Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                     to                     

 

 

 

Commission

File Number

 

Exact Name of Registrant as

Specified in its Charter, Principal

Office Address and

Telephone Number

 

State of

Incorporation

 

I.R.S. Employer

Identification No

001-06033   United Continental Holdings, Inc. 77 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 997-8000
  Delaware   36-2675207
001-11355   United Air Lines, Inc.
77 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 997-8000
  Delaware   36-2675206
001-10323  

Continental Airlines, Inc.

1600 Smith Street, Dept. HQSEO Houston,
Texas 77002
(713) 324-2950

  Delaware   74-2099724

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

   

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Common Stock, $0.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange

United Air Lines, Inc.

  None   None

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  None   None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  None   United Air Lines, Inc.   None

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  None    

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   United Air Lines, Inc.   Yes  x    No  ¨

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨    

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x   United Air Lines, Inc.   Yes  ¨    No  x

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x    

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   United Air Lines, Inc.   Yes  x    No  ¨

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨    


Table of Contents

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  ¨   United Air Lines, Inc.   Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨    

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  x   United Air Lines, Inc.   x

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  x    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨

United Air Lines, Inc.

  Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  x   Smaller reporting company  ¨

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  x   Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x   United Air Lines, Inc.   Yes  ¨    No  x

Continental Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x    

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of United Continental Holdings, Inc. was $3,451,199,030 as of June 30, 2010. There is no market for United Air Lines, Inc. common stock or Continental Airlines, Inc. common stock.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   United Air Lines, Inc.   Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of February 15, 2011.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

   328,550,825 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value)

United Air Lines, Inc.

   205 (100% owned by United Continental Holdings, Inc.)

Continental Airlines, Inc.

   1,000 (100% owned by United Continental Holdings, Inc.)

OMISSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc.

United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc. meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format allowed under that General Instruction.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Form 10-K are incorporated by reference for United Continental Holdings, Inc. from its definitive proxy statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

United Continental Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

United Air Lines, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Continental Airlines, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Report on Form 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

          Page  
   PART I   
Item 1.    Business      2   
Item 1A.    Risk Factors      13   
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments      27   
Item 2.    Properties      27   
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings      29   
Item 4.    (Removed and Reserved)      33   
   PART II   
Item 5.   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     34   
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data      36   
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      39   
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      71   
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      74   
   Combined Notes to Financial Statements      96   
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      170   
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures      170   
Item 9B.    Other Information      173   
   PART III   
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      177   
Item 11.    Executive Compensation      178   
Item 12.   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     178   
Item 13.    Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence      178   
Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services      179   
   PART IV   
Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statements and Schedules      181   

 

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This Form 10-K contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events, based on information available to the Company on the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those referenced in the forward-looking statements are listed in Item 1A, Risk Factors and in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Overview

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UAL”) is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiaries are United Air Lines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “United”) and, effective October 1, 2010, Continental Airlines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Continental”). This combined Annual Report on Form 10-K is separately filed by each of United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc. Each registrant hereto is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this report that relates to such registrant. Each registrant hereto is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information.

We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” in this Form 10-K for disclosures that relate to all of UAL, United and Continental. As UAL consolidates United and Continental beginning October 1, 2010 for financial statement purposes, disclosures that relate to United activities also apply to UAL. Effective October 1, 2010, disclosures that related to Continental activities also apply to UAL. When appropriate, UAL, United and Continental are named specifically for their related activities and disclosures. This report uses “Continental Successor” to refer to Continental subsequent to the Merger (defined below) and “Continental Predecessor” to refer to Continental prior to the Merger.

UAL was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 30, 1968. Our world headquarters is located at 77 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. The mailing address is P.O. Box 66919, Chicago, Illinois 60666 (telephone number (312) 997-8000). The Company’s web address is www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com. The information contained on or connected to the Company’s web address is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Through this website, the Company’s filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are accessible without charge as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Such filings are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each of UAL and Continental has a code of ethics for directors, officers and employees. The codes serve as a “Code of Ethics” as defined by SEC regulations, and as a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” under the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual. The codes are available on the Company’s website. Waivers granted to certain officers from compliance with or future amendments to these codes, including the adoption of a code of ethics for the combined company, will be disclosed on the Company’s website in accordance with Item 5.05 of Form 8-K.

 

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Merger

On May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation, Continental, and JT Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger providing for a “merger of equals” business combination. On October 1, 2010, JT Merger Sub Inc. merged with and into Continental, with Continental surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation (the “Merger”). Upon closing of the Merger, UAL Corporation became the parent company of both Continental and United and UAL Corporation’s name was changed to United Continental Holdings, Inc. Until the operational integration of United and Continental is complete, United and Continental will continue to operate as separate airlines. UAL’s consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Continental and its subsidiaries for the period subsequent to October 1, 2010.

UAL expects the Merger to deliver $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion in net annual synergies on a run-rate basis by 2013, including between $800 million and $900 million of incremental annual revenues, in large part from expanded customer options resulting from the greater scope and scale of the network, fleet optimization and additional international service enabled by the broader network of the combined company. UAL expects the combined company to realize between $200 million and $300 million of net cost synergies on a run-rate basis by 2013. We also expect that the combined company will incur substantial expenses in connection with the Merger. There are many factors that could affect the total amount or the timing of those expenses, and many of the expenses that will be incurred are, by their nature, difficult to estimate accurately. In addition to transactional merger-related charges, UAL has incurred and expects to incur additional material merger and integration-related charges to combine the operations of United and Continental. See Notes 1 and 21 to the financial statements included in Item 8 and Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional information on the Merger.

Operations

United and Continental transport people and cargo through their mainline operations, which utilize full-sized jet aircraft, and regional operations, which utilize smaller aircraft that are operated under contract by United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection carriers. See Item 2, Properties, for a description of the Company’s mainline and regional aircraft.

With key global air rights in the U.S., Pacific region, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, UAL has the world’s most comprehensive global route network. UAL, through United and Continental and their regional carriers, operates approximately 5,800 flights a day to more than 375 U.S. domestic and international destinations from the Company’s hubs at A.B. Won Pat International Airport (“Guam”), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (“Chicago O’Hare”), Denver International Airport (“Denver”), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (“Houston Bush”), Hopkins International Airport (“Cleveland Hopkins”), Los Angeles International Airport (“LAX”), Newark Liberty International Airport (“New York Liberty”), San Francisco International Airport (“SFO”) and Washington Dulles International Airport (“Washington Dulles”). Including its regional operations, United operates approximately 3,350 flights a day to more than 235 U.S. domestic and international destinations based on its annual flight schedule as of January 1, 2011. Including its regional operations, Continental operates approximately 2,500 flights a day to more than 280 U.S. domestic and international destinations based on its annual flight schedule as of January 1, 2011.

All of the Company’s domestic hubs are located in large business and population centers, contributing to a large amount of “origin and destination” traffic. Our hub and spoke system allows us to transport passengers between a large number of destinations with substantially more frequent service than if each route were served directly. Our hub system also allows us to add service to a new destination from a large number of cities using only one or a limited number of aircraft. As discussed under Alliances below, United and Continental are both members of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network.

 

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The Company offers a different set of services to target distinct customer groups. This strategy of market and product segmentation is intended to optimize margins and costs, and is focused on delivering an improved experience for all customers and a best-in-class experience for premium customers. Some of these services include:

Services

United

 

   

First and Business class seating on transcontinental flights and United Economy Plus®, the latter providing three to five inches of extra legroom on all mainline flights.

 

   

International premium travel experience featuring 180-degree, lie-flat beds in First and Business class. Certain aircraft have been refitted with new premium seats, entertainment systems and other product enhancements. United has completed these upgrades on all of its 21 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, all of its 24 Boeing 747 aircraft and 8 of its 46 Boeing 777 aircraft. United expects to complete the remaining aircraft upgrades by 2013.

 

   

United’s p.s.SM—a premium transcontinental service connecting New York with both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

 

   

Premier® status for Mileage Plus® program members who qualify based on the number of paid flight miles or fares purchased in a calendar year. Premier® status passengers receive priority treatment in check-in and boarding areas, the ability to check up to two bags without fees and access to special security lanes at certain airports.

Continental

 

   

Flat-bed BusinessFirst seats offered on Continental’s Boeing 777 aircraft and 31 of its 41 Boeing 757-200 aircraft with approximately 6.5 feet of sleeping space, laptop power and 15.4-inch video monitors. Continental expects to complete the remaining Boeing 757-200 aircraft updates by the summer of 2011.

 

   

Audio Video on Demand entertainment systems in BusinessFirst and economy seats on Continental’s Boeing 777 and 757-200 aircraft featuring a large selection of movies, television shows, music and interactive video games.

 

   

Continued installation of DIRECTV® satellite programming on Continental’s entire fleet of narrowbody Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft (737-700, 737-800, 737-900 and 737-900ER aircraft) and Boeing 757-300 aircraft, with more than 100 channels of live television and previously recorded programming. Continental has completed the installation of DIRECTV® on the majority of its Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft and expects to complete the installation on its Boeing 757-300 aircraft during 2011.

 

   

EliteAccess service for OnePass members who qualify based on the number of paid flight miles or the fares purchased in a calendar year, first class and BusinessFirst ticket holders and travelers with high-yield coach tickets who qualify as Elite for the Day. EliteAccess passengers receive priority treatment in check-in, boarding and baggage claim areas, the ability to check up to three bags without fees and access to special security lanes at certain airports.

Regional Carriers. The Company has contractual relationships with various regional carriers to provide regional jet and turboprop service branded as United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection. These regional operations are an extension of the Company’s mainline network. This regional service complements our operations by carrying traffic that connects to our mainline service and allows more frequent flights to smaller cities than could be provided economically with full sized mainline jet aircraft. Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Colgan Airlines (“Colgan”), CommutAir Airlines, ExpressJet Airlines, GoJet Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Shuttle America, SkyWest Airlines (“SkyWest”) and Trans States Airlines

 

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(“Trans States”) are all regional carriers, most of which operate under capacity purchase agreements with United and/or Continental. Under these agreements, the Company pays the regional carriers contractually-agreed fees (carrier-controlled costs) for operating these flights plus a variable reimbursement (incentive payment for superior operational performance) based on agreed performance metrics. The carrier-controlled costs are based on specific rates for various operating expenses of the regional carriers, such as crew expenses, maintenance and aircraft ownership, some of which are multiplied by specific operating statistics (e.g., block hours, departures) while others are fixed monthly amounts. Under these capacity purchase agreements, the Company is responsible for all fuel costs incurred as well as landing fees, facilities rent and other costs, which are passed through without any markup. In return, the regional carriers operate this capacity on schedules determined by the Company. The Company also determines pricing, revenues and inventory levels and assumes the inventory and distribution risk for the available seats.

While the regional carriers operating under capacity purchase agreements comprise more than 95% of all regional flights, the Company also has prorate agreements with Hyannis Air Service, Inc. (“Cape Air”), Colgan, Gulfstream International Airlines (“Gulfstream”), SkyWest and Trans States. Under prorate agreements, the Company and its prorate partners agree to divide revenue collected from each passenger according to a formula, while both the Company and the prorate partners are individually responsible for their own costs of operations. Unlike capacity purchase agreements, under a prorate agreement, the regional carrier retains the control and risk of scheduling, market selection, local seat pricing and inventory for its flights, although the carriers may coordinate schedules to maximize connections.

Financial information on the Company’s operating revenues by geographic regions, as reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation (the “DOT”), can be found in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Note 10 to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

Alliances. United and Continental have a number of bilateral and multilateral alliances with other airlines, which enhance travel options for customers seeking access to markets that United and Continental do not serve directly. These marketing alliances typically include one or more of the following features: joint loyalty program participation; codesharing of flight operations (whereby seats on one carrier’s selected flights can be marketed under the brand name of another carrier); coordination of reservations, ticketing, passenger check-in, baggage handling and flight schedules; and other resource-sharing activities.

United and Continental are members of Star Alliance, a global integrated airline network co-founded by United in 1997 and the most comprehensive airline alliance in the world. As of January 1, 2011, Star Alliance carriers served 1,160 airports in 181 countries with 21,000 daily flights. Current Star Alliance partners, in addition to United and Continental, are Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Blue1, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss International Air Lines, TAM, TAP Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines and US Airways. Air India, Avianca-TACA and Copa Airlines have been announced as future Star Alliance members.

In September 2010, United, Continental and Air Canada entered into a memorandum of understanding to establish a revenue-sharing, transborder joint venture, subject to the execution of a definitive joint venture agreement, completion of necessary filings, receipt of regulatory approvals and finalization of documentation. United, Continental and Air Canada have antitrust immunity from the DOT for transborder coordination. The joint venture is currently under review by the Canadian Competition Bureau.

In November 2010, United, Continental and All Nippon Airways received antitrust immunity approval from the Japanese government and the DOT enabling the carriers to establish a trans-Pacific joint venture to integrate the services they operate between the United States and Japan, and other destinations in Asia, and to derive potentially significant benefits from coordinated scheduling, pricing, sales and inventory management. The integration of services will also allow the three carriers to offer passengers highly competitive flight schedules, fares and services. We expect this joint venture to commence in the second quarter of 2011.

 

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In December 2010, pursuant to antitrust immunity approval granted by the DOT, United, Continental, Air Canada and Lufthansa executed a joint venture agreement covering trans-Atlantic routes. The joint venture is expected to deliver highly competitive flight schedules, fares and service. The European Commission, which has been conducting a parallel review of the competitive effects of the joint venture similar to the DOT’s review, has not yet completed its review. The joint venture has a revenue-sharing structure that results in payments among participants based on a formula that compares current period unit revenue performance on trans-Atlantic routes to an historic period, or “baseline,” which is reset annually. The payments are calculated on a quarterly basis and subject to a cap. The revenue sharing aspects of this joint venture were retroactive to January 2010. See Industry Regulation below.

United and Continental have independent marketing agreements with other air carriers including Aer Lingus, Cape Air, Colgan, Copa Airlines, Emirates, EVA Airways Corporation, Great Lakes Aviation, Gulfstream, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air, Qatar Airways, TACA Group, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. In addition, Continental has a train-to-plane alliance with Amtrak.

Fuel. Aircraft fuel has been the Company’s single largest operating expense for the last several years. The table below summarizes UAL’s fuel cost data, excluding hedge impacts, during the last three years.

 

Year

   Gallons
Consumed

(in  millions)
     Fuel Cost
Excluding
Hedge Impacts
(b) (in millions)
     Average Price
Per Gallon
Excluding
Hedge Impacts
(b)
     Percentage
of Total
Operating
Expense (c)
 

2010 (a)

     2,798       $ 6,581       $ 2.35         31

2009 (a)

     2,338       $ 4,308       $ 1.84         27

2008 (a)

     2,553       $ 8,371       $ 3.28         39

 

(a) Excludes Continental Predecessor fuel consumption and cost prior to October 1, 2010.
(b) Excludes fuel hedge gains (losses) classified within fuel expense of $(105) million, $104 million and $(608) million for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
(c) Calculation excludes special charges identified in Item 6 of this report.

The availability and price of aircraft fuel significantly affects the Company’s operations, results of operations and financial position. To ensure adequate supplies of fuel and to obtain a measure of control over prices in the short term, the Company arranges to have fuel shipped on major pipelines and stored close to its major hub locations. To protect against increases in the prices of fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements, provided the hedges are expected to be cost effective. The Company uses fixed price swaps, purchased call options, collars or other such commonly used financial hedge instruments based on aircraft fuel or closely related commodities like heating oil and crude oil. The Company strives to maintain fuel hedging levels and exposure generally consistent with industry standards so that the Company’s fuel cost is not disproportionate to the fuel costs of its major competitors.

Loyalty Programs. United’s Mileage Plus program and Continental’s OnePass program build customer loyalty by offering awards and services to program participants. Members in these programs can earn mileage credit for flights on United, United Express, Continental, Continental Express and Continental Connection, members of Star Alliance and certain other airlines that participate in the programs. Miles can also be earned by purchasing the goods and services of our non-airline partners, such as retail merchants, hotels, car rental companies and credit card issuers. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded travel and non-travel awards. At December 31, 2010, United and Continental had more than 58 million and 41 million members, respectively, enrolled in their programs.

Both of the Company’s loyalty programs have co-brand agreements with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”). Under these agreements, loyalty program members accrue frequent flyer miles for making purchases using Mileage Plus and OnePass credit cards issued by Chase. These co-brand agreements provide for joint marketing of the credit card programs and provide Chase with other benefits such as permission to market to the Company’s customer database.

 

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In 2010, 2.4 million Mileage Plus travel awards were used on United, as compared to 2.1 million and 2.3 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. These awards represented 7.5%, 8.3% and 9.1% of United’s total revenue passenger miles in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Also in 2010, 1.6 million OnePass travel awards were used on Continental, as compared to 1.3 million and 1.6 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. These awards represented 5.7%, 5.9% and 8.4% of Continental’s total revenue passenger miles in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

In addition, Mileage Plus members redeemed miles for approximately 975,000 non-United travel awards in 2010 as compared to 885,000 in 2009. Non-United travel awards include Red Carpet Club memberships, car and hotel awards, merchandise and travel solely on another air carrier, among others. The increase in the number of non-United travel awards redeemed in 2010 was due to the expansion of the merchandise programs and the launch of a new car and hotel award program in the fourth quarter of 2009. Total miles redeemed for travel on United in 2010, including class-of-service upgrades, represented 86% of the total miles redeemed (for both completed and future travel).

Distribution Channels. The majority of the Company’s airline seat inventory continues to be distributed through the traditional channels of travel agencies and global distribution systems (“GDS”). The growing use of internal websites, such as www.united.com and www.continental.com, alternative distribution systems and new GDS entrants provides the Company with an opportunity to de-commoditize its services, better control its content, make more targeted offerings, retain its customers, enhance its brand and lower its ticket distribution costs. To encourage customer use of lower-cost channels and capitalize on these cost-saving opportunities, the Company will continue to expand the capabilities of its websites and explore alternative distribution channels.

Industry Conditions

Economic Conditions. The Company’s costs and revenues are highly correlated to the economic health and growth of the United States and the global markets the Company serves. The Company’s financial performance improved significantly in 2010 consistent with the improvement in global economic conditions. Similarly, the Company’s results were adversely impacted in 2009 and 2008 as the global recession experienced over this period resulted in significant declines in industry passenger demand, accompanied by a reduction in fare levels. The drop in demand was greater among business and premium cabin travelers, as corporations significantly reduced their spending on business travel. As discussed further in Item 1A, Risk Factors, and in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, adverse economic conditions have had, and in the future may have, negative impacts on passenger demand and revenue.

Domestic Competition. The domestic airline industry is highly competitive and dynamic. In domestic markets, new and existing U.S. carriers are generally free to initiate service between any two points within the United States. The Company’s competitors consist primarily of other airlines and, to a lesser extent, other forms of transportation and emerging technological substitutes such as videoconferencing. Competition can be direct, in the form of another carrier flying the exact non-stop route, or indirect where a carrier serves the same two cities non-stop from an alternative airport in that city, or via an itinerary requiring a connection at another airport.

Carriers that operate as low cost carriers or that have lower cost structures achieved through reorganization may be more competitive with the rest of the industry, resulting in lower fares for such carriers’ passengers with a potential negative impact on the Company’s revenues. In addition, future airline mergers or acquisitions may enable airlines to improve their revenue and cost performance relative to peers and thus enhance their competitive position within the industry.

Domestic pricing decisions are largely affected by the need to be competitive with other U.S. airlines. Fare discounting by competitors has historically had a negative effect on our financial results because we often find it necessary to match competitors’ fares to maintain passenger traffic. Attempts by the Company and other airlines to raise fares often fail due to a lack of competitive matching.

 

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International Competition. In international markets the Company competes not only with U.S. airlines, but also with foreign carriers. Competition on specified international routes is subject to varying degrees of governmental regulations. The United States and European Union (“EU”) agreement in 2008 to reduce restrictions on flight operations between the two regions has increased competition for United’s transatlantic network from both U.S. and European airlines. In our Pacific operations, competition is expected to increase as the governments of the United States and China recently approved additional U.S. and Chinese airlines to fly new routes between the two countries, although the commencement of some new services to China was postponed due to the weak global economy. Competition in the Pacific is also expected to increase as a result of the execution of the open skies agreement between the United States and Japan in October 2010. See Industry Regulation, below. Competition in the Pacific may also increase if Japan Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in January 2010 and received reorganization plan approval in November 2010, becomes a stronger competitor in the region as a result of its restructuring. Part of the Company’s ability to compete successfully with non-U.S. carriers on international routes is its ability to generate traffic from and to the entire U.S. via its integrated domestic route network. Foreign carriers are currently prohibited by U.S. law from carrying local passengers between two points in the U.S. and the Company experiences comparable restrictions in many foreign countries. In addition, U.S. carriers are often constrained from carrying passengers to points beyond designated international gateway cities due to limitations in air service agreements and restrictions imposed unilaterally by foreign governments. To compensate partially for these structural limitations, U.S. and foreign carriers have entered into alliances and marketing arrangements that allow these carriers to exchange traffic between each other’s flights and route networks. See Alliances, above, for further information.

Seasonality. The air travel business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, second and third quarter revenues, which reflect higher travel demand, are better than first and fourth quarter revenues, which reflect lower travel demand.

Industry Regulation

Domestic Regulation.

General. All carriers engaged in air transportation in the U.S. are subject to regulation by the DOT. Among its responsibilities, the DOT issues certificates of public convenience and necessity for domestic air transportation; no air carrier, unless exempted, may provide air transportation without a DOT certificate of public convenience and necessity. The DOT also grants international route authorities, approves international codeshare arrangements, regulates methods of competition and enforces certain consumer protection statutes and regulations, such as those dealing with advertising, denied boarding compensation and baggage liability.

Airlines are also regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), a division of the DOT, primarily in the areas of flight operations, maintenance and other safety and technical matters. The FAA has authority to issue air carrier operating certificates and aircraft airworthiness certificates, prescribe maintenance procedures and regulate pilot and other employee training, among other responsibilities. From time to time, the FAA issues rules that require air carriers to take certain actions, such as the inspection or modification of aircraft and other equipment, that may cause the Company to incur substantial, unplanned expenses. The airline industry is also subject to various other federal laws and regulations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has jurisdiction over virtually all aspects of civil aviation security. See Legislation, below. The U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has jurisdiction over certain airline competition matters. The U.S. Postal Service has authority over certain aspects of the transportation of mail. Labor relations in the airline industry are generally governed by the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”). The Company is also subject to inquiries by the DOT, FAA, DOJ and other U.S. and international regulatory bodies.

Airport Access. Access to landing and take-off rights, or “slots,” at several major U.S. airports and many foreign airports served by United and Continental are, or recently have been, subject to government regulation. Federally mandated domestic slot restrictions currently apply at Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C.

 

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(“Washington Reagan”), John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”), LaGuardia Airport (“LaGuardia”) and New York Liberty. In addition, to address concerns about airport congestion, the FAA has designated certain airports, including New York Liberty, JFK and LaGuardia as “high density traffic airports” and has imposed operating restrictions at these three airports, which may include capacity reductions. Additional restrictions on airline routes and takeoff and landing slots may be proposed in the future that could affect the Company’s rights of ownership and transfer.

Legislation. The airline industry is subject to legislative activity that may have an impact on operations and costs. In addition to federal, state and local taxes and fees that the Company is currently subject to, proposed taxes and fees are currently pending that may increase the Company’s operating costs if imposed on the Company. Congress is currently attempting to pass comprehensive reauthorization legislation to impose a new funding structure and make other changes to FAA operations. Past aviation reauthorization bills have affected a wide range of areas of interest to the industry, including air traffic control operations, capacity control issues, airline competition issues, aircraft and airport technology requirements, safety issues, taxes, fees and other funding sources. Congress may also pass other legislation that could increase labor and operating costs. Climate change legislation, which would regulate greenhouse gas emissions, is also likely to be a significant area of legislative and regulatory focus and could adversely impact the Company’s costs. See Environmental Regulation, below.

In April 2010, the DOT implemented a new rule requiring certain air carriers, including United and Continental, to adopt contingency plans for tarmac delays exceeding three hours at most U.S. airports. A carrier’s failure to meet certain service performance criteria under the rule could subject it to substantial civil penalties. The DOT has also proceeded with other regulatory changes in this area, including proposals regarding treatment of and payments to passengers involuntarily denied boarding, domestic baggage liability and airline scheduling practices. Additionally, since September 11, 2001, aviation security has been, and continues to be, a subject of frequent legislative and regulatory action, requiring changes to the Company’s security processes and frequently increasing the cost of its security procedures.

In September 2010, the FAA proposed changes to flight crew duty and rest requirements for all U.S. airlines operating under part 121 of FAA regulations. These changes, if adopted by the FAA as initially proposed, would likely require us to make changes to our flight operations that could materially increase our costs. Continental, United and other airlines and trade associations have submitted comments to the FAA to reduce these proposed burdens substantially, but it is unclear at this time whether the FAA will adopt them in its final rule.

