes that United provides industry-leading pilot training and has approved United to train China's airline pilots," said Captain Brad Thomann, managing director-Flight Standards and Training. "Safety is the top priority for everyone at United, and having the opportunity to share our best practices with pilots from other airlines is very important to us. While training the employees of United remains our primary mission, we are looking forward to having China's pilots join those from the many airlines and governments around the world that we already train in Denver."

The certificates issued grant approval for United to provide "type rating" training on the B757 and A320 fleet types. United can pursue additional fleet type certificates from the CAAC as training demand warrants. Pilots who undergo this training will hold FAA and CAAC Commercial Pilot's Certificates. After United trains the Chinese pilots on aircraft type, the CAAC will award the pilots' type certification -- similar to the process followed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

"This is an important first step into what we believe will become one of the world's largest contract training markets, and enables us to continue to promote United's existing training assets to generate revenue for the company," said Patrick Heck, general manager-United Services Flight Training. "We are proud to continue to play a positive role in Denver's economy by bringing this business across the globe and into the city, giving Denver international exposure to some of the world's fastest-growing economies."

The Chinese airlines join the ranks of Air Force One and passenger and cargo airlines from Europe, Asia and the Americas in sending their pilots for training at United's Denver facility.

Additionally, United will soon begin training with general aviation manufacturer Eclipse Aviation for the pilots of its Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet -- the first-ever contract of its kind. The companies expect the first Eclipse 500 pilot to be trained in spring of 2006.

"We are maintaining one of the proudest traditions of safety in the industry, while utilizing our assets to build revenue without significant capital outlay," Thomann said.

About United Services

United Services, a division of United, brings nearly 80 years of experience, employee talent and the highest level of operational integrity to more than 150 airline customers worldwide, providing everything from maintenance, airport and training services to engines, and aircraft parts. For more information, visit unitedsvcs.com.

About United

United Airlines (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) is the world's second largest airline, operating more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted 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 the largest international carrier based in the United States.* United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to nearly 800 destinations in 139 countries worldwide. United's 60,000 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.

* Measured by revenue passenger miles as reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation for 12 months ending September 2004, the most recent comparison data available.

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