International Regulation.

General. International air transportation is subject to extensive government regulation. In connection with the Company’s international services, the Company is regulated by both the U.S. government and the governments of the foreign countries United and Continental serve. In addition, the availability of international routes to U.S. carriers is regulated by aviation agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments, and in some cases, fares and schedules require the approval of the DOT and/or the relevant foreign governments.

Airport Access. Historically, access to foreign markets has been tightly controlled through bilateral agreements between the U.S. and each foreign country involved. These agreements regulate the markets served, the number of carriers allowed to serve each market and the frequency of carriers’ flights. Since the early 1990s, the U.S. has pursued a policy of “open skies” (meaning all U.S.-flag carriers have access to the destination), under which the U.S. government has negotiated a number of bilateral agreements allowing unrestricted access between U.S. and foreign markets. Currently, there are more than 100 open skies agreements in effect. Additionally, many of the airports that United and Continental serve in Europe, Asia and Latin America, maintain slot controls. A large number of these are restrictive due to congestion at these airports. London Heathrow International Airport (“London Heathrow”), Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport, Shanghai Pudong

 

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International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Sao Paulo Guarhulos International Airport and Tokyo Narita International Airport are among the most restrictive airports due to capacity limitations. United and Continental have significant operations at these locations.

The Company’s ability to serve some foreign markets and expand into certain others is limited by the absence of aviation agreements between the U.S. government and the relevant foreign governments. Shifts in U.S. or foreign government aviation policies may lead to the alteration or termination of air service agreements. Depending on the nature of any such change, the value of the Company’s international route authorities and slot rights may be materially enhanced or diminished.

The U.S./EU open skies agreement provides U.S. and EU carriers with expansive rights, including the right to operate between any point in the United States and the EU. The agreement has no direct impact on airport slot rights or airport facilities nor does it provide for a reallocation of existing slots or facilities, including those at London Heathrow. Because of the diverse nature of potential impacts on the Company’s business, the overall future impact of the U.S./EU agreement on the Company’s business cannot be predicted with certainty.

In October 2010, the open skies agreement between the United States and Japan became effective, enabling U.S. or Japanese carriers to fly between any point in the United States and any point in Japan and, in the case of U.S. carriers, beyond Japan to points in other countries the carrier is authorized to serve. The agreement eliminates the restrictions on the number of frequencies carriers can operate and requires governments in both the United States and Japan to concur before taking action to regulate a carrier’s fares or rates.

Environmental Regulation.

General. The airline industry is subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local and international environmental laws and regulations concerning emissions to the air, discharges to surface and subsurface waters, safe drinking water, aircraft noise, and the management of hazardous substances, oils and waste materials. Areas of developing regulations include new regulations surrounding the emission of greenhouse gases (discussed further below), State of California rule-makings regarding air emissions from ground support equipment, and a federal rule-making concerning the discharge of deicing fluid.

Climate Change. There are certain laws and regulations relating to climate change that apply to the Company, including the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (“ETS”) (which is subject to legal challenge), environmental taxes for certain international flights (including the United Kingdom’s Air Passenger Duty and Germany’s departure ticket tax), limited greenhouse gas reporting requirements, and the State of California’s cap and trade regulations (which impacts United’s San Francisco Maintenance Center and co-located cogeneration plant). In addition, there are land-use planning laws that could apply to airport expansion projects, requiring a review of greenhouse gas emissions, and could affect airlines in certain circumstances.

In 2009, the EU issued a directive to member states to include aviation in its greenhouse gas ETS, which required the Company to begin monitoring emissions of carbon dioxide effective January 1, 2010. Beginning in 2012, the ETS would require the Company to ensure it has obtained sufficient emission allowances equal to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from flights to and from EU member states with such allowances then surrendered on an annual basis to the government. In December 2009, the Air Transportation Association, joined by United, Continental and American Airlines, filed a lawsuit in the United Kingdom challenging regulations that transpose into UK law the EU ETS as applied to U.S. carriers. In addition, non-EU countries are considering filing a formal challenge before the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) with respect to the EU’s inclusion of non-EU carriers. If the scheme is found to be valid, it could significantly increase the cost of carriers operating in the EU (by requiring the purchase of carbon credits), although the precise cost to the Company is difficult to calculate with certainty due to a number of variables. Those potential costs will depend, among other things, on the baseline carbon emissions yet to be determined by the EU, the Company’s future carbon emissions from flights to and from the EU, and the price of carbon credits.

 

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In addition to current regulatory programs, there is also the potential for additional climate change regulation. In 2010, the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) found that current and projected concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare. Although legal challenges have been initiated and legislative proposals are expected that may invalidate this endangerment finding (and/or the EPA’s assertion of authority under the Clean Air Act), the finding could result in EPA regulation of commercial aircraft emissions.

Further, the ICAO recently signaled through an ICAO Assembly Resolution that it will be developing a regulatory scheme for aviation greenhouse gas emissions. There could be other regulatory actions taken in the future by the U.S. government, state governments within the U.S., foreign governments, or through a separate United Nations global climate change treaty to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases by the aviation industry, which could result in multiple schemes applying to the same emissions. The precise nature of any such requirements and their applicability to the Company are difficult to predict, but the financial impact to the Company and the aviation industry would likely be adverse and could be significant, including the potential for increased fuel costs, carbon taxes or fees, or a requirement to purchase carbon credits.

Other Environmental Matters. In addition, the DOT allows local airport authorities to implement procedures designed to abate special noise problems, provided those procedures do not unreasonably interfere with interstate or foreign commerce or the national transportation system and do not conflict with federal law. Some U.S. and foreign airports, including airports located in certain of our hub cities, have established airport restrictions to limit noise, including restrictions on aircraft types to be used and limits on the number and scheduling of hourly or daily operations. In some instances, these restrictions have caused curtailments in services or increased operating costs, and could limit our ability to expand our operations at the affected airports.

The airline industry is also subject to other environmental laws and regulations that require the Company to remediate soil or groundwater to meet certain objectives and which may require significant expenditures. Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as “Superfund,” and similar environmental cleanup laws, generators of waste materials and owners or operators of facilities can be subject to liability for investigation and remediation costs at locations that have been identified as requiring response actions. The Company also conducts voluntary environmental assessment and remediation actions. Environmental cleanup obligations can arise from, among other circumstances, the operation of aircraft fueling facilities and primarily involve airport sites. Future costs associated with these activities are currently not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

 

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Employees

As of December 31, 2010, UAL, including its subsidiaries, had approximately 86,000 active employees. Approximately 72% of UAL’s employees were represented by various U.S. labor organizations as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, United had approximately 46,000 active employees and Continental had approximately 40,000 active employees. The following table reflects the Company’s employee groups, number of employees per employee group, representative union for each of United’s and Continental’s employee groups, and amendable date for each employee group’s collective bargaining agreement:

 

United Employee Group

  Number of
Employees
    Union   Contract Open
for Amendment
 
Public Contact/Ramp & Stores/Food Service Employees/Security Officers/Maintenance Instructors/Fleet Technical Instructors     14,471      International Association of Machinists
and Aerospace Workers (“IAM”)
    January 2010   

Flight Attendants

    12,755      Association of Flight Attendants—
Communication Workers of America
(“AFA”)
    January 2010   

Pilots

    5,605      Air Line Pilots Association—
International (“ALPA”)
    January 2010   

Mechanics & Related

    4,728      International Brotherhood of
Teamsters (“Teamsters”)
    January 2010   

Engineers

    195      International Federation of
Professional and Technical Engineers
(“IFPTE”)
    January 2010   

Dispatchers

    158      Professional Airline Flight Control
Association (“PAFCA”)
    January 2010   

Continental Employee Group

               

Flight Attendants

    8,153      IAM     December 2009   

Fleet Service Employees

    6,918      Teamsters     December 2012   

Pilots

    4,273      ALPA     December 2008   

Mechanics

    3,637      Teamsters     December 2012   

Continental Micronesia, Inc. (“CMI”) Fleet and Passenger Service Employees

    544      Teamsters     November 2011   

CMI Flight Attendants

    246      IAM     December 2010   

Dispatchers

    109      Transport Workers Union (“TWU”)     December 2013   

CMI Mechanics

    115      Teamsters     December 2009   

Flight Simulator Technicians

    40      TWU     December 2012   

Collective bargaining agreements are negotiated under the RLA, which governs labor relations in the air transportation industry. Such agreements typically do not contain an expiration date and instead specify an amendable date, upon which the contract is considered “open for amendment.” Contracts remain in effect while new agreements are negotiated. During the negotiation period, both the Company and the negotiating union are required to maintain the status quo.

The process for integrating the labor groups of United and Continental is governed by a combination of the RLA, the McCaskill-Bond Amendment, and where applicable, the existing provisions of United’s and Continental’s collective bargaining agreements and union policies. Under the RLA, the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) has exclusive authority to resolve union representation disputes arising out of airline mergers. Under the McCaskill-Bond Amendment, “fair and equitable” integration of seniority lists is required, including arbitration where the interested parties cannot reach a consensual agreement. Pending operational integration, the Company will apply the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreements unless other terms have been negotiated.

 

 

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United has been in negotiations for amended collective bargaining agreements with all of its unions since 2009. Consistent with commitments contained in its current labor contracts, United filed for mediation assistance in conjunction with four of its six unions: ALPA, AFA, IAM and PAFCA. While the labor contract with the Teamsters also contemplates filing for mediation, the parties agreed to continue in direct negotiations. The current contract with the IFPTE does not stipulate filing for mediation.

In March 2010, Continental reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year labor contract with the union that represents its dispatchers, which was ratified in April 2010. In September 2010, Continental reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the union that represents its aircraft maintenance technicians and related employees, which was ratified in November 2010. Continental negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters covering its fleet service employees in November 2010 which was ratified in December 2010. In January 2011, Continental reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the union that represents its flight attendants. The agreement is scheduled for a ratification vote, the results of which are expected to be announced on or around February 26, 2011.

After the Company’s May 2010 merger announcement, ALPA opted to suspend negotiations at both United and Continental to focus on joint negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement that would apply to the combined company. In July 2010, United and Continental reached agreement with ALPA on a Transition and Process Agreement that provides a framework for conducting pilot operations for the two employee groups until the parties reach agreement on a joint collective bargaining agreement and the carriers obtain a single operating certificate. In August 2010, United and Continental began joint negotiations with ALPA and those negotiations are presently ongoing. In December 2010, ALPA and the Company jointly applied to the NMB for mediation assistance for pilots and flight instructors.

In January 2011, the IAM filed an application seeking single-carrier findings by the NMB for purposes of union representation covering fleet service employees at Continental and ramp service employees at United. Also in January 2011, the AFA announced that it had filed a similar request with the NMB for purposes of union representation for United and Continental flight attendants. The Company anticipates that other applications will be filed by various unions covering smaller groups of employees. If the NMB determines that United and Continental are considered a single carrier, the relevant employees may vote with respect to union representation. Until elections occur, the incumbent unions will continue to represent those employee groups who are currently represented.

The outcome of these labor negotiations may materially impact the Company’s future financial results. However, the Company is unable at this time to assess the timing or magnitude of such impact, if any.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

The following risk factors should be read carefully when evaluating the Company’s business and the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other statements the Company or its representatives make from time to time. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this report.

The Merger may present certain material risks to the Company’s business and operations.

The Merger, described in Item 1, Business, may present certain risks to the Company’s business and operations including, among other things, risks that:

 

   

we may be unable to successfully integrate the businesses and workforces of United and Continental;

 

   

conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions relating to the Merger that may be imposed on us by regulatory authorities may adversely affect the Company’s business and operations;

 

 

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we may lose additional management personnel and other key employees and may be unable to attract and retain such personnel and employees;

 

   

we may be unable to successfully manage the expanded business with respect to monitoring new operations and associated increased costs and complexity;

 

   

we may be unable to avoid potential liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the Merger and integration;

 

   

we may be unable to successfully manage the complex integration of systems, technology, aircraft fleets, networks and other assets of United and Continental in a manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, vendors, suppliers, employees and other constituencies;

 

   

our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be limited;

 

   

branding or rebranding initiatives may involve substantial costs and may not be favorably received by customers;

 

   

we may experience disruption of, or inconsistencies in, each of United’s and Continental’s standards, controls, procedures, policies and services; and

 

   

we may be unable to successfully negotiate and maintain current or future strategic partnerships of United and Continental on terms acceptable to the Company.

Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Merger will result in the realization of the full benefits of synergies, innovation and operational efficiencies that we currently expect, that these benefits will be achieved within the anticipated timeframe or that we will be able to fully and accurately measure any such synergies.

Certain of the Company’s financing agreements have covenants that impose operating and financial restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company may be unable to continue to comply with the covenants in these agreements. A failure to comply with these covenants could result in the accelerated maturity of debt obligations, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s liquidity.

United’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007 (the “Amended Credit Facility”), the indenture governing Continental’s 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “6.75% Notes”) and the indentures governing United’s 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013 (the “United Senior Notes,” and together with the 6.75% Notes, the “Senior Notes”) impose certain operating and financial covenants, as applicable, on the Company, on United and its material subsidiaries, or on Continental and its subsidiaries.

Among other covenants, the Amended Credit Facility requires UAL, United and certain of United’s material subsidiaries who are guarantors under the Amended Credit Facility to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of $1.0 billion at all times; a minimum ratio of collateral value to debt obligations (that may increase if a specified dollar value of the route collateral is released); and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 for twelve month periods measured at the end of each calendar quarter.

Among other covenants, the indentures governing the Senior Notes require the issuer to maintain a minimum ratio of collateral value to debt obligations. If the value of the collateral underlying that issuer’s Senior Notes declines such that the issuer no longer maintains the minimum required ratio of collateral value to debt obligations, the issuer may be required to pay additional interest at the rate of 2% per annum, provide additional collateral to secure the noteholders’ lien or repay a portion of the Senior Notes.

 

 

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The Company’s ability to comply with the covenants in the Amended Credit Facility and the indentures governing the Senior Notes may be affected by events beyond its control, including the overall industry revenue environment and the level of fuel costs, and the Company may be required to seek waivers or amendments of covenants, repay all or a portion of the debt or find alternative sources of financing. The Company cannot provide assurance that such waivers, amendments or alternative financing could be obtained or, if obtained, would be on terms acceptable to the Company.

A breach of certain of the covenants or restrictions contained in the Amended Credit Facility or indentures governing the Senior Notes could result in a default and a subsequent acceleration of the applicable debt obligations. In addition, the indentures governing the United Senior Notes contain a cross-acceleration provision pursuant to which a default resulting in the acceleration of indebtedness under the Amended Credit Facility would result in a default under such indentures. A default under these indentures could allow holders of the United Senior Notes to accelerate the maturity of the obligations in these indentures.

See Note 14 to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for further discussion of our operating and financial covenants under certain of the Company’s financing agreements.

The Company may be unable to continue to comply with certain covenants in agreements with financial institutions that process customer credit card transactions, which, if not complied with, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s liquidity.

United and Continental have agreements with financial institutions that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. Under certain of United’s and Continental’s credit card processing agreements, the financial institutions either require, or under certain circumstances have the right to require, that United and Continental maintain a reserve equal to a portion of advance ticket sales that have been processed by that financial institution, but for which United and Continental have not yet provided the air transportation (referred to as “relevant advance ticket sales”).

United’s credit card processing agreement with Paymentech and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan Chase”) contains a cash reserve requirement, determined based on the amount of unrestricted cash held by United as defined under the Amended Credit Facility. If United’s unrestricted cash balance is at or more than $2.5 billion as of any calendar month-end measurement date, its required reserve will remain at $25 million. However, if United’s unrestricted cash balance is less than $2.5 billion or certain lower minimum cash amounts, its required reserve will increase to stated percentages of relevant advance ticket sales that could be significant. Based on United’s December 31, 2010 unrestricted cash balance, United was not required to provide cash collateral above the current $25 million reserve balance.

Under United’s credit card processing agreement with American Express, in addition to certain other risk protections provided to American Express, United is required to provide reserves based primarily on its unrestricted cash balance and net current exposure as of any calendar month-end measurement date with United’s required reserves increasing to stated percentages of net current exposure that could be significant as United’s unrestricted cash balance falls below certain minimum cash amounts. The agreement with American Express permits United to provide certain replacement collateral in lieu of cash collateral, as long as United’s unrestricted cash is above $1.35 billion. Such replacement collateral may be pledged for any amount of the required reserve up to the full amount thereof, with the stated value of such collateral determined according to the agreement. Replacement collateral may be comprised of aircraft, slots and routes, real estate or other collateral as agreed between the parties. Based on United’s unrestricted cash balance at December 31, 2010, United was not required to provide any reserves under this agreement.

Continental’s credit card processing agreement with JPMorgan Chase and affiliates of JPMorgan Chase contains financial covenants that require, among other things, that Continental post additional cash collateral if it fails to maintain (1) a minimum level of Continental’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, (2) a minimum ratio of Continental’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

 

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to current liabilities of 0.25 to 1.0 or (3) a minimum senior unsecured debt rating for Continental of at least Caa3 and CCC- from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, respectively. If a covenant trigger under the JPMorgan Chase processing agreement results in Continental’s posting additional collateral under that agreement, Continental will also be required to post additional collateral under its credit card processing agreement with American Express that could be significant.

If Continental’s unrestricted cash balance is at or more than $2.0 billion as of any calendar month-end measurement date, its required reserve will remain at $25 million. However, if Continental’s unrestricted cash balance is less than $2.0 billion or certain lower minimum cash amounts, its required reserve will increase to stated percentages of relevant advance ticket sales that could be significant. Based on Continental’s December 31, 2010 unrestricted cash balance, Continental was not required to provide cash collateral above the current $25 million reserve balance.

An increase in the future reserve requirements and the posting of a significant amount of cash collateral, as provided by the terms of any or all of United’s and Continental’s material credit card processing agreements, could materially reduce the Company’s liquidity. See Note 17 to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for a detailed discussion of our obligations under the Company’s credit card processing agreements.

The Company may not be able to maintain adequate liquidity.

The Company has a significant amount of financial leverage from fixed obligations, including aircraft lease and debt financings, leases of airport property and other facilities, and other material cash obligations. In addition, the Company has substantial non-cancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of new aircraft and related spare engines. While the Company’s cash flows from operations and its available capital, including the proceeds from financing transactions, have been sufficient to meet these obligations and commitments to date, the Company’s future liquidity could be negatively impacted by the risk factors discussed in this Item 1A, including, but not limited to, substantial volatility in the price of fuel, adverse economic conditions and disruptions in the global capital markets.

In the event that the Company’s liquidity is constrained due to the factors noted above or otherwise, the Company’s failure to comply with certain financial covenants under its financing and credit card processing agreements, timely pay its debts, or comply with other material provisions of its contractual obligations could result in a variety of adverse consequences, including the acceleration of the Company’s indebtedness, the increase of required reserves under credit card processing agreements, the withholding of credit card sale proceeds by its credit card service providers and the exercise of other remedies by its creditors and equipment lessors that could result in material adverse effects on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Further, certain of the Company’s debt is secured by collateral and the Company may have limited remaining assets available as collateral for loans or other indebtedness, which may make it difficult to raise additional capital to meet its liquidity needs. The Company’s level of indebtedness, non-investment grade credit rating and the current market conditions may also make it difficult for the Company to raise capital to meet its liquidity needs and may increase its cost of borrowing. A higher cost of capital could negatively impact its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for further information regarding the Company’s liquidity.

Economic and industry conditions constantly change and unfavorable global economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

The Company’s business and results of operations are significantly impacted by general economic and industry conditions. The airline industry is highly cyclical, and the level of demand for air travel is correlated to the strength of the U.S. and global economies. Robust demand for our air transportation services depends largely

 

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on favorable general economic conditions, including the strength of the global and local economies, low unemployment levels, strong consumer confidence levels and the availability of consumer and business credit. For leisure travelers, air transportation is often a discretionary purchase that those consumers can eliminate from their spending in difficult economic times. In addition, during periods of unfavorable economic conditions, businesses usually reduce the volume of their business travel, either due to cost-savings initiatives or as a result of decreased business activity requiring travel.

The overall demand for air transportation in the United States significantly decreased in 2008 and 2009 due to the severe global economic recession, and this decline in demand disproportionately reduced the volume of high-yield traffic in the premium cabins on domestic and international flights, as many business travelers either curtailed their travel or purchased lower yield economy tickets. Decreases in passenger and cargo demand that resulted in lower passenger volumes and lower ticket fares had a significant adverse impact on our results of operations in 2008 and 2009. While some economic indicators are beginning to exhibit growth, other economic indicators that may reflect an economic recovery, such as unemployment, may not improve for an extended period of time. In addition, decreases in cargo revenues due to lower demand have a disproportionate impact on our operating results as our cargo revenues generally have higher margins as compared to our passenger revenues. Stagnant or worsening global economic conditions that contribute to reduced passenger and cargo revenues may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues, results of operations and liquidity.

In addition to its effect on demand for our services, the global economic recession severely disrupted the global capital markets, resulting in a diminished availability of financing and a higher cost for financing that was obtainable. Although access to the capital markets has improved, if economic conditions again worsen or these markets experience further disruptions, we may be unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms (or at all) to refinance certain maturing debt and to satisfy future capital commitments.

Continued periods of historically high fuel costs or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results.

Expenditures for aircraft fuel and related taxes represent one of the largest single costs of operating the Company’s business. The Company’s financial condition and result of operations may be significantly impacted by the availability and price of aircraft fuel. While the Company arranges to have fuel shipped on major pipelines and stored close to its major hub locations to ensure supply continuity in the short term, the Company cannot predict the continued future availability of aircraft fuel.

At times, due to the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, the Company has not been able to increase its fares or other fees sufficiently to offset increased fuel costs. Fuel prices continue to be volatile which may negatively impact the Company’s liquidity in the future. The Company may not be able to increase its fares or other fees if fuel prices rise in the future and any such increases may not be sustainable in the highly competitive airline industry. In addition, any increases in fares or other fees may not sufficiently offset the fuel price increase and may reduce the demand for air travel.

The Company enters into hedging arrangements to protect against rising fuel costs. However, the Company’s hedging programs may use significant amounts of cash due to posting of cash collateral in some circumstances, may not be successful in controlling fuel costs and may be limited due to market conditions and other factors. In addition, significant declines in fuel prices may increase the costs associated with the Company’s fuel hedging arrangements to the extent it has entered into swaps or collars. Swaps and sold put options (as part of a collar) may obligate us to make payments to the counterparty upon settlement of the contracts if the price of the commodity hedged falls below the agreed upon amount. Declining crude and related oil prices may result in the Company posting significant amounts of collateral to cover potential amounts owed (beyond certain credit-based thresholds) with respect to swap and collar contracts that have not yet settled. Also, lower fuel prices may result in increased industry capacity and lower fares, especially to the extent that reduced fuel costs justify increased utilization by airlines of less fuel efficient aircraft.

 

 

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There can be no assurance that the Company’s hedging arrangements will provide any particular level of protection against increases or declines in fuel costs or that its counterparties will be able to perform under the Company’s hedging arrangements. Additionally, deterioration in the Company’s financial condition could negatively affect its ability to enter into new hedge contracts in the future and may potentially require the Company to post increased amounts of collateral under its fuel hedging agreements.

See Note 13 to the financial statements included in Item 8 for additional information on the Company’s hedging programs.

Terrorist attacks or international hostilities, or the fear of terrorist attacks or hostilities, even if not made directly on the airline industry, could negatively affect the Company and the airline industry.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 involving commercial aircraft severely and adversely impacted each of United’s and Continental’s financial condition and results of operations, as well as the prospects for the airline industry. Among the effects experienced from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were substantial flight disruption costs caused by the FAA-imposed temporary grounding of the U.S. airline industry’s fleet, significantly increased security costs and associated passenger inconvenience, increased insurance costs, substantially higher ticket refunds and significantly decreased traffic and passenger revenue.

Additional terrorist attacks, even if not made directly on the airline industry, or the fear of or the precautions taken in anticipation of such attacks (including elevated national threat warnings or selective cancellation or redirection of flights) could materially and adversely affect the Company and the airline industry. Wars and other international hostilities could also have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. The Company’s financial resources might not be sufficient to absorb the adverse effects of any further terrorist attacks or other international hostilities involving the United States or U.S. interests.

The airline industry is highly competitive and susceptible to price discounting and changes in capacity, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The U.S. airline industry is characterized by substantial price competition. In recent years, the market share held by low-cost carriers has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase. The increased market presence of low-cost carriers, which engage in substantial price discounting, has diminished the ability of large network carriers to exercise pricing power and maintain sufficient fare levels in domestic markets to achieve sustained profitability.

Airlines also compete for market share by increasing or decreasing their capacity, including route systems and the number of markets served. Several of the Company’s domestic competitors have increased their international capacity by including service to some destinations that the Company currently serves, causing overlap in destinations served and therefore increasing competition for those destinations. In addition, the Company and certain of its competitors have implemented significant capacity reductions in recent years in response to the global recession. Further, certain of the Company’s competitors may not reduce capacity or may increase capacity, thereby diminishing the expected benefit to the Company from capacity reductions. This increased competition in both domestic and international markets may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

The airline industry may undergo further bankruptcy restructuring, industry consolidation, or the creation or modification of alliances or joint ventures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company faces and may to continue to face strong competition from other carriers due to bankruptcy restructuring, industry consolidation, and the creation and modification of alliances and joint ventures. A number of carriers have filed for bankruptcy protection in recent years and other domestic and international carriers could restructure in bankruptcy or threaten to do so in the future to reduce their costs. Carriers operating under

 

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bankruptcy protection can operate in a manner that could be adverse to the Company and could emerge from bankruptcy as more vigorous competitors.

Since 2008, the U.S. airline industry has experienced consolidation through a number of mergers and acquisitions. The Company is also facing stronger competition from expanded airline alliances and joint ventures. Carriers entering into and participating in airline alliances and/or joint ventures may also become strong competitors as they are able to coordinate routes, pool revenues and costs, and enjoy other mutual benefits, achieving many of the benefits of consolidation. “Open skies” agreements, including the agreements between the United States and the EU and between the United States and Japan, may also give rise to additional consolidation or better integration opportunities among international carriers.

There is ongoing speculation that further airline industry reorganizations or consolidations could occur in the future. The Company routinely engages in analysis and discussions regarding its own strategic position, including alliances, asset acquisitions and divestitures and business combinations, and may have future discussions with other airlines regarding strategic activities. If other airlines participate in such activities, those airlines may significantly improve their cost structures or revenue generation capabilities, thereby potentially making them stronger competitors of the Company and potentially impairing the Company’s ability to realize expected benefits from its own strategic relationships.

Additional security requirements may increase the Company’s costs and decrease its revenues and traffic.

Since September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and the Transportation Security Administration have implemented numerous security measures that affect airline operations and costs, including the presence of federal air marshals, use of passenger data, limitations on the content of carry-on baggage, expanded cargo and baggage screening, and body scanning, fingerprinting and photographing, and are likely to implement additional measures in the future. In addition, foreign governments have also instituted additional security measures at foreign airports the Company serves. A substantial portion of the costs of these security measures is borne by the airlines and their passengers, increasing the Company’s costs and/or reducing its revenue and traffic. Additional measures taken to enhance either passenger or cargo security procedures and/or to recover associated costs in the future may increase the Company’s costs and/or decrease the demand for air travel, and may result in related adverse effects on the Company’s results of operations.

Extensive government regulation could materially increase the Company’s operating costs and restrict its ability to conduct its business.

Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements that result in significant costs and may have adverse effects. Laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges, both domestically and internationally, have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the cost of airline operations or reduce airline revenue. The Company cannot provide any assurance that current laws and regulations, or laws or regulations enacted in the future, will not adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.

Each of United and Continental operates under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the DOT. If the DOT altered, amended, modified, suspended or revoked these certificates, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. The FAA from time to time also issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require material expenditures or operational restrictions by the Company, and which could include the temporary grounding of an entire aircraft type if the FAA identifies design, manufacturing, maintenance or other issues requiring immediate corrective action. FAA requirements cover, among other things, retirement of older aircraft, security measures, collision avoidance systems, airborne windshear avoidance systems, noise abatement and other environmental concerns, aircraft operation and safety and increased inspections and maintenance procedures to be conducted on older aircraft. These FAA directives or requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

 

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In addition, the Company’s operations may be adversely impacted due to the existing antiquated air traffic control (“ATC”) system utilized by the U.S. government. During peak travel periods in certain markets, the current ATC system’s inability to handle existing travel demand has led to short-term capacity constraints imposed by government agencies and resulted in delays and disruptions of air traffic. In addition, the current system will not be able to effectively handle projected future air traffic growth. Imposition of these ATC constraints on a long-term basis may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Failure to update the ATC system in a timely manner, and the substantial funding requirements of a modernized ATC system that may be imposed on air carriers may have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The airline industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local taxes and fees that increase the cost of the Company’s operations. In addition to taxes and fees that the Company is currently subject to, proposed taxes and fees are currently pending and if imposed, would increase the Company’s operating expenses.

Access to landing and take-off rights, or “slots,” at several major U.S. airports and many foreign airports served by the Company are, or recently have been, subject to government regulation. Certain of the Company’s major hubs are among increasingly congested airports in the United States and have been or could be the subject of regulatory action that might limit the number of flights and/or increase costs of operations at certain times or throughout the day. The FAA may limit the Company’s airport access by limiting the number of departure and arrival slots at high density traffic airports, which could affect the Company’s ownership and transfer rights, and local airport authorities may have the ability to control access to certain facilities or the cost of access to its facilities, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business. In addition, in 2008, the FAA planned to withdraw and auction a certain number of slots held by airlines at the three primary New York area airports, which the airlines challenged and the FAA terminated in 2009. If the FAA were to plan another auction that survived legal challenge by the airlines, the Company could incur substantial costs to obtain such slots. Further, the Company’s operating costs at airports at which it operates, including the Company’s major hubs, may increase significantly because of capital improvements at such airports that the Company may be required to fund, directly or indirectly. In some circumstances, such costs could be imposed by the relevant airport authority without the Company’s approval and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

The ability of U.S. carriers to operate international routes is subject to change because the applicable arrangements between the United States and foreign governments may be amended from time to time, or because appropriate slots or facilities may not be made available. The Company currently operates on a number of international routes under government arrangements that limit the number of carriers permitted to operate on the route, the capacity of the carriers providing services on the route, or the number of carriers allowed access to particular airports. If an open skies policy were to be adopted for any of these routes, such an event could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations and could result in the impairment of material amounts of related tangible and intangible assets. In addition, competition from revenue-sharing joint ventures and other alliance arrangements by and among other airlines could impair the value of the Company’s business and assets on the open skies routes.

The Company’s plans to enter into or expand antitrust immunized joint ventures for various international regions are subject to receipt of approvals from applicable federal authorities or otherwise satisfying applicable regulatory requirements, and there can be no assurance that such approvals will be granted or applicable regulatory requirements will be satisfied.

Many aspects of the Company’s operations are also subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local and international laws protecting the environment. Future environmental regulatory developments, such as climate change regulations in the United States and abroad could adversely affect operations and increase operating costs in the airline industry. There are certain climate change laws and regulations that have already gone into effect and that apply to the Company, including the EU ETS (subject to legal challenge), the State of California’s cap

 

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and trade regulations, environmental taxes for certain international flights, limited greenhouse gas reporting requirements and land-use planning laws which could apply to airports and could affect airlines in certain circumstances. In addition, there is the potential for additional regulatory actions in regard to the emission of greenhouse gases by the aviation industry. The precise nature of future requirements and their applicability to the Company are difficult to predict, but the financial impact to the Company and the aviation industry would likely be adverse and could be significant.

See Item 1, Business—Industry Regulation, above, for further information on government regulation impacting the Company.

The Company’s results of operations fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors associated with the airline industry.

Due to greater demand for air travel during the spring and summer months, revenues in the airline industry in the second and third quarters of the year are generally stronger than revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year. The Company’s results of operations generally reflect this seasonality, but have also been impacted by numerous other factors that are not necessarily seasonal including, among others, the imposition of excise and similar taxes, extreme or severe weather, air traffic control congestion, geological events, natural disasters, changes in the competitive environment due to industry consolidation and other factors and general economic conditions. As a result, the Company’s quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year and historical operating results in a quarterly or annual period are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

The Company could experience adverse publicity, harm to its brand, reduced travel demand and potential tort liability as a result of an accident or other catastrophe involving its aircraft, the aircraft of its regional carriers or the aircraft of its codeshare partners, which may result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. 

An accident or catastrophe involving an aircraft that the Company operates, or an aircraft that is operated by a codeshare partner or one of the Company’s regional carriers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company if such accident created a public perception that the Company’s operations, or the operations of its codeshare partners or regional carriers, are less safe or reliable than other airlines. Such public perception could in turn cause harm to the Company’s brand and reduce travel demand on the Company’s flights, or the flights or its codeshare partners or regional carriers. In addition, any such accident could expose the Company to significant tort liability. Although the Company currently maintains liability insurance in amounts and of the type the Company believes to be consistent with industry practice to cover damages arising from any such accident, and the Company’s codeshare partners and regional carriers carry similar insurance and generally indemnify the Company for their operations, if the Company’s liability exceeds the applicable policy limits or the ability of another carrier to indemnify it, the Company could incur substantial losses from an accident which may result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

UAL’s obligations for funding Continental’s defined benefit pension plans are affected by factors beyond UAL’s control.

Continental has defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its U.S. employees, other than the employees of its Chelsea Food Services division and Continental Micronesia, Inc. The timing and amount of UAL’s funding requirements under Continental’s plans depend upon a number of factors, including labor negotiations with the applicable employee groups and changes to pension plan benefits as well as factors outside of UAL’s control, such as the number of applicable retiring employees, asset returns, interest rates and changes in pension laws. Changes to these and other factors that can significantly increase UAL’s funding requirements, such as its liquidity requirements, could have a material adverse effect on UAL’s financial condition.

 

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The Company may never realize the full value of its intangible assets or our long-lived assets causing it to record impairments that may negatively affect its results of operations.

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company is required to test its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis on October 1 of each year, or more frequently if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred. In addition, the Company is required to test certain of its other assets for impairment if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred.

During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company performed impairment tests of certain intangible assets and certain long-lived assets (principally aircraft, related spare engines and spare parts). The interim impairment tests were due to events and changes in circumstances that indicated an impairment might have occurred. Certain of the factors deemed by management to have indicated that impairments may have occurred include a significant decrease in actual and forecasted revenues, record high fuel prices, significant losses, a weak U.S. economy, and changes in the planned use of assets. As a result of the impairment testing, the Company recorded significant impairment charges as described in Note 4 to the financial statements included in Item 8. The Company may be required to recognize additional impairments in the future due to, among other factors, extreme fuel price volatility, tight credit markets, a decline in the fair value of certain tangible or intangible assets, unfavorable trends in historical or forecasted results of operations and cash flows and the uncertain economic environment, as well as other uncertainties. The Company can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge of tangible or intangible assets will not occur in a future period. The value of our aircraft could be impacted in future periods by changes in supply and demand for these aircraft. Such changes in supply and demand for certain aircraft types could result from grounding of aircraft by the Company or other carriers. An impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Union disputes, employee strikes or slowdowns, and other labor-related disruptions, as well as the integration of the United and Continental workforces in connection with the Merger, present the potential for a delay in achieving expected merger synergies, increased labor costs or additional labor disputes that could adversely affect the Company’s operations and impair its financial performance.

United and Continental are both highly unionized companies. As of December 31, 2010, UAL and its subsidiaries had approximately 86,000 active employees, of whom approximately 72% were represented by various U.S. labor organizations. The successful integration of United and Continental and achievement of the anticipated benefits of the combination depend in part on integrating United and Continental employee groups and maintaining productive employee relations. Failure to do so presents the potential for delays in achieving expected merger synergies, increased labor costs and labor disputes that could adversely affect our operations.

In order to fully integrate the pre-merger represented employee groups, the Company must negotiate a joint collective bargaining agreement covering each combined group. The process for integrating the labor groups of United and Continental is governed by a combination of the RLA, the McCaskill-Bond Amendment, and where applicable, the existing provisions of each company’s collective bargaining agreements and union policy. Pending operational integration, the Company will apply the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreements unless other terms have been negotiated. Under the McCaskill-Bond Amendment, seniority integration must be accomplished in a “fair and equitable” manner consistent with the process set forth in the Allegheny-Mohawk Labor Protective Provisions or internal union Merger policies, if applicable. Employee dissatisfaction with the results of the seniority integration may lead to litigation that in some cases can delay implementation of the integrated seniority list. The National Mediation Board has exclusive authority to resolve representation disputes arising out of airline mergers.

Following announcement of the Merger, ALPA, which represents pilots at both carriers, opted to pursue negotiations with the Company for a joint collective bargaining agreement (“JCBA”) that would govern the combined pilot group. In July 2010, United and Continental reached agreement with ALPA on a Transition and Process Agreement that provides a framework for conducting pilot operations of the two groups until the parties

 

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reach agreement on a JCBA and the carriers obtain a single operating certificate. In August 2010, United and Continental began joint negotiations with ALPA and the negotiations are presently ongoing.

The Company can provide no assurance that a successful or timely resolution of labor negotiations for all amendable agreements will be achieved. There is a risk that unions or individual employees might pursue judicial or arbitral claims arising out of changes implemented as a result of the Merger. There is also a possibility that employees or unions could engage in job actions such as slow-downs, work-to-rule campaigns, sick-outs or other actions designed to disrupt United’s and Continental’s normal operations, in an attempt to pressure the companies in collective bargaining negotiations. Although the RLA makes such actions unlawful until the parties have been lawfully released to self-help, and United and Continental can seek injunctive relief against premature self-help, such actions can cause significant harm even if ultimately enjoined. In 2008, United obtained a preliminary injunction preventing United’s pilots from engaging in any actions designed to disrupt United’s normal operations. As a result of an agreement between the parties, the preliminary injunction will remain in place until United and ALPA have negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement.

Increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage may materially and adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 led to a significant increase in insurance premiums and a decrease in the insurance coverage available to commercial airlines. Accordingly, the Company’s insurance costs increased significantly and its ability to continue to obtain certain types of insurance remains uncertain. The Company has obtained third-party war risk (terrorism) insurance through a special program administered by the FAA, resulting in lower premiums than if it had obtained this insurance in the commercial insurance market. Should the government discontinue this coverage, obtaining comparable coverage from commercial underwriters could result in substantially higher premiums and more restrictive terms, if it is available at all. If the Company is unable to obtain adequate war risk insurance, its business could be materially and adversely affected.

If any of the Company’s aircraft were to be involved in an accident or if the Company’s property or operations were to be affected by a significant natural catastrophe or other event, the Company could be exposed to significant liability or loss. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient insurance (including aviation hull and liability insurance and property and business interruption coverage) to cover such liabilities or losses, whether due to insurance market conditions or otherwise, its results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

The Company relies heavily on technology and automated systems to operate its business and any significant failure or disruption of the technology or these systems could materially harm its business.

The Company depends on automated systems and technology to operate its business, including computerized airline reservation systems, flight operations systems, telecommunication systems and commercial websites, including www.united.com and www.continental.com. United’s and Continental’s websites and other automated systems must be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic and deliver important flight and schedule information, as well as process critical financial transactions. These systems could suffer substantial or repeated disruptions due to events beyond the Company’s control, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, equipment or software failures, computer viruses or hackers. Substantial or repeated website, reservations systems or telecommunication systems failures could reduce the attractiveness of the Company’s services versus its competitors, materially impair its ability to market its services and operate its flights, and could result in increased costs, lost revenue and the loss or compromise of important data.

The Company’s business relies extensively on third-party providers. Failure of these parties to perform as expected, or interruptions in the Company’s relationships with these providers or their provision of services to the Company, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The Company has engaged an increasing number of third-party service providers to perform a large number of functions that are integral to its business, including regional operations, operation of customer service call

 

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centers, distribution and sale of airline seat inventory, provision of information technology infrastructure and services, provision of aircraft maintenance and repairs, provision of various utilities and performance of aircraft fueling operations, among other vital functions and services. The Company does not directly control these third-party providers, although it does enter into agreements with many of them that define expected service performance. Any of these third-party providers, however, may materially fail to meet their service performance commitments to the Company or agreements with such providers may be terminated. For example, flight reservations booked by customers and travel agents via third-party GDSs may be affected by changes to the contract terms between the Company and GDS operators. A failure to agree upon acceptable contract terms when these contracts expire or otherwise become subject to renegotiation, which is scheduled to occur for some of these contracts later in 2011, or other disruptions in the business relationships between the Company and GDS operators, may cause the carriers’ flight information to be limited or unavailable for display, significantly increase fees for both the Company and GDS users, and impair the Company’s relationships with its customers and travel agents. The failure of any of the Company’s third-party service providers to adequately perform their service obligations, or other interruptions of services, may reduce the Company’s revenues and increase its expenses or prevent the Company from operating its flights and providing other services to its customers. In addition, the Company’s business and financial performance could be materially harmed if its customers believe that its services are unreliable or unsatisfactory.

The Company’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be significantly limited due to various circumstances, including certain possible future transactions involving the sale or issuance of UAL common stock, or if taxable income does not reach sufficient levels.

As of December 31, 2010, UAL reported consolidated federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $11.6 billion.

The Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards may be limited if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 382”). An ownership change generally occurs if certain stockholders increase their aggregate percentage ownership of a corporation’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest percentage ownership at any time during the testing period, which is generally the three-year period preceding any potential ownership change.

As of October 1, 2010, UAL Corporation and Continental each experienced an ownership change under Section 382 in connection with the Merger. While these merger-related ownership changes are not expected to significantly limit the Company’s use of its NOL carryforwards in the carryforward period, there is no assurance that the Company will not experience a future ownership change under Section 382 that may significantly limit or possibly eliminate its ability to use its NOL carryforwards. Potential future transactions involving the sale or issuance of UAL common stock, including the exercise of conversion options under the terms of the Company’s convertible debt, repurchase of such debt with UAL common stock, issuance of UAL common stock for cash and the acquisition or disposition of such stock by a stockholder owning 5% or more of UAL common stock, or a combination of such transactions, may increase the possibility that the Company will experience a future ownership change under Section 382. Under Section 382, a future ownership change would subject the Company to an annual limitation that applies to the amount of pre-ownership change NOLs that may be used to offset post-ownership change taxable income. This limitation is generally determined by multiplying the value of a corporation’s stock immediately before the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. Any unused annual limitation may, subject to certain limits, be carried over to later years, and the limitation may under certain circumstances be increased by built-in gains in the assets held by such corporation at the time of the ownership change. This limitation could cause the Company’s U.S. federal income taxes to be greater, or to be paid earlier, than they otherwise would be, and could cause all or a portion of the Company’s NOL carryforwards to expire unused. Similar rules and limitations may apply for state income tax purposes. The Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards will also depend on the amount of taxable income it generates in future periods. Its NOL carryforwards may expire before the Company can generate sufficient taxable income to use them in full.

 

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UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits certain transfers of its stock which could have an effect on the market price of UAL common stock.

To reduce the risk of a potential adverse effect on the Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains a 5% ownership limitation. This limitation generally remains effective until February 1, 2014, or until such later date as may be approved by the UAL Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) in its sole discretion. The limitation prohibits (i) an acquisition by a single stockholder of shares that results in that stockholder owning 5% or more of UAL common stock and (ii) any acquisition or disposition of common stock by a stockholder that already owns 5% or more of UAL common stock, unless prior written approval is granted by the Board of Directors.

Any transfer of common stock in violation of these restrictions will be void and will be treated as if such transfer never occurred. This provision of UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation may impair or prevent a sale of common stock by a stockholder and adversely affect the price at which a stockholder can sell UAL common stock. In addition, this limitation may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company, creating a perception that a change in control cannot occur or otherwise discouraging takeover attempts that some stockholders may consider beneficial, which could also adversely affect the market price of the UAL common stock. The Company cannot predict the effect that this provision in UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation may have on the market price of the UAL common stock. For additional information regarding the 5% ownership limitation, please refer to UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation available on the Company’s website.

The Company is subject to economic and political instability and other risks of doing business globally.

The Company is a global business with operations outside of the United States from which it derives approximately one-third of its operating revenues, as measured and reported to the DOT. The Company’s operations in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East are a vital part of its worldwide airline network. Volatile economic, political and market conditions in these international regions may have a negative impact on the Company’s operating results and its ability to achieve its business objectives. In addition, significant or volatile changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, and the imposition of exchange controls or other currency restrictions, may have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s liquidity, revenues, costs and operating results.

The Company could be adversely affected by an outbreak of a disease, or similar public health threats, that affect travel behavior.

An outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, avian flu or H1N1 virus, or other illness, or travel restrictions or reduction in the demand for air travel caused by similar public health threats in the future, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain provisions of UAL’s Governance Documents could discourage or delay changes of control or changes to the Board of Directors.

Certain provisions of UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws (together, the “Governance Documents”) may make it difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Board of Directors and may discourage takeover attempts that some of its stockholders may consider beneficial.

Certain provisions of the Governance Documents may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control if the Board of Directors determines that such changes in control are not in the best interests of UAL and its stockholders. These provisions of the Governance Documents are not intended to prevent a takeover, but are intended to protect and maximize the value of UAL’s stockholders’ interests. While these provisions have the

 

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effect of encouraging persons seeking to acquire control of UAL to negotiate with the Board of Directors, they could enable the Board of Directors to prevent a transaction that some, or a majority, of its stockholders might believe to be in their best interests and, in that case, may prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.

The issuance of UAL’s 8% Contingent Senior Notes could materially and adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and financial position.

UAL would be obligated under an indenture to issue to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (“PBGC”) up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8% Contingent Senior Notes (the “8% Notes”) if certain financial triggering events occur. The 8% Notes would be issued in up to eight equal tranches of $62.5 million (with each tranche issued no later than 45 days following the end of any applicable fiscal year). A triggering event occurs when UAL’s EBITDAR (as defined in the PBGC indenture) exceeds $3.5 billion over the prior twelve months ending June 30 or December 31 of any applicable fiscal year. The twelve-month measurement periods began with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and will end with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. However, if the issuance of a tranche would cause a default under any other securities then existing, UAL may satisfy its obligations with respect to such tranche by issuing UAL common stock having a market value equal to $62.5 million. Each issued tranche will mature 15 years from its respective triggering event date, with interest payable in cash in semi-annual installments, and will be callable, at UAL’s option, at any time at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Because Continental’s EBITDAR will be included in the calculation for periods subsequent to the closing of the Merger, the Merger increases the likelihood that all or a portion of the 8% Notes will be issued, as well as the likelihood that the timing of any such issuances would be accelerated. However, because the issuance of the 8% Notes is based upon future operating results, we cannot predict the exact number and timing of any such issuances by the Company. The issuance of the 8% Notes could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations because of increased charges to earnings for the principal amount of the notes issued and increased interest expense related to the notes. Issuance of such notes could also materially and adversely impact the Company’s liquidity due to increased cash required to meet interest and principal payments.

Delays in scheduled aircraft deliveries may adversely affect the Company’s ability to expand its capacity.

The Company from time to time acquires additional aircraft to increase its domestic and international capacity when the level of demand for air travel supports such growth. The Company has contractual commitments to purchase aircraft that it currently believes is necessary for its capacity growth. Delays in aircraft deliveries under those contractual commitments may occur and the Company has been, and may in the future be, adversely impacted by those delays. If significant additional delays in the deliveries of new aircraft occur, the Company may be able to accomplish capacity increases only by making alternative arrangements to acquire the necessary aircraft, if available and possibly on less financially favorable terms, including higher ownership and operating costs.

The issuance of additional shares of UAL’s capital stock, including the issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible notes and upon a noteholder’s exercise of its option to require UAL to repurchase convertible notes, could cause dilution to the interests of its existing stockholders.

UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes up to one billion shares of common stock. In certain circumstances, UAL can issue shares of common stock without stockholder approval. In addition, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 250 million shares of preferred stock without any action on the part of UAL’s stockholders. The Board of Directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any series of shares of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, conversion rights, dividend rights, preferences over UAL’s common stock with respect to dividends or if UAL liquidates, dissolves or winds up its business and other terms. If UAL issues preferred stock in the future that has a preference over its common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon its liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if UAL issues preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of its common stock, the rights of holders of its common stock or the market price of its common stock could be adversely affected.

 

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UAL is also authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, other securities convertible into either preferred stock or, in certain circumstances, common stock. As of December 31, 2010, UAL had $1.7 billion of convertible debt outstanding. Holders of these securities may convert them into shares of UAL common stock according to their terms. In addition, certain of UAL’s notes include noteholder early redemption options. If a noteholder exercises such option, UAL may elect to pay the repurchase price in cash, shares of its common stock or a combination thereof. If UAL elects to pay the repurchase price in shares of its common stock, UAL is obligated to deliver a number of shares of common stock equal to the repurchase price divided by an average price of UAL common stock for a 20-consecutive trading day period. See Note 14 to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for additional information related to these convertible notes. The number of shares issued could be significant and such an issuance could cause significant dilution to the interests of its existing stockholders. In addition, if UAL elects to pay the repurchase price in cash, its liquidity could be adversely affected.

In the future, UAL may decide to raise additional capital through offerings of UAL common stock, securities convertible into UAL common stock, or exercise rights to acquire these securities or its common stock. The issuance of additional shares of common stock, including upon the conversion or repurchase of convertible debt, could result in significant dilution of existing stockholders’ equity interests in UAL. Issuances of substantial amounts of its common stock, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for UAL’s common stock and UAL cannot predict the effect this dilution may have on the price of its common stock.

UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits voting rights of certain foreign persons.

UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits the total number of shares of equity securities held by persons who fail to qualify as a “citizen of the United States,” as defined in Section 40102(a)(15) of Title 49 of the United States Code, to no more than 24.9% of the aggregate votes of all outstanding equity securities of UAL. This restriction is applied pro rata among all holders of equity securities who fail to qualify as “citizens of the United States,” based on the number of votes to which the underlying securities are entitled.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

Flight Equipment

Including aircraft operating by regional carriers on their behalf, Continental and United operated 607 and 655 aircraft, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. UAL’s combined fleet as of December 31, 2010 is presented in the table below:

 

Aircraft Type

   Total      Owned      Leased      Seats in
Standard
Configuration
     Average Age
(In Years)
 

Mainline:

                                  

747-400

     25         16         9         374         15.6   

777-200ER

     55         37         18         276         10.8   

777-200

     19         18         1         258         13.5   

767-300

     14         12         2         244         11.3   

767-400ER

     16         14         2         235         9.3   

757-300

     21         9         12         216         8.3   

767-300ER

     21         6         15         183         18.3   

757-200

     137         38         99         182         17.2   

767-200ER

     10         9         1         174         9.8   

 

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Aircraft Type

   Total      Owned      Leased      Seats in
Standard
Configuration
     Average Age
(In Years)
 

Mainline:

                                  

737-900ER

     32         32         —           173         2.0   

737-900

     12         8         4         173         9.3   

737-800

     126         53         73         160         8.1   

A320-200

     97         47         50         144         12.5   

737-700

     36         12         24         124         12.0   

A319-100

     55         37         18         120         11.0   

737-500

     34         —           34         114         14.9   
                                

Total mainline

     710         348         362         
                                

Regional:

                                  

Q400

     20         —           20         74      

E-170

     38         —           38         70      

CRJ700

     115         —           115         66      

CRJ200

     81         —           81         50      

ERJ-145

     172         18         154         50      

ERJ-145XR

     101         —           101         50      

Q200

     16         —           16         37      

EMB-120

     9         —           9         30      
                                

Total regional

     552         18         534         
                                

Total

     1,262         366         896         
                                

In addition to the operating aircraft presented in the table above, United and Continental own or lease the nonoperating aircraft listed below that are parked or leased to other carriers as of December 31, 2010:

 

   

Five owned Boeing 747 aircraft that are grounded;

 

   

Three Airbus A330s that are being leased to another airline;

 

   

49 Boeing 737 aircraft (35 owned and 14 leased) that are grounded;

 

   

Three ERJ-145XR aircraft that are subleased to and operated by ExpressJet for United’s charter operations;

 

   

Five leased ERJ-135 aircraft that are subleased to other airlines that are not operating the aircraft on behalf of United and 25 temporarily grounded ERJ-135 regional aircraft; and

 

   

One 737-800 aircraft that has been delivered in December 2010, but not placed in service.

Firm Order and Option Aircraft.

As of December 31, 2010, United and Continental had firm commitments and options to purchase the following aircraft:

 

   

Firm commitments to purchase 125 new aircraft (50 Boeing 737 aircraft, 50 Boeing 787 aircraft and 25 Airbus A350XWB aircraft) scheduled for delivery from 2011 through 2019. Of these commitments, four Boeing 737 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2011. UAL has not received a revised Boeing 787 aircraft delivery schedule from Boeing, but it currently expects the first of its Boeing 787 aircraft to be delivered in the first half of 2012;

 

   

Purchase options for 94 additional Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft, and 42 Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft; and

 

   

Purchase rights for 50 Boeing 787 aircraft and 50 Airbus A350XWB aircraft.

 

 

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See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Note 17 in Item 8 of this report for information related to future capital commitments to purchase these aircraft.

Facilities

United’s and Continental’s principal facilities relate to leases of airport facilities, gates, hangar sites, terminal buildings and other airport facilities in most of the municipalities they serve with their most significant leases at airport hub locations. United has major terminal facility leases at SFO, Washington Dulles, Chicago O’Hare, LAX and Denver with expiration dates ranging from 2011 to 2025. Continental has major facility leases at New York Liberty, Houston Bush, Cleveland Hopkins and Guam with expiration dates ranging from 2011 through 2030. Substantially all of these facilities are leased on a net-rental basis, resulting in the Company’s responsibility for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services.

United and Continental also maintain administrative offices, terminal, catering, cargo and other airport facilities, training facilities, maintenance facilities and other facilities to support operations in the cities served. United also has multiple leases, which expire from 2022 through 2026 and include approximately 890,000 square feet of office space for its corporate headquarters and operations center in downtown Chicago. Continental also leases approximately 670,000 square feet of office and related space for its executive and other offices and operations center in downtown Houston.

United also owns a 66.5-acre complex in suburban Chicago consisting of more than 1 million square feet of office space, including a computer operations facility and a training center. The Company is in the process of moving most its employees out of this location to its leased facilities in downtown Chicago. Most of the operations in suburban Chicago are expected to be relocated by the end of 2011. United is attempting to sell the suburban facility as part of its plans to relocate employees to its downtown Chicago facilities.

United owns a flight training center in Denver. The flight training center accommodates 36 flight simulators and more than 90 computer-based training stations. United also owns a crew hotel in Honolulu which is mortgaged. United’s maintenance operation center at SFO occupies 130 acres of land, 2.9 million square feet of floor space and nine aircraft hangar bays under a lease expiring in 2013. United has an option to renew the lease through 2023.

For additional information on aircraft and aircraft-related assets that are encumbered by debt agreements, aircraft leases, guarantees relating to facilities, including Continental’s contingent liability for US Airways’ obligations under a lease agreement covering the East End Terminal at LaGuardia, see Notes 14, 15 and 17 to the financial statements in Item 8 of this report.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Air Cargo/Passenger Surcharge Investigations

In February 2006, the European Commission (the “Commission”) and the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) commenced an international investigation into what government officials described as a possible price fixing conspiracy relating to certain surcharges included in tariffs for carrying air cargo. The DOJ issued a grand jury subpoena to United and the Commission conducted an inspection at the Company’s offices in Frankfurt. United is considered a source of information for the DOJ investigation, not a target.

On December 18, 2007, the Commission issued a Statement of Objections to 26 companies, including United. The Statement of Objections presented evidence related to the utilization of fuel and security surcharges and the exchange of pricing information that the Commission views as supporting the conclusion that an illegal price-fixing cartel had been in operation in the air cargo transportation industry. After United provided written and oral responses disputing the Commission’s allegations against it, the Commission dismissed United from its case on November 12, 2010. On July 31, 2008, state prosecutors in Sao Paulo, Brazil, commenced criminal

 

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proceedings against eight individuals, including United’s cargo manager, for allegedly participating in cartel activity. United is actively participating in the defense of those allegations. On January 4, 2010, the Economic Law Secretariat of Brazil issued its opinion recommending that civil penalties be assessed against all parties being investigated, including United, to the Administrative Counsel of Economic Defense (“CADE”), which will make a determination on the matter. United will vigorously defend itself before the CADE. On December 15, 2008, the New Zealand Commerce Commission issued Notices of Proceeding and Statements of Claim to 13 airlines, including United. United is vigorously defending these proceedings.

In addition to the government investigations, United was initially named as a defendant, along with other air cargo carriers, in over ninety class action lawsuits alleging civil damages as a result of the purported air cargo pricing conspiracy. Those lawsuits were consolidated for pretrial activities in the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of New York on June 20, 2006. United entered into an agreement with the majority of the private plaintiffs to dismiss United from the class action lawsuits in return for an agreement to cooperate with the plaintiffs’ factual investigation. United is no longer a defendant in the consolidated civil lawsuit.

United is currently cooperating with all ongoing investigations and continues to analyze whether any potential liability may result from any of the investigating bodies. Based on its evaluation of all information currently available, United has determined that no reserve for potential liability is required and will continue to defend itself against all allegations that it was aware of or participated in cartel activities. However, penalties for violation of competition laws can be substantial and an ultimate finding that United engaged in improper activity could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

United Injunction Against ALPA and Four Individual Defendants for Unlawful Slowdown Activity under the Railway Labor Act

On July 30, 2008, United filed a lawsuit in the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois seeking a preliminary injunction against ALPA and four individual pilot employees for unlawful concerted activity that was disrupting the Company’s operations. The court granted the preliminary injunction to United in November 2008, which was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. ALPA and United reached an agreement to discontinue the ongoing litigation over United’s motion for a permanent injunction and, instead, the preliminary injunction will remain in effect until the conclusion of the ongoing bargaining process for an amended collective bargaining agreement that began on April 9, 2009. By reaching this agreement, the parties are able to focus their efforts on the negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement. Nothing in this agreement precludes either party from reopening the permanent injunction litigation upon a 30 day notice or from seeking enforcement of the preliminary injunction itself.

EEOC Claim Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

On June 5, 2009, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) filed a lawsuit on behalf of five named individuals and other similarly situated employees alleging that United’s reasonable accommodation policy for employees with medical restrictions does not comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The EEOC maintains that qualified disabled employees should be placed into available open positions for which they are minimally qualified, even if there are better qualified candidates for these positions. Under United’s accommodation policy, employees who are medically restricted and who cannot be accommodated in their current position are given the opportunity to apply and compete for available positions. If the medically restricted employee is similarly qualified to others who are competing for an open position, under United’s policy, the medically restricted employee will be given a preference for the position. If, however, there are candidates that have superior qualifications competing for an open position, then no preference will be given. United successfully transferred the venue of the case to the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois where the case law is currently favorable to United’s position. On November 22, 2010, United filed a motion to dismiss the matter. On February 3, 2011, the court granted United’s motion to dismiss which may be appealed by the EEOC within 60 days.

 

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Litigation Associated with September 11, 2001 Terrorism

Families of 94 victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks filed lawsuits asserting a variety of claims against the airline industry. United and American Airlines (the “aviation defendants”), as the two carriers whose flights were hijacked, are the central focus of the litigation, but a variety of additional parties, including Continental, have been sued on a number of legal theories ranging from collective responsibility for airport screening and security systems that allegedly failed to prevent the attacks to faulty design and construction of the World Trade Center towers. World Trade Center Properties, Inc., as lessee, also filed claims against the aviation defendants and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the “Port Authority”), the owner of the World Trade Center for property and business interruption damages. The Port Authority has also filed cross-claims against the aviation defendants in both the wrongful death litigation and for property damage sustained in the attacks. The insurers of various tenants at the World Trade Center filed subrogation claims for damages as well. By statute, these matters were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the aviation defendants’ exposure was capped at the limit of the liability coverage maintained by each carrier at the time of the attacks. In the personal injury and wrongful death matters, the parties have settled all but one of the claims, in which settlement discussions continue, and for which a trial has been set in June 2011. Insurers for the aviation defendants reached a settlement with all of the subrogated insurers and most of the uninsured plaintiffs with property and business interruption claims, which was approved by the court. The court’s approval order has been appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a claim for environmental cleanup damages filed by a neighboring property owner, Cedar & Washington Associates, LLC. This dismissal order has also been appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In the aggregate, September 11th claims are estimated to be well in excess of $10 billion. The Company anticipates that any liability it could ultimately face arising from the events of September 11, 2001 could be significant, but by statute will be limited to the amount of its insurance coverage.

Travel Agency Litigation

During the period between 1997 and 2001, Continental and United each independently reduced or capped the base commissions paid to domestic travel agents and soon thereafter eliminated those base commissions. These actions were similar to those taken by other air carriers. Continental and United are defendants, along with several other air carriers, in two lawsuits brought by travel agencies that purportedly opted out of a prior class action entitled Sarah Futch Hall d/b/a/ Travel Specialists v. United Air Lines, et al. (U.S.D.C., Eastern District of North Carolina), filed on June 21, 2000, in which the defendant airlines prevailed on summary judgment that was upheld on appeal. The two lawsuits against Continental, United, and other major carriers allege violations of antitrust laws in reducing and ultimately eliminating the base commissions formerly paid to travel agents and seek unspecified money damages and certain injunctive relief under the Clayton Act and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. The pending cases, which involve a total of 90 travel agency plaintiffs, are Tam Travel, Inc. v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., et al. (U.S.D.C., Northern District of California), filed on April 9, 2003 and Swope Travel Agency, et al. v. Orbitz LLC et al. (U.S.D.C., Eastern District of Texas), filed on June 5, 2003. By order dated November 10, 2003, these actions were transferred and consolidated for pretrial purposes by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to the Northern District of Ohio. On October 29, 2007, the judge for the consolidated lawsuit dismissed the case for failure to meet the heightened pleading standards established earlier in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly. On October 2, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the case. On December 18, 2009, the plaintiffs’ request for rehearing by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit en banc was denied. On March 18, 2010, the plaintiffs filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied on January 10, 2011. The plaintiffs in the Swope lawsuit, encompassing 43 travel agencies, have also alleged that certain claims raised in their lawsuit were not, in fact, dismissed. The trial court has not yet ruled on that issue. In the consolidated lawsuit, the Company believes the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, and intends to vigorously defend any continued action by the plaintiffs.

 

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Litigation Related to the Merger Transaction

Following Continental and UAL’s announcement of the Merger on May 2, 2010, three class action lawsuits were filed against Continental, members of Continental’s board of directors and UAL in the Texas District Court for Harris County. The lawsuits purported to represent a class of Continental stockholders opposed to the terms of the Merger agreement. The lawsuits made virtually identical allegations that the consideration to be received by Continental’s stockholders in the Merger was inadequate and that the members of Continental’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties by, among other things, approving the Merger at an inadequate price under circumstances involving certain conflicts of interest. The lawsuits also made virtually identical allegations that UAL and Continental aided and abetted the Continental board of directors in the breach of their fiduciary duties to Continental’s stockholders. Each lawsuit sought injunctive relief declaring that the Merger agreement was in breach of the Continental directors’ fiduciary duties, enjoining Continental and UAL from proceeding with the Merger unless Continental implements procedures to obtain the highest possible price for its stockholders, directing the Continental board of directors to exercise its fiduciary duties in the best interest of Continental’s stockholders and rescinding the Merger agreement. On May 24, 2010, these three lawsuits were consolidated before a single judge.

On August 1, 2010, the parties reached an agreement in principle regarding settlement of the action. Under the terms of the settlement, the lawsuits will be dismissed with prejudice, releasing all defendants from any and all claims relating to, among other things, the Merger and any disclosures made in connection therewith. In exchange for that release, UAL and Continental provided additional disclosures requested by the plaintiffs in the action related to, among other things, the negotiations between Continental and UAL that resulted in the execution of the Merger agreement, the method by which the exchange ratio was determined, the procedures used by UAL’s and Continental’s financial advisors in performing their financial analyses and certain investment banking fees paid to those advisors by UAL and Continental over the past two years. The settlement will not affect any provision of the Merger agreement or the form or amount of the consideration received by Continental stockholders in the Merger. The defendants have denied and continue to deny any wrongdoing or liability with respect to all claims, events, and transactions complained of in the aforementioned actions or that they have engaged in any wrongdoing. The defendants entered into the settlement to eliminate the uncertainty, burden, risk, expense, and distraction of further litigation. On February 14, 2011, the court entered final judgment and dismissed the case.

On June 29, 2010, forty-nine purported purchasers of airline tickets filed an antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Continental and UAL in connection with the Merger. The plaintiffs alleged that the Merger may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in the transportation of airline passengers in the United States and the transportation of airline passengers to and from the United States on international flights, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. On August 9, 2010, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction pursuant to Section 16 of the Clayton Act, seeking to enjoin the Merger. On September 27, 2010, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, which allowed the Merger to close. After the closing of the Merger, the plaintiffs appealed the court’s ruling and moved for a “hold separate” order pending the appeal, which was denied by the court. The appeal remains pending.

Environmental Proceedings

In 2001, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (“CRWQCB”) mandated a field study of the area surrounding Continental’s aircraft maintenance hangar in Los Angeles. The study was completed in September 2001 and identified aircraft fuel and solvent contamination on and adjacent to this site. In April 2005, Continental began environmental remediation of aircraft fuel contamination surrounding its aircraft maintenance hangar pursuant to a workplan submitted to and approved by the CRWQCB and its landlord, the Los Angeles World Airports. Additionally, Continental could be responsible for environmental remediation costs primarily related to solvent contamination on and near this site.

 

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In 2009, the EU issued a directive to member states to include aviation in its greenhouse gas Emissions Trading Scheme, which required the Company to begin monitoring emissions of carbon dioxide effective January 1, 2010. Beginning in 2012, the scheme would require the Company to ensure it has obtained sufficient emission allowances equal to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from flights to and from member states of the EU with such allowances then surrendered on an annual basis to the government. On December 17, 2009, the Air Transportation Association, joined by United, Continental and American Airlines, filed a lawsuit in the United Kingdom’s High Court of Justice challenging regulations that transpose into UK law the EU Emissions Trading Scheme as applied to U.S. carriers as violating international law due to the extra-territorial reach of the scheme and as an improper tax. In June 2010, the case was referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (Case C-366/10) and the parties filed their Written Observations with the court in November 2010.

Other Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions involving passengers, customers, suppliers, employees and government agencies arising in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, from time to time, the Company becomes aware of potential non-compliance with applicable environmental regulations, which have either been identified by the Company (through internal compliance programs such as its environmental compliance audits) or through notice from a governmental entity. In some instances, these matters could potentially become the subject of an administrative or judicial proceeding and could potentially involve monetary sanctions. After considering a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the views of legal counsel, the nature of contingencies to which the Company is subject and prior experience, management believes that the ultimate disposition of these contingencies will not materially affect its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 4. [Removed and reserved]

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

UAL common stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) beginning on October 1, 2010 under the symbol “UAL.” Prior to October 1, 2010, UAL common stock was listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “UAUA.” The following table sets forth the ranges of high and low sales prices per share of UAL common stock during the last two fiscal years, as reported by the NASDAQ for 2009 through the third quarter of 2010 and as reported by the NYSE thereafter.

 

     UAL  
     2010      2009  
     High      Low      High      Low  

1st quarter

   $ 20.59       $ 12.13       $ 12.88       $ 3.45   

2nd quarter

     24.59         16.39         6.90         3.08   

3rd quarter

     25.00         18.42         9.77         3.07   

4th quarter

     29.75         23.10         13.33         6.23   

There is no trading market for the common stock of United. Following the effective date of the Merger, Continental became a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL and there is no longer a trading market for the common stock of Continental. UAL, United and Continental did not pay any dividends in 2010 or 2009. Under the provisions of the UAL and United Amended Credit Facility and the terms of certain of the Company’s other debt agreements, UAL’s ability to pay dividends on or repurchase UAL’s common stock is restricted. However, UAL may undertake $243 million in stockholder dividends or other distributions without any additional prepayment of the Amended Credit Facility, provided that all covenants within the Amended Credit Facility are met. The Amended Credit Facility provides that UAL and United can carry out further stockholder dividends or other distributions in an amount equal to future term loan prepayments, provided the covenants are met. In addition, under the provisions of the indentures governing the United Senior Notes and the 6.75% Notes, the ability of United and Continental to pay dividends is restricted. See Note 14 to the financial statements for more information related to dividend restrictions under the Amended Credit Facility, the United Senior Notes and the 6.75% Notes. Any future determination regarding dividend or distribution payments will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors, subject to applicable limitations under Delaware law.

Based on reports by UAL’s transfer agent for its common stock, there were approximately 28,600 record holders of its common stock as of February 15, 2011.

 

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The following graph shows the cumulative total shareholder return for UAL’s common stock during the period from February 2, 2006 (the date UAL Corporation emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection) to December 31, 2010. The graph also shows the cumulative returns of the Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index and the NYSE Arca Airline Index (“AAI”) of 13 investor-owned airlines. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on February 2, 2006 (the date UAL common stock began trading on an exchange) in UAL common stock and in each of the indices shown and assumes that all dividends paid were reinvested.

LOGO

Note: The stock price performance shown in the graph above should not be considered indicative of potential future stock price performance.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, repurchases of UAL common stock totaled 25,972 shares at an average price of $24.65 per share. These shares were withheld from employees to satisfy certain tax obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock. UAL does not have an active share repurchase program.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

In connection with its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, UAL applied fresh-start accounting for reorganization, effective February 1, 2006. As a result of the adoption of fresh-start accounting, the financial statements prior to February 1, 2006 are not comparable with the financial statements after February 1, 2006. References to “Successor Company” refer to UAL on or after February 1, 2006, after giving effect to the adoption of fresh-start reporting. References to “Predecessor Company” refer to UAL prior to February 1, 2006. UAL’s consolidated financial statements and statistical data provided in the tables below include the results of Continental for the period from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

 

UAL Statement of Operations Data   Successor           Predecessor  

(In millions, except per share amounts)

  Year Ended December 31,              
    2010     2009     2008     2007     Period
from
Feb. 1 to
Dec. 31,
2006
          Period
from
Jan. 1 to
Jan. 31,
2006
 

Income Statement Data:

               

Operating revenues

  $ 23,229      $ 16,335      $ 20,194      $ 20,143      $ 17,882          $ 1,458   

Operating expenses

    22,253        16,496        24,632        19,106        17,383            1,510   

Operating income (loss)

    976        (161     (4,438     1,037        499            (52
 

Net income (loss)

    253        (651     (5,396     360        7            22,851   

Net income (loss) excluding special items (a)

    942        (1,128     (1,773     298        2            (83

Basic earnings (loss) per share

    1.22        (4.32     (42.59     2.94        (0.02         196.61   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

    1.08        (4.32     (42.59     2.65        (0.02         196.61   

Cash distribution declared per common share (b)

    —          —          —          2.15        —              —     
 

Balance Sheet Data at period-end:

               

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

  $ 8,680      $ 3,042      $ 2,039      $ 3,554      $ 4,144         

Total assets

    39,598        18,684        19,465        24,223        25,372         

Debt and capital lease obligations

    15,133        8,543        8,004        8,255        10,364         

 

(a) See Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Item 6 for further details related to items that significantly impacted UAL’s results.
(b) Paid in January 2008.

UAL Selected Operating Data

Presented below is the Company’s operating data for the years ended December 31. The 2010 operating data includes results of Continental after the Merger.

 

      Year Ended December 31,  
Mainline    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Passengers (thousands) (a)

     65,365        56,082        63,149        68,386        69,325   

Revenue passenger miles (“RPMs”) (millions) (b)

     122,182        100,475        110,061        117,399        117,470   

Available seat miles (“ASMs”) (millions) (c)

     145,738        122,737        135,861        141,890        143,095   

Cargo ton miles (millions)

     2,176        1,603        1,921        2,012        2,048   

Passenger load factor (d)

          

Mainline

     83.8     81.9     81.0     82.7     82.1

Domestic

     84.8     83.7     82.6     83.2     81.7

International

     82.7     79.4     79.0     82.1     82.7

 

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     Year Ended December 31,  
Mainline   2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents)

    11.03        9.22        10.91        10.49        9.74   

Total revenue per available seat mile (cents)

    12.84        10.81        12.58        12.03        11.49   

Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) (e)

    13.15        11.26        13.47        12.67        11.87   

Average fare per revenue passenger (f)

  $ 245.83      $ 201.72      $ 234.71      $ 217.57      $ 201.12   

Cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) (cents)

    12.44        11.05        15.74        11.39        11.23   

Cost per available seat mile excluding special items, aircraft fuel and related taxes (cents) (g)

    8.29        7.94        7.99        7.90        7.87   

Average price per gallon of fuel, including fuel taxes

  $ 2.27      $ 1.75      $ 3.54      $ 2.18      $ 2.11   

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)

    2,280        1,942        2,182        2,292        2,290   

Aircraft in fleet at end of period (h)

    710        360        409        460        460   

Average length of aircraft flight (miles) (i)

    1,789        1,701        1,677        1,631        1,608   

Average daily utilization of each aircraft (hours) (j)

    10.47        10.47        10.42        11.00        11.09   

Regional Carriers

         

Passengers (thousands) (a)

    32,764        25,344        23,278        25,426        25,992   

Revenue passenger miles (millions) (b)

    18,675        13,770        12,155        12,649        12,257   

Available seat miles (millions) (c)

    23,827        17,979        16,164        16,301        15,740   

Passenger load factor (d)

    78.4     76.6     75.2     77.6     77.9

Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents)

    17.75        16.04        18.44        18.39        18.01   

Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) (e)

    22.64        20.95        24.52        23.70        23.13   

Aircraft in fleet at end of period (g)

    552        292        280        279        290   

Consolidated

         

Passengers (thousands) (a)

    98,129        81,426        86,427        93,812        95,317   

Revenue passenger miles (millions) (b)

    140,857        114,245        122,216        130,048        129,727   

Available seat miles (millions) (c)

    169,565        140,716        152,025        158,191        158,835   

Passenger load factor (d)

    83.1     81.2     80.4     82.2     81.7

Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents)

    11.97        10.09        11.71        11.30        10.56   

Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) (e)

    14.41        12.43        14.57        13.71        12.90   

Cost per available seat mile (cents)

    13.12        11.72        16.20        12.08        11.89   

Cost per available seat mile excluding special items, aircraft fuel and related taxes (cents) (f)

    8.79        8.44        8.45        8.39        8.33   

Average price per gallon of fuel, including fuel taxes

  $ 2.35      $ 1.80      $ 3.52      $ 2.22      $ 2.13   

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)

    2,798        2,338        2,553        2,669        2,663   

 

(a) The number of revenue passengers measured by each flight segment flown.
(b) The number of scheduled miles flown by revenue passengers.
(c) The number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of scheduled miles those seats are flown.
(d) Revenue passenger miles divided by available seat miles.
(e) The average passenger revenue received for each revenue passenger mile flown.
(f) Passenger revenue divided by number of passengers.
(g) See Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Item 6.
(h) Excludes aircraft that were removed from service. Regional aircraft include aircraft operated by all carriers under capacity purchase agreements, but exclude any aircraft that were subleased to other operators but not operated on our behalf.
(i) Seat-weighted stage length calculated as total ASMs divided by the number of seat departures.
(j) The average number of hours per day that an aircraft flown in revenue service is operated (from gate departure to gate arrival).

Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP financial measures are presented because they provide management and investors with the ability to measure and monitor UAL’s performance on a consistent basis. Special items relate to activities that are not central to UAL’s ongoing operations or are unusual in nature. Additionally, both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many economic and political factors beyond our control. CASM excluding special charges,

 

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aircraft fuel and related taxes provides management and investors the ability to measure UAL’s cost performance absent special items and fuel price volatility. Fuel hedge mark to market (“MTM”) gains (losses) are excluded as UAL did not apply cash flow hedge accounting for many of the periods presented, and these adjustments provide a better comparison to UAL’s peers, most of which apply cash flow hedge accounting. A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP measures is provided below (in millions, except CASM amounts). Following this reconciliation is a summary of special charges. For further information related to special charges, see Note 21 in Item 8 of this report.

 

     2010     2009     2008     2007     Combined
2006
 

Net income (loss) excluding special items:

         

Net income (loss)—GAAP

  $ 253      $ (651   $ (5,396   $ 360      $ 22,858   

Merger-related costs and special charges

    669        374        2,616        (89     (36

Other operating expense items

    —          35        191        —          22   

Operating non-cash MTM (gain) loss

    32        (586     568        (20     2   

Non operating non-cash MTM (gain) loss

    —          (279     279        —          —     

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (12     (21     (31     47        7   

Reorganization income

    —          —          —          —          (22,934
                                       

Total special items—(income) expense

    689        (477     3,623        (62     (22,939
                                       

Net income (loss) excluding special items—non-GAAP

  $ 942      $ (1,128   $ (1,773   $ 298      $ (81
                                       

Mainline cost per available seat mile excluding special charges, aircraft fuel and related taxes:

         

Operating expenses—GAAP

  $ 18,131      $ 13,557      $ 21,384      $ 16,165      $ 16,069   

Merger-related costs and special charges

    (669     (374     (2,616     44        36   

Other operating income (expense) items

    —          (35     (191     —          (22

Operating non-cash MTM gain (loss)

    (32     586        (568     20        (2

Aircraft fuel and related taxes excluding non-cash MTM

    (5,355     (3,991     (7,154     (5,023     (4,822
                                       

Operating expenses excluding above items—non-GAAP

  $ 12,075      $ 9,743      $ 10,855      $ 11,206      $ 11,259   
                                       

Available seat miles—mainline

    145,738        122,737        135,861        141,890        143,095   

CASM—GAAP (cents)

    12.44        11.05        15.74        11.39        11.23   

CASM excluding special items, aircraft fuel and related taxes-non-GAAP (cents)

    8.29        7.94        7.99        7.90        7.87   

Consolidated cost per available seat mile excluding special charges, aircraft fuel and related taxes:

         

Operating expenses—GAAP

  $ 22,253      $ 16,496      $ 24,632      $ 19,106      $ 18,893   

Merger-related costs and special charges

    (669     (374     (2,616     44        36   

Other operating income (expense) items

    —          (35     (191     —          (22

Operating non-cash MTM gain (loss)

    (32     586        (568     20        (2

Aircraft fuel and related taxes excluding non-cash MTM

    (6,655     (4,790     (8,411     (5,895     (5,670
                                       

Operating expenses excluding above items—non-GAAP

  $ 14,897      $ 11,883      $ 12,846      $ 13,275      $ 13,235   
                                       

Available seat miles—consolidated

    169,565        140,716        152,025        158,191        158,835   

CASM—GAAP (cents)

    13.12        11.72        16.20        12.08        11.89   

CASM excluding special items, aircraft fuel and related taxes- non-GAAP (cents)

    8.79        8.44        8.45        8.39        8.33   

 

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Special Items (in millions)

   2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Merger-related costs

   $ (564   $     —        $ —        $      —        $ —     

Other asset impairments

     (136     (93     (250     —          —     

Other intangible impairments

     (29     (150     (64     —          —     

Municipal bond litigation

     —          (27     —          —          —     

Reorganization income (expense)

     —          —          —          —          22,934   

Other (a)

     (4     (104     (25     89        36   
                                        

Special operating (expense) income

     (733     (374     (339     89        22,970   

Goodwill impairment credit (charge)

     64        —          (2,277     —          —     
                                        
     (669     (374     (2,616     89        22,970   

Other operating expense items

     —          (35     (191     —          (22

Operating non-cash MTM gain (loss)

     (32     586        (568     20        (2

Nonoperating non-cash MTM gain (loss)

     —          279        (279     —          —     
                                        
     (32     830        (1,038     20        (24

Income tax benefit (expense)

     12        21        31        (47     (7
                                        

Total special items (b)

   $ (689   $ 477      $ (3,623   $ 62      $ 22,939   
                                        

 

(a) The $89 million special charge in 2007 consists of a $45 million operating revenue item and a $44 million operating expense item.
(b) See Note 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information on special items.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Overview

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UAL”) is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiaries are United Air Lines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “United”) and, effective October 1, 2010, Continental Airlines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Continental”). Upon closing of the Merger UAL Corporation changed its name to United Continental Holdings, Inc. We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” in this Form 10-K for disclosures that relate to all of UAL, United and Continental.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K is a combined report of UAL, United, and Continental including their respective consolidated financial statements. As UAL consolidates United and Continental for financial statement purposes, disclosures that relate to United activities also apply to UAL and disclosures that relate to Continental activities after the Merger closing date also apply to UAL, unless otherwise noted. When appropriate, UAL, United and Continental are named specifically for their related activities and disclosures.

2010 Financial Highlights

 

   

UAL recorded net income of $253 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to a net loss of $651 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. UAL’s financial performance improved significantly in 2010 primarily as a result of an improvement in global economic conditions following the severe recession in 2008 and 2009. Excluding special items, UAL recorded net income of $942 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a net loss of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2009. See Item 6 for a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net income.

 

   

UAL passenger revenue increased 43% during 2010 as compared to 2009 primarily due to higher fares and an increase in high-yield business traffic resulting from improved economic conditions in 2010 and the impact of Continental passenger revenue after the closing date of the Merger.

 

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UAL’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance at December 31, 2010 was a record $8.7 billion as compared to $3.0 billion at December 31, 2009. This increase in UAL’s cash, cash equivalents and short term investments balance was primarily due to $4.2 billion of Continental’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments acquired in connection with the Merger and $1.9 billion of cash from operating activities.

2010 Operational Highlights

 

   

For the year ended December 31, 2010, United and Continental achieved solid results in DOT on-time arrival and completion factor, as summarized in the following table:

 

     2010  
     United     Continental  

On-time arrival

     85.2     81.4

Completion factor

     98.5     99.0

 

   

Including Continental’s fourth quarter results, consolidated ASMs for 2010 were up 20.5% while consolidated revenue passenger miles (“RPMs”) increased 23.3%, resulting in a consolidated load factor of 83.1%, as compared to 81.2% in 2009.

 

   

Continental took delivery of 14 new fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft during 2010. In addition, both United and Continental continue to improve their premium cabins, upgrading 109 aircraft with lie-flat seats and improving in-flight entertainment technology.

Outlook

Set forth below is a discussion of the principal matters that we believe could impact our financial and operating performance and cause our results of operations in future periods to differ materially from our historical operating results and/or from our anticipated results of operations described in our forward-looking statements in this report. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, for further discussion of these and other factors that could affect us.

Economic Conditions. The severe global economic recession significantly diminished the demand for air travel resulting in a difficult financial environment for U.S. network carriers in 2008 and 2009. UAL’s financial performance improved significantly in 2010 primarily as a result of improving global economic conditions. Although we continue to see indications that the airline industry is experiencing a recovery, including strengthening demand and improving revenue, we cannot predict whether the demand for air travel will continue to improve or the rate of such improvement. Worsening economic conditions resulting in diminished demand for air travel may impair our ability to sustain the profitability we achieved in 2010.

Merger Integration. UAL expects the Merger to deliver $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion in net annual synergies on a run-rate basis by 2013, including between $800 million and $900 million of incremental annual revenues, in large part from expanded customer options resulting from the greater scope and scale of the network, fleet optimization and additional international service enabled by a broader combined network. UAL expects to realize between $200 million and $300 million of net cost synergies on a run-rate basis by 2013. In addition, UAL expects that approximately 25% of its gross synergies will be realized in 2011.

The Company also expects to incur a significant amount of additional substantial merger-related expenses and charges. There are many factors that could affect the total amount or the timing of those expenses and charges, and many of the expenses and charges that will be incurred are, by their nature, uncertain and difficult to estimate accurately. See Note 1 and Note 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 and Item 1A, Risk Factors, for additional information.

 

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Since the closing of the Merger, the Company has taken significant steps toward the operational integration of United and Continental. The Company has begun to optimize the gauge and frequency of its fleet in order to meet travel demand and capitalize on its combined global network efficiently. The introduction of new services to markets previously not served by either carrier allows the Company to meet the passenger demand created through the larger, more comprehensive network. The Company is also aligning revenue management and pricing systems, as well as inventory management strategies, allowing it to create new revenue opportunities and other efficiencies for the combined company. In addition, the Company has begun to align its employee incentive programs, including its on-time bonus, perfect attendance and profit sharing programs.

During 2011 and into 2012, the Company expects to continue to harmonize into the new United brand the products and services offered by its two carriers. The harmonization will involve streamlined customer policies, aligned check-in and boarding procedures, migration to a single reservations system, and linkage of loyalty program accounts until the introduction of a combined loyalty program for 2012, among other events. The Company continues to integrate its operations and, by the end of the second quarter of 2011, expects to be co-located at more than 35 airports, including all of its hubs. By the end of 2011, the Company expects to receive a single operating certificate for United and Continental from the FAA. The Company has begun the transition to selected information technology platforms that support its commercial and operational processes, which is expected to take more than one year to complete.

Fuel Costs. Fuel costs were less volatile in 2010 as compared to recent years; however, prices increased significantly late in 2010 and in the first two months of 2011. UAL’s average aircraft fuel price per gallon including related taxes and excluding hedge impact was $2.35 in 2010 as compared to $1.84 in 2009. If fuel prices rise significantly from their current levels, we may be unable to raise fares or other fees sufficiently to fully offset our increased costs. In addition, high fuel prices may impair our ability to sustain the profitability we achieved in 2010. Based on projected fuel consumption in 2011, a one dollar change in the price of a barrel of crude oil would change UAL’s annual fuel expense by approximately $100 million, assuming there are no changes to the crude oil to aircraft fuel refining margins and no impact from our fuel hedging program. To protect against increases in the prices of fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements, provided the hedges are expected to be cost effective. See Note 13 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional details regarding the Company’s hedging activities.

Additional Revenue-Generating and Cost Saving Measures. We intend to offer additional goods and services relating to air travel, a portion of which will come from the “unbundling” of our current product and a portion of which will come from future goods and services that we do not presently offer. The revenues that we derive from these products and services, which are generally referred to as ancillary revenues, typically have higher margins than that of our core transportation services and are an important element of our strategy to sustain the profitability that we achieved in 2010. The “unbundling” of our current products and services permits our customers flexibility in selecting the products and services they wish to purchase. An example of a new service that we have introduced is Continental’s FareLock, introduced in December 2010, which is an option that offers customers the opportunity, for a fee, to hold reservations and lock-in ticket prices for either 72 hours or seven days with no commitment to purchase a ticket.

Additionally, we expect to continue to invest in technology that is designed to both assist customers with self-service and allow us to make better operational decisions, while lowering our operating costs.

Capacity. We announced new service to several international destinations in 2010, including Lagos, Nigeria, Cairo, Egypt and Auckland, New Zealand. We do not anticipate significant capacity growth in 2011 unless the level of demand for air travel, economic conditions and the expected financial benefit sufficiently justify such growth. We expect only modest capacity growth for 2011, with both our mainline and consolidated capacity increasing between 1.0% and 2.0%. We expect consolidated domestic capacity to decrease between 0.5% and 1.5% and consolidated international capacity to increase between 4.5% and 5.5%. Should fuel prices increase significantly, we would likely adjust our capacity plans downward.

 

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Our future ability to grow or improve our efficiency could be adversely impacted by manufacturer delays in aircraft deliveries. We have not received a revised 787 delivery schedule, but we currently expect the first of our Boeing 787 aircraft to be delivered in the first half of 2012.

Labor Costs. Our ability to achieve and sustain profitability also depends on continuing our efforts to implement and maintain a more competitive cost structure. As of December 31, 2010, United and Continental had approximately 82% and 60%, respectively, of employees represented by unions. All of United’s union-represented employees and 53% of Continental’s union-represented employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements that are currently amendable. We are in the process of negotiating amended collective bargaining agreements with our employee groups. The Company cannot predict the outcome of negotiations with its unionized employee groups, although significant increases in the pay and benefits resulting from new collective bargaining agreements could have an adverse financial impact on the Company. See Note 17 to the financial statements in Item 8 and Item 1, Business, for additional information.

Results of Operations

To provide a more meaningful comparison of UAL’s 2010 financial performance to 2009, we have quantified the increases relating to our operating results that are due to Continental operations after the Merger closing date. The increases due to the Merger, presented in the tables below, represent actual Continental results for the fourth quarter of 2010. The discussion of UAL’s results excludes the impact of Continental’s results in the fourth quarter of 2010. Intercompany transactions were immaterial.

Operating Revenues.

2010 compared to 2009

The table below illustrates the year-over-year percentage change in UAL’s operating revenues for the years ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2010      2009      $
Change
     $ Increase
due to
Merger
     $ Change
Excluding
Merger
Impact
     % Change
Excluding
Merger Impact
 

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 16,069       $ 11,313       $ 4,756       $ 2,606       $ 2,150         19.0   

Passenger—Regional

     4,229         2,884         1,345         561         784         27.2   
                                               

Total passenger revenue

     20,298         14,197         6,101         3,167         2,934         20.7   

Cargo

     832         536         296         119         177         33.0   

Other operating revenue

     2,099         1,602         497         277         220         13.7   
                                               
   $ 23,229       $ 16,335       $ 6,894       $ 3,563       $ 3,331         20.4   
                                               

 

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The table below presents UAL’s passenger revenues and selected operating data based on geographic region:

 

     Increase (decrease) in 2010 from 2009 (a):  
      Domestic     Pacific     Atlantic     Latin     Total
Mainline
    Regional
Carriers
    Consolidated  

Passenger revenue (in millions)

   $ 603      $ 831      $ 571      $ 145      $ 2,150      $ 784      $ 2,934   

Passenger revenue

     9.2     37.2     25.8     42.6     19.0     27.2     20.7

Average fare per passenger

     15.6     27.2     21.1     32.5     23.5     13.1     19.0

Yield

     10.9     26.9     20.6     31.7     16.8     6.8     16.1

Passenger revenue per available seat mile
(“PRASM”)

     12.5     37.7     21.1     36.1     20.1     9.5     19.1

Average length of aircraft flight

     5.8     (1.3 )%      (1.8 )%      (1.3 )%      5.8     8.5     3.0

Passengers

     (5.5 )%      7.8     3.9     7.7     (3.7 )%      12.5     1.4

RPMs (traffic)

     (1.5 )%      8.0     4.4     8.4     1.9     19.0     3.9

ASMs (capacity)

     (3.0 )%      (0.4 )%      4.0     4.8     (0.9 )%      16.1     1.3

Passenger load factor

     1.3  pts.      6.6  pts.      0.3  pts.      2.7  pts.      2.2  pts.      1.9  pts.      2.1  pts. 

 

(a) See Item 6 for the definition of these statistics.

Excluding the impact of the Merger, consolidated passenger revenue in 2010 increased approximately $2.9 billion, or 21%, as compared to 2009. These increases were due to increases of 19.0% and 16.1% in average fare and yield, respectively, over the same period as a result of strengthening economic conditions and industry capacity discipline. An increase in volume in 2010, as measured by passenger volume, also contributed to the increase in revenues in 2010 as compared to 2009. The revenue improvement in 2010 was also driven by the return of business and international premium cabin passengers whose higher ticket prices combined to increase average fares and yields. The international regions in particular had the largest increases in demand with international passenger revenue per ASM increasing 29.9% on a 1.8% increase in capacity. Passenger revenue in 2010 included approximately $250 million of additional revenue due to changes in the Company’s estimate and methodology related to loyalty program accounting as noted in Critical Accounting Policies, below.

Excluding the impact of the Merger, cargo revenue increased by $177 million, or 33%, in 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily due to improved economic conditions resulting in improved traffic and yield. UAL’s freight ton miles improved by 22.1% in 2010 as compared to 2009, while mail ton miles dropped approximately 8.8% during the same period, for a composite cargo traffic gain of 18.3%. Freight yields in 2010 were 15.0% better than in 2009 due to stronger freight traffic, reduced industry capacity and numerous tactical rate recovery initiatives, particularly in UAL’s Pacific markets. On a composite basis, cargo yield in 2010 increased 12.6% as compared to 2009.

Excluding the impact of the Merger, other operating revenue was up 14% in 2010, as compared to 2009, which was primarily due to growth in ancillary passenger-related charges such as baggage fees.

2009 compared to 2008

The table below illustrates the year-over-year percentage change in UAL’s operating revenues for the years ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

      2009      2008      $
Change
    %
Change
 

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 11,313       $ 14,822       $ (3,509     (23.7

Passenger—Regional

     2,884         2,981         (97     (3.3
                            

Total passenger revenue

     14,197         17,803         (3,606     (20.3

Cargo

     536         854         (318     (37.2

Other operating revenue

     1,602         1,537         65        4.2   
                            
   $ 16,335       $ 20,194       $ (3,859     (19.1
                            

 

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The table below presents UAL’s passenger revenues and selected operating data based on geographic region:

 

      Increase (decrease) in 2009 from 2008:  
      Domestic     Pacific     Atlantic     Latin
America
    Total
Mainline
    Regional
Carriers
    Consolidated  

Passenger revenue (in millions)

   $ (2,007   $ (910   $ (403   $ (189   $ (3,509   $ (97   $ (3,606

Passenger revenue

     (23.5 )%      (28.9 )%      (15.4 )%      (35.8 )%      (23.7 )%      (3.3 )%      (20.3 )% 

Average fare per passenger

     (13.2 )%      (23.6 )%      (13.1 )%      (17.1 )%      (14.1 )%      (11.1 )%      (15.4 )% 

Yield

     (15.8 )%      (20.5 )%      (13.2 )%      (20.5 )%      (16.4 )%      (14.6 )%      (14.7 )% 

PRASM

     (14.6 )%      (19.7 )%      (13.2 )%      (21.2 )%      (15.5 )%      (13.0 )%      (13.8 )% 

Average length of aircraft flight

     1.5     (5.4 )%      (0.5 )%      (1.6 )%      1.4     4.7     (1.9 )% 

Passengers

     (11.9 )%      (6.9 )%      (2.7 )%      (22.6 )%      (11.2 )%      8.9     (5.8 )% 

RPMs

     (9.2 )%      (10.6 )%      (2.5 )%      (19.2 )%      (8.7 )%      13.3     (6.5 )% 

ASMs

     (10.4 )%      (11.5 )%      (2.6 )%      (18.5 )%      (9.7 )%      11.2     (7.4 )% 

Passenger load factor

     1.1  pts.      0.8  pts.      0.1  pts.      (0.7 ) pts.      0.9  pts.      1.4  pts.      0.8  pts. 

Consistent with the rest of the airline industry, UAL’s decline in PRASM was partially driven by a precipitous decline in worldwide travel demand as a result of the severe global recession. Two key factors had a distinct impact on UAL’s revenue during 2009. First, network composition played a role in overall unit revenue decline. International markets, in particular the Pacific region, experienced more significant unit revenue declines as compared to the other regions. Given UAL’s significant international network and its historic relative contribution to passenger revenue, UAL’s revenue was significantly impacted by the contraction in travel demand in the Pacific. Second, while demand generally declined across all geographic regions, premium and business demand declined more significantly than leisure demand. As UAL’s business model is strongly aligned to serve premium and business travelers, both internationally and domestically, the decrease in travel by business travelers and the buy-down from premium class to economy class by some business travelers caused a significant negative impact on UAL’s results in 2009.

In 2009, consolidated yield decreased 14.7% as compared to 2008, while consolidated average fare per passenger decreased 15.4% in the same period. The yield and average fare decreases were primarily a result of the weak economic environment in 2009 and the resulting adverse economic impacts on UAL, as discussed above. Consolidated revenue was also negatively impacted by lower volumes of traffic due to the effects of the severe global recession.

Consolidated revenues were favorably impacted in 2009 by an adjustment of approximately $36 million related to certain tax accruals that were previously recorded as a reduction of revenue. This adjustment was recorded as a result of new information received by UAL related to these tax matters.

Cargo revenue declined by $318 million, or 37%, in 2009 as compared to 2008, due to four key factors. First, United took significant steps to rationalize its capacity, with reduced international capacity affecting a number of key cargo markets. Second, as noted by industry statistical releases during 2009, virtually all carriers in the industry, including United, were sharply impacted by reduced air freight and mail volumes driven by lower recessionary demand, with the resulting oversupply of cargo capacity putting pressure on industry pricing in nearly all markets. Some of the largest industry demand reductions occurred in the Pacific cargo market, where United has a greater cargo capacity as compared to the Atlantic, Latin and Domestic cargo markets. Third, lower fuel costs in 2009 also reduced cargo revenue through lower fuel surcharges on cargo shipments as compared to 2008 when historically high fuel prices occurred. Finally, United, historically one of the largest carriers of U.S. international mail, was impacted by lower mail volumes and pricing beginning in third quarter of 2009 arising from U.S. international mail deregulation. The deregulation moved pricing from regulated rates set by the DOT to market-based pricing as a result of a competitive bidding process.

 

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In 2009, the increase in other operating revenues was primarily due to an increase in ancillary passenger-related revenues, which includes baggage fees and other unbundled services. For the full year of 2009, ancillary passenger-related revenues totaled approximately $1.1 billion.

Operating Expenses.

2010 compared to 2009

The table below includes data related to UAL’s operating expenses for the year ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2010     2009      $
Change
    $
Increase
due to
Merger
     $
Change
Excluding
Merger
Impact
    %
Change
Excluding
Merger
Impact
 

Aircraft fuel

   $ 6,687      $ 4,204       $ 2,483      $ 986       $ 1,497        35.6   

Salaries and related costs

     5,002        3,919         1,083        786         297        7.6   

Regional capacity purchase

     1,812        1,523         289        202         87        5.7   

Landing fees and other rent

     1,307        1,011         296        231         65        6.4   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     1,115        965         150        135         15        1.6   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,079        917         162        177         (15     (1.6

Distribution expenses

     912        670         242        156         86        12.8   

Aircraft rent

     500        346         154        174         (20     (5.8

Merger-related costs and special charges

     733        374         359        201         158        NM   

Goodwill impairment credit

     (64     —           (64     —           (64     NM   

Other operating expenses

     3,170        2,567         603        537         66        2.6   
                                            
   $ 22,253      $ 16,496       $ 5,757      $ 3,585       $ 2,172        13.2   
                                            

The increase in aircraft fuel expense was primarily attributable to increased market prices for fuel, as shown in the table below which reflects the significant changes in aircraft fuel cost per gallon for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. The 2010 amounts presented in the table below exclude the impact of Continental’s results after the closing date of the Merger. See Note 13 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional details regarding gains and losses from settled positions and unrealized gains and losses at the end of the period.

 

     (In millions)     %
Change
     Average price per
gallon
    %
Change
 
     2010      2009        2010      2009    

Fuel purchase cost

   $ 5,581       $ 4,308        29.5       $ 2.34       $ 1.84        27.2   

Fuel hedge (gains) losses

     119         (104     NM         0.05         (0.04     NM   
                                       

Total aircraft fuel expense

   $ 5,700       $ 4,204        35.6       $ 2.39       $ 1.80        32.8   
                                       

Total fuel consumption (gallons)

     2,388         2,338        2.1           

Excluding the impact of the Merger, salaries and related costs increased $297 million, or 8%, in 2010 as compared to 2009. The increase was primarily due to increased accruals for profit sharing and other annual incentive plans. In 2010, UAL’s accrual for profit sharing was $166 million. Expense for the plan was not accrued in 2009 as the profit sharing and other incentive plan payouts were not earned based on UAL’s adjusted pre-tax losses.

Excluding the impact of the Merger, regional capacity purchase expense increased $87 million, or 6%, in 2010 as compared to 2009 primarily due to an increase in capacity in the same period.

 

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Excluding the impact of the Merger, distribution expenses increased $86 million, or 13%, in 2010 as compared to 2009 primarily due to an increase in passenger revenue on higher traffic and yields driving increases in commissions, credit card fees and GDS fees.

Excluding the impact of the Merger, aircraft rent expense decreased by $20 million, or 6%, in 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily as a result of United’s retirement of its entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, some of which were financed through operating leases. This fleet retirement was completed during 2009.

Merger-related Costs and Special Charges.

The table below presents asset impairments, merger-related costs and special items incurred by UAL during the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

     2010     2009    

Income statement classification

Merger-related costs

   $ 564      $ —       

Aircraft and aircraft related impairments

     136        93     

Intangible asset impairments

     29        150     

Municipal bond litigation

     —          27     

Lease termination and other charges

     4        104     
                  

Total merger-related costs and special charges

     733        374      Merger-related costs and special charges

Goodwill credit

     (64     —       

Tax benefit on intangible asset impairments and asset sales

     (12     (21   Income tax benefit
                  

Total charges, net of tax

   $ 657      $ 353     
                  

See Note 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information related to special charges.

Merger-related costs

Merger-related costs consist of charges related to the Merger and include costs related to the planning and execution of the Merger, including costs for items such as financial advisor, legal and other advisory fees. Also included in merger-related costs are salary and severance related costs that are primarily associated with administrative headcount reductions and compensation costs related to the Merger. Merger-related costs also include integration costs, costs to terminate certain service contracts that will not be used by the combined company, costs to write-off system assets that are no longer used or planned to be used by the combined company and payments to third-party consultants to assist with integration planning and organization design. See Notes 1 and 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information.

Asset impairments

The aircraft impairments in 2010 and 2009 are primarily related to a decrease in the estimated market value of UAL’s nonoperating Boeing 737 and 747 aircraft. In 2010, UAL recorded a $29 million impairment ($18 million net of taxes) of its indefinite-lived Brazil routes due to an estimated decrease in the value of these routes as a result of the new open skies agreement.

During 2010, UAL determined it overstated its deferred tax liabilities by approximately $64 million when it applied fresh start accounting upon its exit from bankruptcy in 2006. Under applicable standards in 2008, this error would have been corrected with a decrease to goodwill, which would have resulted in a decrease in the amount of UAL’s 2008 goodwill impairment charge. Therefore, UAL corrected this overstatement in the fourth quarter of 2010 by reducing its deferred tax liabilities and recorded it as a goodwill impairment credit in its

 

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consolidated statement of operations. The adjustment was not made to prior periods as UAL does not believe the correction is material to the current or any prior period.

In 2009, UAL recorded a $150 million intangible asset impairment ($95 million net of taxes) to decrease the value of United’s tradename, which was primarily due to a decrease in estimated future revenues resulting from the weak economic environment and United’s capacity reductions, among other factors.

In 2009, UAL recorded special charges of $27 million related to the final settlement of the LAX municipal bond litigation and $104 million primarily related to Boeing 737 aircraft lease terminations.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, UAL recorded $130 million to other operating expense, $65 million each for United and Continental, due to revenue sharing obligations related to the trans-Atlantic joint venture with Lufthansa and Air Canada. This expense relates to UAL’s payments for the first nine months of 2010, prior to contract execution.

2009 compared to 2008

UAL’s mainline capacity decreased 9.7% in 2009 as compared to 2008. The capacity reduction had a significantly favorable impact on certain UAL operating expenses, as further described below. The table below includes data related to UAL’s operating expenses for the year ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2009      2008      $
Change
    %
Change
 

Aircraft fuel

   $ 4,204       $ 8,979       $ (4,775     (53.2

Salaries and related costs

     3,919         4,452         (533     (12.0

Regional capacity purchase

     1,523         1,391         132        9.5   

Landing fees and other rent

     1,011         954         57        6.0   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     965         1,096         (131     (12.0

Depreciation and amortization

     917         946         (29     (3.1

Distribution expenses

     670         846         (176     (20.8

Aircraft rent

     346         409         (63     (15.4

Asset impairments and special charges

     374         339         35        NM   

Goodwill impairment charge

     —           2,277         (2,277     NM   

Other operating expenses

     2,567         2,943         (376     (12.8
                            
   $ 16,496       $ 24,632       $ (8,136     (33.0
                            

The decrease in aircraft fuel expense was primarily attributable to decreased market prices for fuel, as shown in the table below, which reflects the significant changes in fuel cost per gallon in 2009 as compared to 2008. Lower mainline fuel consumption due to the mainline capacity reductions also benefited mainline fuel expense in 2009 as compared to the prior year. Prior to April 1, 2010, UAL did not designate any of its fuel hedge contracts under applicable accounting standards. Therefore, UAL marked-to-market changes in the fair value of its contracts through fuel expense in the case of economic hedges and through nonoperating expense in the case of hedges that were not considered to be economic hedges. The majority of the combined $1.1 billion of fuel hedge losses in 2008 was due to mark-to-market losses on open fuel hedge contracts at December 31, 2008. These contracts cash settled in 2009. These significant losses occurred because certain UAL hedge instruments required payments by UAL to the counterparty if fuel prices fell below specified floors or strike prices in the hedge contracts. Crude oil peaked at approximately $145 per barrel in July 2008 and subsequently fell to around $45 per barrel in December 2008. The hedge contract prices at which UAL was required to make payments to its counterparties were well above $45 per barrel, resulting in significant losses on the hedge contracts.

 

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     (In millions)      %
Change
    Average price per
gallon
     %
Change
 
     2009     2008        2009     2008     

Fuel purchase cost

   $ 4,308      $ 8,371         (48.5   $ 1.84      $ 3.26         (43.5

Fuel hedge (gains) losses

     (104     608         NM        (0.04     0.28         NM   
                                      

Total aircraft fuel expense

     4,204        8,979         (53.2   $ 1.80      $ 3.54         (49.2
                                      

Total fuel consumption (gallons)

     2,338        2,553         (8.4       

Salaries and related costs decreased $533 million, or 12%, in 2009 as compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to UAL’s reduced workforce in 2009 compared to 2008. UAL had approximately 43,700 average full-time equivalent employees for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 49,600 for the year ended December 31, 2008. A $73 million decrease in severance expense related to UAL’s operational plans and a $92 million year-over-year benefit due to changes in employee benefit expenses also contributed to the decrease in salaries and related costs. Salaries and related costs also decreased by $46 million due to UAL’s Success Sharing Program. UAL did not record any expense for this plan in 2009. Partially offsetting these benefits were the impacts of average wage and benefit cost increases and a $38 million increase related to on-time performance bonuses paid to operations employee groups during 2009, which were not paid in 2008.

The increase in regional capacity purchase expense of 10% in 2009 as compared to 2008 is consistent with the 11% increase in regional capacity during the same period.

Landing fees and other rent increased $57 million, or 6%, in 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily due to higher rates.

During 2009, aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs decreased by $131 million, or 12%, as compared to the prior year primarily due to a lower volume of engine and airframe maintenance repairs as a result of United’s early retirement of 100 aircraft from its operating fleet and the timing of maintenance on other fleet types.

Distribution expenses decreased $176 million, or 21%, in 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily due to lower passenger revenues on lower traffic and yields driving reductions in commissions, credit card fees and GDS fees. UAL also implemented several operating cost savings programs for both commissions and GDS fees which produced realized savings in 2009.

Aircraft rent expense decreased by $63 million, or 15%, in 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily as a result of UAL’s retirement of its entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, some of which were financed through operating leases.

UAL’s other operating expenses decreased $376 million, or 13%, in 2009 as compared to 2008. This decrease was primarily due to cost savings initiatives and lower variable costs associated with a 9.7% decrease in mainline capacity. In addition, other operating expenses decreased due to a reduction in maintenance cost of sales, which was due to lower sales of engine maintenance services.

Asset Impairments and Special Charges.

See Operating Expenses—2010 compared to 2009, above, for a discussion of 2009 impairments and special items. In 2008, UAL performed impairment tests of its goodwill, all intangible assets and certain of its long-lived assets (principally aircraft pre-delivery deposits, aircraft and related spare engines and spare parts) due to events and changes in circumstances that indicated an impairment might have occurred. As a result of this impairment testing, UAL recorded asset impairment charges of $2.6 billion. See Critical Accounting Policies and Note 4 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information.

 

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In addition, lease termination and other charges of $25 million were recorded during 2008 which primarily relate to the accrual of future rents for the Boeing 737 leased aircraft that were removed from service and charges associated with the return of certain of these aircraft to their lessors.

See Note 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 for further information regarding these special items.

Nonoperating Income (Expense).

2010 compared to 2009

The following table illustrates the year-over-year dollar and percentage changes in UAL’s nonoperating income (expense) (in millions except percentage changes):

 

     2010     2009     Favorable/(Unfavorable)  
       $
Change
    Increase
due to
Merger
    $
Change
Excluding
Merger
Impact
    %
Change
Excluding
Merger
Impact
 

Interest expense

   $ (798   $ (577   $ (221   $ (86   $ (135     (23.4

Interest income

     15        19        (4     3        (7     (36.8

Interest capitalized

     15        10        5        4        1        10.0   

Miscellaneous, net

     42        37        5        2        3        8.1   
                                          

Total

   $ (726   $ (511   $ (215   $ (77   $ (138     (27.0
                                          

The increase in interest expense in 2010 as compared to 2009, excluding the Merger impact, was primarily due to higher interest rates on average debt outstanding in 2010 as compared to comparable rates on average debt outstanding in 2009, as certain of the Company’s recent financings have terms with higher interest rates as compared to debt that has been repaid. The higher interest rates were due to distressed capital markets and the Company’s credit and liquidity outlook at the time of the financings.

In 2010, miscellaneous, net included a gain of $21 million from the distribution to United of the remaining United Series 2001-1 enhanced equipment trust certificate (“EETC”) assets upon repayment of the note obligations. In addition, miscellaneous, net included $10 million of hedge ineffectiveness gains in 2010 on fuel hedge contracts that were designated as cash flow hedges, as compared to $31 million of fuel hedge gains in 2009. The fuel hedge gains in 2009 resulted from hedge contracts that were not designated as cash flow hedges, as further discussed below under 2009 compared to 2008.

2009 compared to 2008

The following table illustrates the year-over-year dollar and percentage changes in UAL’s nonoperating income (expense) (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

      2009     2008     Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Change
 
          $     %  

Interest expense

   $ (577   $ (571   $ (6     (1.1

Interest income

     19        112        (93     (83.0

Interest capitalized

     10        20        (10     (50.0

Miscellaneous, net

     37        (550     587        NM   
                          

Total

   $ (511   $ (989   $ 478        48.3   
                          

 

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Nonoperating expenses decreased by $478 million in 2009 as compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a $559 million improvement in net fuel hedge gains and losses, partially offset by a $93 million decrease in interest income due to lower investment yields as a result of decreased market rates.

As described in the discussion of changes in aircraft fuel expense above, prior to April 1, 2010, UAL did not designate any of its fuel hedges as cash flow hedges under applicable accounting standards. UAL had a significant amount of hedges that it did not consider economic hedges and classified the related hedge losses in miscellaneous nonoperating expense. As noted above, the significant losses in 2008 were due to significant fuel price declines below the contractual prices in UAL’s fuel hedge portfolio that existed during and at the end of 2008. The Company’s fuel derivative gain in 2009 was less significant compared to 2008 because the Company did not have any significant derivative activity for hedges that are classified in miscellaneous, net, in 2009, other than settlement of contracts that existed at December 31, 2008, and there was less fuel price volatility in 2009 as compared to 2008. See Note 13 to the financial statements in Item 8 for further information related to fuel hedges.

Income Taxes.

In 2010, UAL recorded a tax benefit of $11 million related to the impairment of its Brazil routes, offset by $12 million of state and other income tax expense. The tax benefits recorded in 2009 and 2008 are related to the impairment and sale of certain indefinite-lived intangible assets, partially offset by the impact of an increase in state tax rates. Excluding these items, the effective tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following: change in valuation allowance, expenses that are not deductible for federal income tax purposes and state income taxes. UAL is required to provide a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities because management has concluded that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets ultimately will not be realized. See Note 8 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information.

United and Continental—Results of Operations—2010 Compared to 2009

During the fourth quarter of 2010, United and Continental changed their classification of certain revenue and expense items. Historical amounts have been reclassified for comparability. See Note 1 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information related to these reclassifications.

United’s and Continental’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations have been abbreviated pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) of Form 10-K.

United

The following table presents information related to United’s results of operations (in millions, except percentage changes):

      2010      2009      %
Change
 

Operating Revenue:

        

Passenger revenue

   $ 17,130       $ 14,197         20.7   

Cargo and other revenue

     2,552         2,162         18.0   
                    

Total revenue

   $ 19,682       $ 16,359         20.3   
                    

 

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Table of Contents
      2010     2009     %
Change
 

Operating Expenses:

      

Aircraft fuel

   $ 5,700      $ 4,204        35.6   

Salaries and related costs

     4,212        3,919        7.5   

Regional capacity purchase

     1,610        1,523        5.7   

Landing fees and other rent

     1,077        1,011        6.5   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     980        965        1.6   

Depreciation and amortization

     903        917        (1.5

Distribution expenses

     756        670        12.8   

Aircraft rent

     326        349        (6.6

Merger-related costs and special charges

     532        374        NM   

Goodwill impairment credit

     (64     —          NM   

Other operating expenses

     2,632        2,564        2.7   
                  

Total operating expenses

   $ 18,664      $ 16,496        13.1   
                  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 1,018      $ (137     NM   

Nonoperating expense

   $ 634      $ 511        24.1   

United had a net income of $399 million in 2010 as compared to a net loss of $628 million in 2009. Excluding the impact of the Merger on UAL’s results of operations, United’s results of operations were consistent with the UAL results discussed above. Prior to the Merger, United was UAL’s only significant operating subsidiary. As compared to 2009, United’s consolidated revenue increased $3.3 billion, or 20%, to $19.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010. This increase was primarily due to improved economic conditions in 2010 which drove higher fares. As discussed above, in 2010, United increased consolidated capacity only by approximately 1% due to the weak economic conditions in 2009 and 2008. United’s increase in consolidated passenger volume was consistent with this increase in capacity.

United’s operating expenses increased approximately $2.2 billion in 2010 as compared to 2009, which was primarily due to the following:

 

   

An increase of approximately $1.5 billion in aircraft fuel expense, which was primarily driven by increased market prices for aircraft fuel, as highlighted in the fuel table in Operating Expenses—2010 compared to 2009, above;

 

   

An increase of $293 million in salaries and related costs, which was primarily due to increased accruals for profit sharing and other annual incentive plans. In 2010, United’s profit sharing expense was $165 million. Expense for the plan was not accrued in 2009 as the profit sharing and other incentive plan payout expenses were not earned based on UAL’s adjusted pre-tax losses;

 

   

An $86 million, or 13%, increase in distribution expenses due to increased passenger volumes and higher ticket fares;

 

   

A $158 million increase in merger-related costs and special charges, primarily due to $363 million of costs associated with the Merger and the integration of United and Continental, as discussed above. In 2009, United incurred significant special charges associated with its fleet reduction plan. See Note 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional details regarding merger-related costs and special charges; and

 

   

Other operating expenses included a $65 million payment due to the revenue sharing obligations related to the trans-Atlantic joint venture with Lufthansa and Air Canada.

United’s nonoperating expense increased $123 million, or 24%, in 2010 as compared to 2009, which was primarily due to the increased cost of debt financing as a result of distressed capital markets during 2008 and

 

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2009. United’s interest expense is consistent with UAL’s interest expense, excluding the Merger impact discussed above, except for approximately $21 million of interest expense in 2010 from UAL’s $345 million of 6% Senior Convertible Notes due 2029 that were not issued by United.

Continental

The table below presents the Continental Successor and Predecessor periods in 2010. The combined presentation for the year ended December 31, 2010 does not represent a GAAP presentation. Management believes that the combined non-GAAP results provide a more meaningful comparison to the full year 2009. Continental’s operating income and net income in the combined 2010 period were $698 million and $346 million, respectively, as compared to operating and net losses of $144 million and $282 million, respectively, in 2009. This improvement was largely due to the improvement in global economic conditions following the severe recession in 2009, consistent with the improvement in UAL’s results described above.

 

(in millions)

   Successor
Three
Months
Ended
December 31,
2010
           Predecessor
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2010
     Combined
2010
     Predecessor
Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    %
Change
 

Operating Revenue:

                 

Passenger revenue

   $ 3,167           $ 9,503       $ 12,670       $ 11,040        14.8   

Cargo and other revenue

     396             1,285         1,681         1,583        6.2   
                                             

Total revenue

   $ 3,563           $ 10,788       $ 14,351       $ 12,623        13.7   
                                             

Operating Expenses:

                 

Aircraft fuel

   $ 986           $ 2,872       $ 3,858       $ 3,401        13.4   

Salaries and related costs

     786             2,527         3,313         3,137        5.6   

Regional capacity purchase

     202             608         810         826        (1.9

Landing fees and other rent

     231             656         887         841        5.5   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     135             399         534         597        (10.6

Depreciation and amortization

     177             380         557         494        12.8   

Distribution expenses

     156             474         630         537        17.3   

Aircraft rent

     174             689         863         934        (7.6

Merger-related costs and special charges

     201             47         248         145        NM   

Other operating expenses

     537             1,416         1,953         1,855        5.3   
                                             

Total operating expenses

   $ 3,585           $ 10,068       $ 13,653       $ 12,767        6.9   
                                             

Operating income (loss)

   $ (22        $ 720       $ 698       $ (144     NM   

Nonoperating expense

     77             278         355         295        20.3   

Total revenues increased 14% in the combined 2010 period, as compared to 2009, primarily due to higher passenger fares, which were driven by improving global economic conditions and an increased demand for air travel.

In the combined 2010 period, aircraft fuel expense increased 13% as compared to 2009 primarily due to an increase in fuel prices. Fuel hedge losses were $9 million and $380 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Continental’s fuel purchase cost, without hedge impacts, increased approximately 27% in 2010 as compared to 2009, which is relatively consistent with UAL’s unhedged cost of fuel summarized in the tables above.

Salaries and related costs increased 6% in the combined 2010 period as compared to 2009. The significant factors contributing to the increase in 2010 were profit sharing and related taxes of $77 million, variable incentive compensation and annual employee wage increases.

 

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Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs decreased 11% in the combined 2010 period as compared to 2009 primarily due to the timing of maintenance events and savings from renegotiated rates on certain contracts.

Continental’s depreciation and amortization expense increased in the combined 2010 period as compared to 2009 primarily due to increased expense in the Successor period associated with recording Continental’s assets at fair value as of the Merger closing date.

Distribution expenses increased 17% in the combined 2010 period as compared to 2009, which was primarily due to increases in ticket volumes and prices, as some distribution expenses are price-based and some are volume-based.

Aircraft rent decreased 8% in the combined 2010 period as compared to 2009 primarily due to the amortization of a lease fair value adjustment which was recorded as part of acquisition accounting.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, Continental recorded $65 million to other operating expense due to the revenue sharing obligations related to the trans-Atlantic joint venture with Lufthansa and Air Canada for the first three quarters of 2010.

Merger-related costs and special charges in the combined 2010 period included $230 million of merger-related expenses due to costs associated with the Merger and integration of United and Continental, as discussed above. Aircraft-related charges of $89 million in 2009 included $31 million of non-cash impairments on Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft and related assets, $39 million of other aircraft-related charges and $19 million of losses related to subleasing regional jets. See Note 21 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional discussion of merger-related costs and special charges.

Liquidity and Capital Resources.

As of December 31, 2010, UAL had $8.7 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, which is $5.6 billion higher than at December 31, 2009 primarily due to the Merger impact. At December 31, 2010, UAL also had $388 million of restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, which is primarily collateral for estimated future workers’ compensation claims, credit card processing contracts, letters of credit and performance bonds. We may be required to post significant additional cash collateral to meet such obligations in the future. Restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2009 totaled $341 million. United has a $255 million revolving commitment under its Amended Credit Facility, maturing in February 2012, of which $253 million and $254 million had been used for letters of credit as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Unless this facility is renewed or replaced, these letters of credit will likely be replaced with cash collateral. In addition, under a separate agreement, United had a $150 million unused line of credit as of December 31, 2010.

As is the case with many of our principal competitors, we have a high proportion of debt compared to our capital. We have a significant amount of fixed obligations, including debt, aircraft leases and financings, leases of airport property and other facilities and postretirement medical and pension obligations. At December 31, 2010, UAL had approximately $15.4 billion of debt and capital lease obligations. In addition, we have substantial non-cancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of new aircraft and related spare engines.

As of December 31, 2010 a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, principally aircraft, spare engines, aircraft spare parts, route authorities and certain other intangible assets were pledged under various loan and other agreements. See Note 14 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information on assets provided as collateral by the Company. The Company has limited undrawn lines of credit and most of our otherwise readily financeable assets are encumbered. The global economic recession severely disrupted the global capital

 

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markets, resulting in a diminished availability of financing and a higher cost for financing that was obtainable. Although access to the capital markets has improved, as evidenced by our recent financing transactions, we cannot give any assurances that we will be able to obtain additional financing or otherwise access the capital markets in the future on acceptable terms (or at all). We must sustain our profitability and/or access the capital markets to meet our significant long-term debt and capital lease obligations and future commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of aircraft and related spare engines.

The following is a discussion of UAL’s sources and uses of cash from 2008 to 2010. As UAL applied the acquisition method of accounting to the Merger, UAL’s cash activities discussed below include Continental activities only after October 1, 2010.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities.

2010 compared to 2009

UAL’s cash from operating activities increased by $941 million in 2010, as compared to 2009. This year-over-year increase was primarily due to increased cash from passenger and cargo services. Higher cash operating expenses, including fuel, distribution costs and interest expense, partially offset the benefit from increased revenues. Net cash required for fuel increased in the 2010 period due to higher aircraft fuel prices, as shown in the fuel expense table in Results of Operations—Operating Expenses—2010 Compared to 2009, above. Operating cash flows in the 2009 period included the receipt of $160 million related to the future relocation of UAL’s Chicago O’Hare cargo facility.

2009 compared to 2008

UAL’s cash from operating activities increased by $2.2 billion in 2009 as compared to 2008. This improvement was partly due to decreased cash required for aircraft fuel purchases as consolidated fuel purchase costs decreased by $4.1 billion in 2009 as compared to 2008. Decreases in UAL’s fuel hedge collateral requirements also provided operating cash of approximately $955 million in 2009, as compared to a use of cash of $965 million in 2008. In addition, UAL received $160 million during 2009 related to the future relocation of its Chicago O’Hare cargo facility.

These operating cash flow benefits were partially offset by a decrease in operating cash flow due to decreased revenues, which decreased by $3.9 billion in 2009. In addition, UAL did not have a significant advance sale of miles in 2009 resulting in an unfavorable variance as compared to 2008, during which UAL received $600 million from its advanced sale of miles and license agreement with its co-branded credit card partner, as discussed below.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities.

2010 compared to 2009

UAL’s capital expenditures were $371 million and $317 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Included in UAL’s capital expenditures are Continental’s capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2010. In addition to cash capital expenditures, UAL’s asset additions include Continental’s acquisition of three Boeing 737 aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2010. The proceeds of the EETC financing in the fourth quarter of 2010 (described below) were directly issued to the aircraft manufacturers; therefore, these proceeds are not presented as capital expenditures and financing proceeds in the statements of consolidated cash flows. UAL limited its spending in both 2010 and 2009 by focusing its capital resources only on its highest-value projects.

In 2009, United received $175 million from three sale-leaseback agreements. These transactions were accounted for as capital leases, resulting in an increase to capital lease assets and capital lease obligations during 2009.

 

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2009 compared to 2008

The sale of $2.3 billion of short-term investments throughout 2008 generated significant investing cash flows in 2008 as compared to 2009. As discussed below, these investments were sold as part of UAL’s shift to invest available cash into money market funds. UAL’s capital expenditures, which included capitalized interest, were $317 million and $475 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Capital expenditures decreased significantly in the 2009 period as compared to 2008 because the Company acquired only one aircraft in 2009, as compared to ten aircraft acquired during 2008. The 2009 and 2008 aircraft acquisitions were completed pursuant to existing lease terms using pre-funded lease deposits, as described below in Cash Flows from Financing Activities below.

In 2009, United received $175 million from three sale-leaseback agreements, described above. The 2008 period included proceeds of $274 million from one sale-leaseback transaction. Other asset sales, including airport slot sales, generated proceeds of $77 million and $94 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities.

Significant financing events in 2010 were as follows:

 

   

In January 2010, United issued $500 million of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and $200 million of 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013, which are secured by United’s route authority to operate between the United States and Japan and beyond Japan to points in other countries, certain airport takeoff and landing slots and airport gate leaseholds utilized in connection with these routes.

 

   

In January 2010, United issued the remaining $1.3 billion in principal amount of the equipment notes relating to the Series 2009-1 and 2009-2 EETCs. Issuance proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion were used to repay the Series 2000-2 and 2001-1 EETCs and the remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

 

   

In December 2010, Continental issued approximately $427 million of Class A and Class B pass-through certificates through two pass-through trusts. In December 2010, using proceeds from the issuance of the pass-through certificates, Continental issued equipment notes relating to five currently owned aircraft, resulting in proceeds of approximately $90 million to be used for general corporate purposes. Also in December 2010, Continental issued equipment notes resulting in $98 million of proceeds that were used to purchase three new Boeing 737 aircraft. The proceeds used to purchase the three new Boeing 737 aircraft were accounted for as a noncash investing and financing activity. In 2011, Continental expects to receive $239 million in net proceeds from the issuance of equipment notes, of which $142 million relates to seven currently owned aircraft and will be used for general corporate purposes, and of which $97 million will be used to acquire three additional new Boeing 737 aircraft.

 

   

In 2010, United acquired six aircraft through the exercise of its lease purchase options. Aircraft lease deposits of $236 million provided financing cash that was primarily utilized by United to make the final payments due under these capital lease obligations.

Significant financing events in 2009 for UAL and United were as follows:

 

   

$322 million from multiple financings by United that are secured by certain aircraft spare parts, aircraft and spare engines;

 

   

$345 million from UAL’s issuance of 6% Senior Convertible Notes due 2029 (the “6% Senior Convertible Notes”);

 

   

$161 million from United’s partial issuance of equipment notes related to the Series 2009-1 and Series 2009-2 EETCs described above in 2010 financing activities; and

 

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$222 million in net proceeds from the issuance of UAL common stock, consisting of $90 million from the completion of UAL’s equity offering program that began in 2008 and $132 million, net of fees, from the issuance of 19.0 million shares of UAL common stock in an underwritten public offering for a price of $7.24 per share.

The proceeds from these transactions were partially offset by $984 million used for scheduled long-term debt and capital lease payments during 2009, as well as $49 million used for payment of various costs associated with the financing activities above.

2008 Activity

UAL used $253 million for its special distribution to common stockholders (United issued a $257 million dividend to UAL for this distribution) and $919 million for scheduled long-term debt and capital lease payments. United used cash of $109 million in connection with an amendment to its Amended Credit Facility, as further discussed below. In 2008, United acquired ten aircraft that were being operated under existing leases. These aircraft were acquired pursuant to existing lease terms. Aircraft lease deposits of $155 million provided financing cash that was primarily utilized by United to make the final payments due under these lease obligations.

United completed a $241 million credit agreement secured by 26 of United’s currently owned and mortgaged Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. Borrowings under the agreement were at a variable interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin. The agreement requires periodic principal and interest payments through its final maturity in June 2019. United may not prepay the loan prior to July 2012.

United also entered into an $84 million loan agreement secured by three aircraft, including two Airbus A320 aircraft and one Boeing 777 aircraft.

UAL generated net proceeds of $107 million in 2008 related to the $200 million equity offering program described above in the 2009 financing activities.

See Cash Flows from Investing Activities, above, for a discussion of United’s 2008 sale-leaseback transactions.

For additional information regarding these matters and other liquidity events, see Notes 5, 14 and 15 to the financial statements in Item 8.

Credit Ratings. As of the filing date of this report, UAL, United and Continental had the following corporate credit ratings:

 

     S&P      Moody’s     

Fitch

UAL

     B         “B2”       B-(outlook positive)

United

     B         “B2”       B-(outlook positive)

Continental

     B         “B2”       B-(outlook positive)

These credit ratings are below investment grade levels. Downgrades from these rating levels, among other things, could restrict the availability and/or increase the cost of future financing for the Company.

Other Liquidity Matters

Below is a summary of additional liquidity matters. See the indicated notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 for additional details related to these and other matters affecting our liquidity and commitments.

 

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Long-term debt and related covenants

   Note 14

Operating leases

   Note 15

Investment in student loan-related auction rate securities

   Note 12

Fuel hedges

   Note 13

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

   Note 9

Regional capacity purchase agreements

   Note 15

Guarantees and indemnifications, credit card processing agreements, and environmental liabilities

   Note 17

Debt Covenants. Certain of the Company’s financing agreements impose certain operating and financial covenants, as applicable, on the Company, on United and its material subsidiaries, or on Continental and its subsidiaries. Among other covenants, the Amended Credit Facility requires UAL, United and certain of United’s material subsidiaries who are guarantors under the Amended Credit Facility to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of $1.0 billion at all times; a minimum ratio of collateral value to debt obligations (that may increase if a specified dollar value of the route collateral is released); and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 for twelve month periods measured at the end of each calendar quarter. Among other covenants, the indentures governing the Senior Notes require the issuer to maintain a minimum ratio of collateral value to debt obligations. If the value of the collateral underlying that issuer’s Senior Notes declines such that the issuer no longer maintains the minimum required ratio of collateral value to debt obligations, the issuer may be required to pay additional interest at the rate of 2% per annum, provide additional collateral to secure the noteholders’ lien or repay a portion of the Senior Notes. A breach of certain of the covenants or restrictions contained in the Amended Credit Facility or indentures governing the Senior Notes could result in a default and a subsequent acceleration of the applicable debt obligations. In addition, the indentures governing the United Senior Notes contain a cross-acceleration provision pursuant to which a default resulting in the acceleration of indebtedness under the Amended Credit Facility would result in a default under such indentures. A default under the indentures governing the United Senior Notes could allow holders of the United Senior Notes to accelerate the maturity of the obligations in these agreements.

Credit Card Processing Agreements. United and Continental have agreements with financial institutions that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. Under certain of United’s and Continental’s credit card processing agreements, the financial institutions either require, or under certain circumstances have the right to require, that United and Continental maintain a reserve equal to a portion of advance ticket sales that have been processed by that financial institution, but for which United and Continental have not yet provided the air transportation.

As of December 31, 2010, United and Continental provided a reserve of $25 million each, as required under their respective credit card processing agreements with JPMorgan Chase and affiliates of JPMorgan Chase. Additional reserves may be required under these or other credit card processing agreements of United or Continental in certain circumstances, such as decreases in credit ratings, decreases in United’s or Continental’s unrestricted cash balance below amounts required by the processing agreements, or decreases in minimum ratios of unrestricted cash to current liabilities. In addition, in certain circumstances, an increase in the future reserve requirements as provided by the terms of one or more of United’s and Continental’s material credit card processing agreements could materially reduce the Company’s liquidity. See Note 17 to the financial statements in Item 8 for a detailed discussion of the obligations under the Company’s credit card processing agreements.

Capital Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. The Company’s business is capital intensive, requiring significant amounts of capital to fund the acquisition of assets, particularly aircraft. In the past, the Company has funded the acquisition of aircraft through outright purchase, by issuing debt, by entering into capital or operating leases, or through vendor financings. The Company also often enters into long-term lease commitments with airports to ensure access to terminal, cargo, maintenance and other required facilities.

 

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The table below provides a summary of UAL’s material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010 (in millions):

 

    2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     After
2015
    Total  

Long-term debt (a)

  $ 2,411      $ 1,320      $ 1,835      $ 2,101      $ 1,953      $ 4,486      $ 14,106   

Capital lease obligations—principal portion

    252        124        119        116        117        562        1,290   
                                                       

Total debt and capital lease obligations

    2,663        1,444        1,954        2,217        2,070        5,048        15,396   

Interest on debt and capital lease
obligations (b)

    855        742        665        589        470        1,955        5,276   

Aircraft operating lease obligations

    1,711        1,635        1,576        1,503        1,218        3,234        10,877   

Capacity purchase agreements (c)

    1,707        1,622        1,557        1,403        1,286        4,080        11,655   

Other operating lease obligations

    1,100        1,077        891        816        705        5,988        10,577   

Postretirement obligations (d)

    162        163        166        171        176        974        1,812   

Pension obligations (e)

    126        175        157        156        156        2,556        3,326   

Capital purchase obligations (f)

    422        1,082        765        988        1,642        7,494        12,393   
                                                       

Total contractual obligations

  $ 8,746      $ 7,940      $ 7,731      $ 7,843      $ 7,723      $ 31,329      $ 71,312   
                                                       

 

(a) Long-term debt presented in UAL’s financial statements is net of a $261 million debt discount which is being amortized over the debt terms. Contractual payments are not net of the debt discount. Contractual long-term debt includes $101 million of non-cash obligations as these debt payments are made directly to the creditor by a company that leases three aircraft from United. The creditor’s only recourse to United is repossession of the aircraft.
(b) Includes interest portion of capital lease obligations of $116 million in 2011, $98 million in 2012, $92 million in 2013, $81 million in 2014, $64 million in 2015 and $288 million thereafter. Future interest payments on variable rate debt are estimated using estimated future variable rates based on a yield curve.
(c) Represents our estimates of future minimum noncancelable commitments under our capacity purchase agreements and does not include the portion of the underlying obligations for aircraft and facility rent that is disclosed as part of aircraft and nonaircraft operating leases. Amounts also exclude a portion of United’s capital lease obligation recorded for certain of its capacity agreements. See Note 15 to the financial statements in Item 8 for the significant assumptions used to estimate the payments.
(d) Amounts represent postretirement benefit payments, net of subsidy receipts, through 2020. Benefit payments approximate plan contributions as plans are substantially unfunded.
(e) Represents estimate of the minimum funding requirements as determined by government regulations. Amounts are subject to change based on numerous assumptions, including the performance of assets in the plan and bond rates. See Critical Accounting Policies, below, for a discussion of our assumptions regarding UAL’s pension plans.
(f) Represents contractual commitments for firm order aircraft and spare engines only, net of previously paid purchase deposits, and noncancelable commitments to purchase goods and services, primarily information technology support. See Note 17 to the financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of our purchase commitments.

Contingencies.

Contingent Senior Unsecured Notes. UAL would be obligated under an indenture to issue to the PBGC up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8% Notes if certain financial triggering events occur. The 8% Notes would be issued to the PBGC in up to eight equal tranches of $62.5 million (with each tranche issued no later than 45 days following the end of any applicable year). A triggering event occurs when UAL’s EBITDAR (as defined in the PBGC indenture) exceeds $3.5 billion over the prior twelve months ending June 30 or December 31 of any applicable fiscal year. The twelve-month measurement periods will end with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. In certain circumstances, UAL common stock may be issued in lieu of the issuance of the 8% Notes. A financial triggering event has not yet occurred under this indenture.

 

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Legal and Environmental. The Company has certain contingencies resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Management believes, after considering a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the information currently available, the views of legal counsel, the nature of contingencies to which the Company is subject and prior experience, that the ultimate disposition of the litigation and claims will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company records liabilities for legal and environmental claims when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. The amounts of these liabilities could increase or decrease in the near term, based on revisions to estimates relating to the various claims.

Many aspects of the Company’s operations are subject to increasingly stringent federal, state and local laws protecting the environment. Future environmental regulatory developments, such as climate change regulations in the U.S. and abroad, could adversely affect operations and increase operating costs in the airline industry. There are certain laws and regulations relating to climate change that apply to the Company, including the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (“ETS”) (which is subject to legal challenge), environmental taxes for certain international flights (including the United Kingdom’s Air Passenger Duty and Germany’s departure ticket tax), limited greenhouse gas reporting requirements, and the State of California’s cap and trade regulations (which impacts United’s San Francisco Maintenance Center and co-located cogeneration plant). In addition, there are land-based planning laws that could apply to airport expansion projects, requiring a review of greenhouse gas emissions, and could affect airlines in certain circumstances.

In 2009, the EU issued a directive to member states to include aviation in its greenhouse gas ETS, which required the Company to begin monitoring emissions of carbon dioxide effective January 1, 2010. Beginning in 2012, the ETS would require the Company to ensure it has obtained sufficient emission allowances equal to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from flights to and from EU member states with such allowances then surrendered on an annual basis to the government. In December 2009, the Air Transportation Association, joined by United, Continental and American Airlines, filed a lawsuit in the United Kingdom challenging regulations that transpose into UK law the EU ETS as applied to U.S. carriers. In addition, non-EU countries are considering filing a formal challenge before the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) with respect to the EU’s inclusion of non-EU carriers. If the scheme is found to be valid, it could significantly increase the cost of carriers operating in the EU (by requiring the purchase of carbon credits), although the precise cost to the Company is difficult to calculate with certainty due to a number of variables. Those potential costs will depend, among other things, on the baseline carbon emissions yet to be determined by the EU, the Company’s future carbon emissions from flights to and from the EU, and the price of carbon credits.

In addition to current regulatory programs, there is also the potential for additional climate change regulation. In 2010, the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) found that current and projected concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare. Although legal challenges have been initiated and legislative proposals are expected that may invalidate this endangerment finding (and/or the EPA’s assertion of authority under the Clean Air Act), the finding could result in EPA regulation of commercial aircraft emissions.

In addition, the ICAO recently signaled through an ICAO Assembly Resolution that it will be developing a regulatory scheme for aviation greenhouse gas emissions. There could be other regulatory actions taken in the future by the U.S. government, state governments within the U.S., foreign governments, or through a separate United Nations global climate change treaty to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases by the aviation industry, which could result in multiple schemes applying to the same emissions. The precise nature of any such requirements and their applicability to the Company are difficult to predict, but the financial impact to the Company and the aviation industry would likely be adverse and could be significant, including the potential for increased fuel costs, carbon taxes or fees, or a requirement to purchase carbon credits.

The Company believes that it will have no financial exposure for claims arising out of the events of September 11, 2001 in light of the provisions of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act of

 

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2001, the resolution of the majority of the wrongful death and personal injury cases by settlement and the withdrawal of all related proofs of claim from UAL Corporation’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and the limitation of claimants’ recoveries to insurance proceeds.

Other Contingencies. United is a party to a multiyear technology services agreement and has engaged in discussions with the counterparty to amend or restructure certain performance obligations. In the event that these discussions are not successful, the counterparty may assert claims for damages. The ultimate outcome of these discussions and the exact amount of the damages and costs, if any, to the Company cannot be predicted with certainty at this time.

For further details on these and other matters, see Note 17 in Item 8.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements. The Company’s primary off-balance sheet arrangements include operating leases, which are summarized in the contractual obligations table in Capital Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, above, and certain municipal bond obligations, as discussed below. In addition, United has $253 million of letters of credit issued under its Amended Credit Facility at December 31, 2010. Continental had letters of credit and performance bonds relating to various real estate, customs and aircraft financing obligations at December 31, 2010 in the amount of $73 million. The Continental letters of credit and performance bonds have expiration dates through December 2014.

Certain municipalities have issued municipal bonds on behalf of each of United and Continental to finance the construction of improvements at airport-related facilities. United and Continental also each lease facilities at airports where municipal bonds funded at least some of the construction of airport-related projects. As of December 31, 2010, United guaranteed interest and principal payments of $270 million in principal amount of Denver International Airport bonds (“Denver Bonds”) which are due in 2032, unless United elects not to extend its equipment and ground lease in which case the bonds are due in 2023. The outstanding bonds and related guarantee for Denver are not recorded in United’s financial statements because the related lease agreement is accounted for as an operating lease with the associated rent expense recorded on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term through 2032. The annual lease payments through 2023 and the final payment for the principal amount of the Denver Bonds are included in the operating lease payments in the contractual obligations table in Capital Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, above.

As of December 31, 2010, Continental is the guarantor of approximately $1.7 billion in aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt special facilities revenue bonds and interest thereon, excluding the US Airways contingent liability described below. These bonds, issued by various airport municipalities, are payable solely from Continental’s rentals paid under long-term agreements with the respective governing bodies. The leasing arrangements associated with approximately $1.5 billion of these obligations are accounted for as operating leases, and the leasing arrangements associated with approximately $190 million of these obligations are accounted for as capital leases.

Continental is contingently liable for US Airways’ obligations under a lease agreement between US Airways and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey related to the East End Terminal at LaGuardia. These obligations include the payment of ground rentals to the Port Authority and the payment of other rentals in respect of the full amounts owed on special facilities revenue bonds issued by the Port Authority having an outstanding par amount of $95 million at December 31, 2010 and a final scheduled maturity in 2015. If US Airways defaults on these obligations, Continental would be obligated to cure the default and would have the right to occupy the terminal after US Airways’ interest in the lease had been terminated.

 

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Increased Cost Provisions. In the Company’s financing transactions that include loans, the Company typically agrees to reimburse lenders for any reduced returns with respect to the loans due to any change in capital requirements and, in the case of loans in which the interest rate is based on LIBOR, for certain other increased costs that the lenders incur in carrying these loans as a result of any change in law, subject in most cases to certain mitigation obligations of the lenders. At December 31, 2010, UAL had $3.3 billion of floating rate debt (consisting of United’s $2.3 billion and Continental’s $1.0 billion of floating rate debt) and $483 million of fixed rate debt (consisting of United’s $233 million and Continental’s $250 million of fixed rate debt), with remaining terms of up to ten years, that are subject to these increased cost provisions. In several financing transactions involving loans or leases from non-U.S. entities, with remaining terms of up to ten years and an aggregate carrying value of $3.7 billion (consisting of United’s $2.6 billion and Continental’s $1.1 billion of carrying value), we bear the risk of any change in tax laws that would subject loan or lease payments thereunder to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes, subject to customary exclusions.

Fuel Consortia. The Company participates in numerous fuel consortia with other carriers at major airports to reduce the costs of fuel distribution and storage. Interline agreements govern the rights and responsibilities of the consortia members and provide for the allocation of the overall costs to operate the consortia based on usage. The consortia (and in limited cases, the participating carriers) have entered into long-term agreements to lease certain airport fuel storage and distribution facilities that are typically financed through tax-exempt bonds (either special facilities lease revenue bonds or general airport revenue bonds), issued by various local municipalities. In general, each consortium lease agreement requires the consortium to make lease payments in amounts sufficient to pay the maturing principal and interest payments on the bonds. As of December 31, 2010, approximately $1.2 billion principal amount of such bonds were secured by significant fuel facility leases in which UAL participates, as to which UAL and each of the signatory airlines have provided indirect guarantees of the debt. UAL’s contingent exposure is approximately $276 million principal amount of such bonds based on its recent consortia participation. As of December 31, 2010, United’s and Continental’s contingent exposure related to these bonds, based on its recent consortia participation, was approximately $212 million and $64 million, respectively. The Company’s exposure could increase if the participation of other carriers decreases. The guarantees will expire when the tax-exempt bonds are paid in full, which range from 2011 to 2040. The Company did not record a liability at the time these indirect guarantees were made.

United and Continental—Cash Flow Activities—2010 Compared to 2009

United

Operating Activities

United’s cash from operating activities increased by $819 million in 2010, as compared to 2009. This year-over-year increase was primarily due to increased cash from passenger and cargo services. Higher cash operating expenses, including fuel, distribution costs and interest expense, partially offset the benefit from increased revenues. Net cash required for fuel increased in the 2010 period due to higher aircraft fuel prices. Operating cash flows in the 2009 period included the receipt of $160 million related to the future relocation of UAL’s Chicago O’Hare cargo facility.

Investing Activities

United’s capital expenditures were $318 million and $317 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. United limited its spending in both 2010 and 2009 by focusing its capital resources only on its highest-value projects. In 2009, United received $175 million from three sale-leaseback agreements. These transactions were accounted for as capital leases, resulting in an increase to capital lease assets and capital lease obligations during 2009.

Financing Activities

United’s significant financing activities in 2010 and 2009 are described in Cash Flows from Financing Activities, above, in this Item 7.

 

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Continental

Operating Activities

Continental’s cash from operating activities increased by $1.0 billion in the combined 2010 period, as compared to 2009. This year-over-year increase was primarily due to increased cash from passenger and cargo services. Higher cash operating expenses, including fuel and distribution costs, partially offset the benefit from increased revenues.

Investing Activities

Continental’s capital expenditures were $300 million and $381 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, Continental acquired aircraft in both 2010 and 2009 with proceeds from financings that were delivered directly to the manufacturer. See Note 18 to the financial statements in Item 8 for information related to these non-cash financing and investing activities.

In the combined 2010 period, cash used for purchases of short-term investments was $273 million, as compared to cash provided from sales of short-term investments of $180 million in 2009. This year-over-year variance was primarily due to investment of higher cash balances.

Financing Activities

Significant financing activities in 2010 and 2009 included the following:

 

   

In December 2010, Continental issued approximately $427 million of Class A and Class B pass-through certificates through two pass-through trusts. See the discussion above in Cash Flows from Financing Activities in this Item 7 for further information related to this financing.

 

   

In August 2010, Continental issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. In conjunction with the issuance of these notes, Continental repaid its $350 million senior secured term loan credit facility that was due in June 2011. See Note 14 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information related to this financing.

 

   

In November 2009, Continental obtained financing for eight currently-owned Boeing aircraft and eleven new Boeing aircraft through an EETC financing, which included $528 million aggregate principal amount of Class A certificates that bear interest at 7.25% and $117 million aggregate principal amount of Class B certificates that bear interest at 9.25%. The obligation for this financing was recorded as debt in 2010 when the aircraft were delivered. The financing requires periodic principal and interest payments with final payments due in 2019 in the case of the Class A certificates and final payments due in 2017 in the case of the Class B certificates.

 

   

In December 2009, Continental issued $230 million in principal amount of 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015. See Note 14 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional details related to this financing.

 

   

In August 2009, Continental completed a public offering of 14 million shares of Class B common stock at a price to the public of $11.20 per share, raising net proceeds of $158 million for general corporate purposes.

 

   

In July 2009, Continental obtained financing for 12 currently owned Boeing aircraft and five new Boeing aircraft through a $390 million EETC financing, which bears interest at 9%. The proceeds of the financing were used for general corporate purposes and to acquire new aircraft.

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which potentially could result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ

 

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from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company has identified the following critical accounting policies that impact the preparation of the financial statements.

Passenger Revenue Recognition. The value of unused passenger tickets and miscellaneous charge orders (“MCOs”) is included in current liabilities as advance ticket sales. The Company records passenger ticket sales and tickets sold by other airlines for use on United and Continental as passenger revenues when the transportation is provided or upon estimated breakage. The Company records an estimate of breakage revenue for tickets that will expire in twelve months without usage at departure date. The Company records an estimate of tickets that have been used, but not recorded as revenue due to system processing errors, as revenue in the month of sale based on historical results. Due to complex industry pricing structures, refund and exchange policies and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized as revenue using estimates both as to the timing of recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are based on the evaluation of actual historical results.

Tickets sold by other airlines are recorded at the estimated values to be billed to the other airlines. Non-refundable tickets generally expire on the date of the intended flight, unless the date is extended by notification from the customer on or before the intended flight date. Fees charged in association with changes or extensions to non-refundable tickets are recorded as other revenue at the time the fee is collected. Change fees related to non-refundable tickets are considered a separate transaction from the air transportation because they represent a charge for the Company’s additional service to modify a previous sale. Therefore, the pricing of the change fee and the initial customer reservation are separately determined and represent distinct earnings processes. Refundable tickets expire after one year. MCOs can be exchanged for a passenger ticket. The Company estimates the amount of MCO breakage revenue based on historical experience.

See Note 3 to the financial statements in Item 8 for additional information related to accounting standards impacting revenue recognition that have been issued, but not yet adopted by the Company.

Frequent Flyer Awards. United and Continental have loyalty programs to increase customer loyalty. Program participants earn mileage credits (“miles”) by flying on United, Continental and certain other participating airlines. Program participants can also earn miles through purchases from other non-airline partners that participate in the Company’s loyalty programs. We sell miles to these partners, which include retail merchants, credit card issuers, hotels and car rental companies, among others. Miles can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded air travel and non-travel awards. The Company records its obligation for future award redemptions using a deferred revenue model.

In the case of the sale of air services, the Company recognizes a portion of the ticket sales as revenue when the air transportation occurs and defers a portion of the ticket sale that represents the fair value of the miles, as described further below. In the case of miles sold to third parties there are two revenue elements: marketing and air transportation, as described below.

Marketing-related element. In addition to selling miles for future redemption, the Company may also provide marketing services with the sale of miles, which, depending on the particular customer, may include advertising and branding services, access to the program member list and other services. The amount of revenue from the marketing-related element is determined by subtracting the estimated fair value of the miles earned or future transportation element from the total proceeds. The residual portion of the sales proceeds related to marketing activities is recorded as other operating revenue when earned.

Air transportation element. The Company defers the portion of the sales proceeds that represents the estimated fair value of the air transportation and recognizes that amount as revenue when transportation is provided. The fair value of the air transportation component is determined based upon the equivalent ticket value of similar Company fares and amounts paid to other airlines for air transportation. The initial revenue deferral is recorded as frequent flyer deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets. The revenue related to the air transportation component is recorded as passenger revenue.

 

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The value of miles is estimated assuming redemptions on the Company and other participating carriers in the loyalty programs and by estimating the relative proportions of awards to be redeemed by class of service within broad geographic regions of the Company’s operations. This estimate also includes the cost of redemption on other airlines and the cost of certain other awards. The estimation of the fair value of each award mile requires the use of several significant assumptions, for which significant management judgment is required. For example, management must estimate how many miles are projected to be redeemed on its airline, versus on other airlines. Since the equivalent ticket value of miles redeemed on the Company and on other carriers can vary greatly, this assumption can materially affect the calculation of the weighted-average ticket value from period to period. Management uses historical customer redemption patterns as the best single indicator of future redemption behavior in making its estimates, but changes in customer redemption behavior to patterns which are not consistent with historical behavior may result in material changes to deferred revenue balances and to recognized revenue.

The Company measures its deferred revenue obligation using all awarded and outstanding miles, regardless of whether the customer has accumulated enough miles to redeem an award. Some of these sold and awarded miles will never be redeemed by program members, which we refer to as “breakage.” UAL reviews its breakage estimates annually based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns. Prior to January 1, 2010, UAL and United recognized revenue related to expected expired miles over the estimated redemption period. The Company’s estimate of the expected expiration of miles requires significant management judgment. Current and future changes to expiration assumptions or to the expiration policy, or to program rules and program redemption opportunities, may result in material changes to the deferred revenue balance as well as recognized revenues from the programs. For example, various program rule differences exist between the United and Continental programs. One such difference is for the expiration of miles, as under United’s program miles expire after eighteen months of inactivity, whereas miles do not expire under Continental’s program. Although Continental’s program does not cancel accounts for inactivity, Continental records breakage revenue by estimating that a portion of the miles will never be redeemed based on statistical analysis of several years of sales and redemptions of miles.

During the first quarter of 2010, United obtained additional historical data, previously unavailable, which enabled it to refine its estimate of the amount of breakage in its population of miles. This new data enables United to identify historical differences between certain of its breakage estimates and the amounts that have actually been experienced more accurately. As a result, United increased its estimate of the number of miles expected to expire. In conjunction with this change in estimate, United also adopted a change to the accounting methodology used to recognize breakage. Both the change in estimate and methodology have been applied prospectively effective January 1, 2010. The new accounting method recognizes breakage as a component of the weighted average redemption rate on actual redemptions as compared to United’s prior method which recognized a pool of breakage dollars over an estimated redemption period. United believes that this is a preferable change to the accounting methodology for breakage because breakage will be recognized as a component of the rate at which actual miles are redeemed.

UAL and United estimate these changes increased passenger revenue by approximately $250 million, or $1.21 per UAL basic share ($0.99 per UAL diluted share), in the year ended December 31, 2010.

The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s frequent flyer deferred revenue:

 

     UAL     United     Continental  

Frequent flyer deferred revenue at December 31, 2010 (in millions)

   $ 6,073      $ 4,024      $ 2,049   

% of miles earned expected to expire or go unredeemed

     24     24     25

Impact of 1% change in outstanding miles or weighted average ticket value on deferred revenue (in millions)

   $ 63      $ 44      $ 19   

 

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Asset Impairments. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, UAL performed interim and annual impairment tests of its intangible assets, including goodwill and certain of its long-lived assets, principally aircraft and related spare engines and spare parts. UAL tested its indefinite lived intangible assets, including goodwill, on an annual basis. In addition, UAL performed additional tests due to events and changes in circumstances that indicated an impairment might have occurred. Certain factors deemed by management to have constituted a potential impairment triggering event were a significant decline in actual and forecasted revenues, the planned removal from UAL’s fleet of 100 aircraft, and a significant decrease in the fair value of UAL’s outstanding equity and debt securities, including a decline in UAL’s market capitalization to significantly below book value, among others.

UAL recorded impairment charges of $165 million, $243 million and $2.6 billion during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The impairment charge in 2008 included a $2.3 billion goodwill impairment.

Discussed below is the methodology used for each type of asset impairment:

Aircraft Asset Impairments

All of UAL’s aircraft impairments during 2010, 2009 and 2008 were due to aircraft that were grounded or planned to be grounded or aircraft that were not operated by UAL. The aircraft impairments primarily related to United’s Boeing 737 fleet, which it completely removed from service, and five of its Boeing 747 aircraft, which it removed from service as part of United’s capacity reduction plans, which were initiated in 2008. Fair value was estimated using the market approach. Asset appraisals, published aircraft pricing guides and recent transactions for similar aircraft were considered by United in its market value determination. Several impairments of the Boeing 737 and 747 aircraft occurred from 2008 to 2010 due to the weak economy and reduced demand for these particular aircraft, among other factors.

In addition to the Boeing 737 and 747 aircraft, in 2009, UAL tested five of its owned regional jets, which were leased to a third party, for impairment due to a weak market for these aircraft and a remaining lease term of approximately one year. As a result of this testing, UAL recorded impairment charges of $19 million to record the regional aircraft at estimated fair value as of December 31, 2009.

Due to the unfavorable economic and industry factors described above, UAL also determined in 2008 that it was required to perform an impairment test of its $105 million of pre-delivery aircraft deposits and related capitalized interest. UAL determined that these aircraft deposits were completely impaired and wrote off their full carrying value as UAL believed that it was highly unlikely that it would take these future aircraft deliveries and, therefore, United would be required to forfeit the deposits, which were not transferable based on existing contract terms.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

UAL performs an annual impairment test of its indefinite-lived intangible assets on October 1 of each year and performs interim impairment tests of these assets throughout the year if events and changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment might have occurred.

In 2010, UAL recorded a $29 million impairment of its Brazil routes primarily due to the recent open skies agreement between the U.S. and Brazil which, once enacted, may result in a decrease in revenue from these routes. The valuation of the Brazil routes is based on an income methodology using estimated future cash flows from operation of the routes.

 

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In 2009, using an income methodology which was based on estimated future cash flows, United recorded impairment charges of $150 million to decrease the carrying value of its tradename. The most significant impact on the estimated fair value was a significant decrease in actual and forecasted revenues due to the poor global economic conditions.

In 2008, UAL recorded a $64 million impairment charge to indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily codeshare agreements).

In 2008, UAL estimated the fair value of the mainline reporting unit (to which all goodwill is allocated) utilizing several fair value measurement techniques, including two market estimates and one income estimate, and using relevant data available. The market approach is a valuation technique in which fair value is estimated based on observed prices in actual transactions and on asking prices for similar assets. The valuation process is essentially that of comparison and correlation between the subject asset and other similar assets. The income approach is a technique in which fair value is estimated based on the cash flows that an asset could be expected to generate over its useful life, including residual value cash flows. These cash flows are discounted to their present value equivalents using a rate of return that accounts for the relative risk of not realizing the estimated annual cash flows and for the time value of money.

Under the market approaches, the fair value of the mainline reporting unit was estimated based upon the fair value of invested capital for UAL, as well as a separate comparison to revenue and EBITDAR multiples for similar publicly traded companies in the airline industry. The fair value estimates using both market approaches included a control premium similar to those observed for historical airline and transportation company market transactions.

Under the income approach, the fair value of the mainline reporting unit was estimated based upon the present value of estimated future cash flows for UAL. The income approach is dependent on a number of critical management assumptions including estimates of future capacity, passenger yield, traffic, operating costs (including fuel prices), appropriate discount rates and other relevant assumptions. The Company estimated its future fuel-related cash flows for the income approach based on the five-year forward curve for crude oil as of May 31, 2008. The impacts of the Company’s aircraft and other tangible and intangible asset impairments were considered in the fair value estimation of the mainline reporting unit.

Taking into consideration an equal weighting of the two market estimates and the income estimate, which has been UAL’s practice when performing annual goodwill impairment tests, the indicated fair value of the mainline reporting unit was less than its carrying value, and therefore, UAL was required to perform additional goodwill impairment testing. For this testing, UAL determined the implied fair value of goodwill of the mainline reporting unit by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all the assets and liabilities of the mainline reporting unit, including any recognized and unrecognized intangible assets, as if the mainline reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the mainline reporting unit was the acquisition price. As a result of this testing, UAL determined that goodwill was completely impaired and therefore recorded an impairment charge to write-off the full value of goodwill.

Accounting for Long-Lived Assets. The net book value of operating property and equipment for UAL was $16.9 billion and $9.8 billion at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The assets’ recorded value is impacted by a number of accounting policy elections, including the estimation of useful lives and residual values and, when necessary, the recognition of asset impairment charges.

The Company records assets acquired, including aircraft, at acquisition cost. Depreciable life is determined through economic analysis, such as reviewing existing fleet plans, obtaining appraisals and comparing estimated lives to other airlines that operate similar fleets. Older generation aircraft are assigned lives that are generally consistent with the experience of United and Continental and the practice of other airlines. As aircraft technology has improved, useful life has increased and the Company has generally estimated the lives of those aircraft to be

 

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30 years. Residual values are estimated based on historical experience with regard to the sale of both aircraft and spare parts and are established in conjunction with the estimated useful lives of the related fleets. Residual values are based on current dollars when the aircraft are acquired and typically reflect asset values that have not reached the end of their physical life. Both depreciable lives and residual values are revised periodically to recognize changes in the Company’s fleet plan and other relevant information. A one year increase in the average depreciable life of UAL’s flight equipment would reduce annual depreciation expense on flight equipment by approximately $36 million.

Benefit Accounting. United’s obligations with respect to defined benefit pension plans were substantially eliminated in 2006 as most of the United defined benefit plans were assumed by the PBGC as part of UAL Corporation’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. UAL’s pension obligations increased significantly in 2010 due to UAL’s assumption of Continental obligations in the Merger. Under applicable accounting guidance, pension expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ approximate service periods. UAL only began recognizing the impact of Continental’s plans in its financial statements beginning on October 1, 2010.

UAL’s plans’ under-funded status was $1.5 billion at December 31, 2010, of which $1.4 billion is attributed to Continental’s plans. Funding requirements for tax-qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by government regulations. We estimate that our minimum funding requirements for the Continental plans during calendar year 2011 is approximately $126 million. The fair value of the plans’ assets was $1.9 billion at December 31, 2010, of which $1.7 billion is attributed to assets of Continental’s plans.

The following discussion relates only to the Continental plans, as the United plans are not significant to UAL’s total obligations.

When calculating pension expense for 2011, Continental assumed that its plans’ assets would generate a long-term rate of return of 7.75%. The expected long-term rate of return assumption was developed based on historical experience and input from the trustee managing the plans’ assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on a target allocation of assets, which is based on a goal of earning the highest rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels. Our projected long-term rate of return is slightly higher than some market indices due to the active management of our plans’ assets, and is supported by the historical returns on our plans’ assets. The plans strive to have assets sufficiently diversified so that adverse or unexpected results from one security class will not have an unduly detrimental impact on the entire portfolio. We regularly review actual asset allocation and the pension plans’ investments are periodically rebalanced to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate.

The defined benefit pension plans’ assets consist primarily of equity and fixed-income securities held through common collective trusts. Equity securities include investments in large-cap and small-cap companies. Fixed-income securities include corporate bonds of companies in diversified industries and asset and mortgage-backed securities. Investments in equity securities and fixed-income securities are commingled funds valued at the unit of participation value of shares held by the plans’ trusts. The private equity funds invest primarily in common stock of companies in diversified industries and in buyout, venture capital and special situation funds. Investments in private equity funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plans’ trusts at year end. The allocation of assets was as follows at December 31, 2010:

 

     Percent of Total     Expected Long-Term
Rate of Return
 

Equity security funds:

    

U.S. companies

     50     8

International companies

     21        8   

Fixed-income securities

     20        5   

Private equity funds

     9        10   

 

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Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on plan assets decreases. When calculating pension expense for 2011, we will assume that our plans’ assets will generate a weighted-average long-term rate of return of 7.75%. Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by an additional 50 basis points (from 7.75% to 7.25%) would increase UAL’s estimated 2011 pension expense by approximately $8 million.

Future pension obligations for the Continental plans were discounted using a weighted average rate of 5.52% at December 31, 2010. UAL determines the appropriate discount rate for each of its plans based on current rates on high quality corporate bonds that would generate the cash flow necessary to pay plan benefits when due. This approach can result in different discount rates for different plans, depending on each plan’s projected benefit payments. The pension liability and future pension expense both increase as the discount rate is reduced. Lowering the discount rate by 50 basis points (from 5.52% to 5.02%) would increase the pension liability at December 31, 2010 by approximately $290 million and increase the estimated 2011 pension expense by approximately $36 million.

Future changes in plan asset returns, plan provisions, assumed discount rates, pension funding law and various other factors related to the participants in our pension plans will impact our future pension expense and liabilities. We cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Other Postretirement Benefit Accounting. United’s postretirement plan provides certain health care benefits, primarily in the U.S., to retirees and eligible dependents, as well as certain life insurance benefits to certain retirees reflected as “Other Benefits.” Continental’s retiree medical programs permit retirees who meet certain age and service requirements to continue medical coverage between retirement and Medicare eligibility. Eligible employees are required to pay a portion of the costs of their retiree medical benefits, which in some cases may be offset by accumulated unused sick time at the time of their retirement. Plan benefits are subject to co-payments, deductibles and other limits as described in the plans.

The Company accounts for other postretirement benefits by recognizing the difference between plan assets and obligations, or the plan’s funded status, in its financial statements. Under GAAP, other postretirement benefit expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ approximate service periods and is generally calculated independently of funding decisions or requirements. The Company has not been required to pre-fund its current and future plan obligations, which has resulted in a significant net obligation, as discussed below.

UAL’s benefit obligation was $2.5 billion and $2.1 billion for the other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The year-over-year increase is due to Continental plan obligations assumed by UAL in the Merger, as well as changes in the assumptions used to value the obligation for United’s plan, such as the decrease in the discount rate.

The calculation of other postretirement benefit expense and obligations requires the use of a number of assumptions, including the assumed discount rate for measuring future payment obligations and the health care cost trend rate. UAL determines the appropriate discount rate for each of its plans based on current rates on high quality corporate bonds that would generate the cash flow necessary to pay plan benefits when due. UAL’s weighted average discount rate to determine its benefit obligations as of December 31, 2010 was 5.13%, as compared to 5.69% for December 31, 2009. The health care cost trend rate assumed by United and Continental for 2010 was 8.5% and 7.5%, respectively, as compared to assumed trend rates for 2011 of 8.0% and 7.5%, respectively. A 1.0% increase/(decrease) in assumed health care trend rates would increase/(decrease) UAL’s total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2010 by $20 million/($16 million), respectively. Detailed information regarding the Company’s other postretirement plans, including key assumptions, is included in Note 9 to the financial statements in Item 8 of this report.

Actuarial gains or losses are triggered by changes in assumptions or experience that differ from the original assumptions. Under the applicable accounting standards, those gains and losses are not required to be recognized currently as other postretirement expense, but instead may be deferred as part of accumulated other comprehensive

 

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income and amortized into expense over the average remaining service life of the covered active employees. The Company’s accounting policy is to not apply the corridor approach available under applicable GAAP with respect to amortization of amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Under the corridor approach, amortization of any gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income is required only if, at the beginning of the year, the accumulated gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the fair value of assets. If amortization is required, the minimum amount outside the corridor divided by the average remaining service period of active employees is recognized as expense. The corridor approach is intended to reduce volatility of amounts recorded in pension expense each year. Since the Company has elected not to apply the corridor approach, all gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income are amortized to expense over the remaining years of service of the covered active employees. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, UAL had unrecognized actuarial gains of $24 million and $155 million, respectively, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income for its other postretirement benefit plans.

Business Combination Measurements. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, UAL estimated the fair value of Continental’s assets and liabilities as of the closing date of the Merger, October 1, 2010. These fair value measurements did not result in gains or losses, but were instead an input to the calculation of goodwill related to the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Continental in the Merger. Additional changes in the fair values of these assets and liabilities from the current estimated values, as well as changes in other assumptions, could significantly impact the reported value of goodwill.

The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using the market, income and cost approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market other than for derivative financial instruments and certain long-term debt assumed in the Merger. The market approach, which indicates value for a subject asset based on available market pricing for comparable assets, was utilized to estimate the fair value of Continental’s aircraft and operating leases. The market approach used by the Company included prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable assets, as well as pricing guides and other sources. We considered the current market for the aircraft, the maintenance condition of the aircraft and the expected proceeds from the sale of the assets, among other factors. We also utilized the market approach to value certain intangible assets such as airport take-off and landing slots when sufficient market information was available. The income approach was primarily used to value intangible assets, including the frequent flyer database, international route authorities, alliances, the Continental logo and tradename, and certain airport take-off and landing slots. The income approach indicates value for a subject asset based on the present value of cash flows projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flows are discounted at a required market rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flows and the time value of money. The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used, as appropriate, for certain assets for which the market and income approaches could not be applied due to the nature of the asset. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the asset, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation.

The fair value of Continental’s pension and postretirement plans was determined by measuring the plans funded status as of the Merger closing date. Any excess projected benefit obligation over the fair value of plan assets was recognized as a liability. One of the significant assumptions in determining the projected benefit obligation is the discount rate. We determined the appropriate discount rate for each of the plans based on current rates on high quality corporate bonds that would generate the cash flow necessary to pay plan benefits when due, which resulted in a discount rate of 5.2% for pension plans and 4.6% for postretirement plans. Other significant assumptions include the healthcare cost trend rate, retirement age, and mortality assumptions. These assumptions are discussed further in Note 9 to the financial statements in Item 8.

 

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The fair value of Continental’s OnePass frequent flyer program liability was determined based on the weighted average equivalent ticket value of outstanding miles at October 1, 2010 that were expected to be redeemed. The weighted-average equivalent ticket value reflects differing classes of service, domestic and international itineraries and the carrier providing the award travel. See the Frequent Flyer Awards critical accounting policy above for additional information.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements throughout Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and elsewhere in this report are forward-looking and thus reflect the Company’s current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to United’s and Continental’s operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “will,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “indicates,” “believes,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements which do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The Company’s actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: its ability to comply with the terms of its various financing arrangements; the costs and availability of financing; its ability to maintain adequate liquidity; its ability to execute its operational plans; its ability to control its costs, including realizing benefits from its resource optimization efforts, cost reduction initiatives and fleet replacement programs; its ability to utilize its net operating losses; its ability to attract and retain customers; demand for transportation in the markets in which it operates; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; demand for travel and the impact that global economic conditions have on customer travel patterns; excessive taxation and the inability to offset future taxable income; general economic conditions (including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, investment or credit market conditions, crude oil prices, costs of aircraft fuel and energy refining capacity in relevant markets); its ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel; any potential realized or unrealized gains or losses related to fuel or currency hedging programs; the effects of any hostilities, act of war or terrorist attack; the ability of other air carriers with whom the Company has alliances or partnerships to provide the services contemplated by the respective arrangements with such carriers; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; the costs associated with security measures and practices; industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; competitive pressures on pricing and on demand; its capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of its competitors; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including open skies agreements); labor costs; its ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and the results of the collective bargaining agreement process with its union groups; any disruptions to operations due to any potential actions by its labor groups; weather conditions; the possibility that expected merger synergies will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports the Company files with the SEC. Consequently, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as representations or warranties by the Company that such matters will be realized.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rates. Our net income (loss) is affected by fluctuations in interest rates (e.g. interest expense on variable-rate debt and interest income earned on short-term investments). The Company’s policy is to manage interest rate risk through a combination of fixed and variable rate debt and by entering into swap agreements, depending upon market conditions. The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s interest rate market risk at December 31, 2010 (in millions):

 

     UAL (a)      United (a)      Continental  

Variable rate debt

        

Carrying value of variable-rate debt at December 31, 2010 (b)

   $ 3,758       $ 2,400       $ 1,358   

Impact of 100 basis point increase on projected 2011 interest expense (c)

     37         24         13   

Fixed rate debt

        

Carrying value of fixed rate debt at December 31, 2010 (d)

     10,087         4,626         5,043   

Fair value of fixed rate debt at December 31, 2010 (e)

     11,292         5,026         5,284   

Impact of 100 basis point increase in market rates on fair value (f)

     369         159         206   

 

(a) UAL and United presented interest rate market risk disclosures in a tabular format in 2009. Management believes that the sensitivity analysis presentation provides a better disclosure by quantifying the potential impact of an assumed interest rate change. Due to this change, UAL and United are also disclosing sensitivity analysis for their debt outstanding at December 31, 2009.
(b) As of December 31, 2009, UAL, United and Continental had outstanding variable rate debt of $2.6 billion, $2.6 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively.
(c) Based on UAL’s and United’s variable rate debt at December 31, 2009, the impact of an assumed 100 basis point change for UAL and United on 2010 interest expense would have been $26 million.
(d) As of December 31, 2009, UAL, United and Continental had outstanding fixed rate debt with a carrying value of $4.7 billion, $4.3 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively.
(e) As of December 31, 2009, UAL, United and Continental had fixed rate debt with a fair value of $4.1 billion, $3.5 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively.
(f) If market interest rates increased 100 basis points at December 31, 2009, the fair value of UAL and United fixed-rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2009, would have decreased by approximately $83 million and $80 million, respectively.

A change in market interest rates would also impact interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Assuming our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments remain at their average 2010 levels, a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in UAL, United and Continental interest income of approximately $77 million, $43 million and $34 million, respectively, during 2011.

Commodity Price Risk (Aircraft Fuel). Our results of operations and liquidity are significantly impacted by changes in the price of aircraft fuel.

To protect against increases in the prices of aircraft fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements, provided the hedges are expected to be cost effective. The Company uses fixed price swaps, purchased call options, collars or other such commonly used financial hedge instruments. These hedge instruments are based directly on aircraft fuel or closely related commodities like heating oil and crude oil. The Company strives to maintain fuel hedging levels and exposure consistent with industry standards so that the Company’s fuel cost is not disproportionate to the fuel costs of its major competitors.

Some hedge instruments may result in losses if the underlying commodity prices drop below specified floors or swap prices. However, the negative impact of these losses may be outweighed by the benefit of lower aircraft fuel cost since the Company typically hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements, and uses swaps or sold puts (as a part of a collar) on only a portion of the fuel requirement that it does hedge. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for non-risk management purposes.

 

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The Company may adjust its hedging program based on changes in market conditions. The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s cost of aircraft fuel and hedging (in millions, except percentages):

 

     UAL     United     Continental  

Fuel Costs

      

In 2010, fuel cost as a percent of total operating expenses (a)

     31     31     29 

Impact of $1 increase in price per barrel of fuel on annual fuel expense (b)

   $ (99   $ (57   $ (42

Fuel Hedges

      

Asset fair value at December 31, 2010 (c)

   $ 375      $ 277      $ 98   

Impact of 10% decrease in forward prices of fuel, crude oil and heating oil on the value of fuel hedges (d)

   $ (274   $ (197   $ (77

 

(a) Includes related taxes and excludes hedging impacts and special charges. In 2009, UAL’s, United’s and Continental’s fuel cost was 26% of total operating expense.
(b) Based on 2011 projected fuel consumption.
(c) As of December 31, 2009, the net fair value of UAL’s, United’s and Continental’s fuel hedges was $133 million, $133 million and $14 million, respectively.
(d) Based on fuel hedge positions at December 31, 2010, as summarized in the table below.

As of December 31, 2010, our projected fuel requirements for 2011 were hedged as follows:

 

      Maximum Price      Minimum Price  
      % of
Expected
Consumption
    Weighted
Average
Price
(per gallon)
     % of
Expected
Consumption
    Weighted
Average Price
(per gallon)
 

UAL (a)

         

Heating oil swaps

     9   $ 2.22         9   $ 2.22   

Heating oil call options

     9        2.23         N/A        N/A   

West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude oil swaps

     9        2.02         9        2.02   

WTI crude oil call options

     6        2.24         N/A        N/A   

WTI crude oil collars

     2        2.29         2        1.57   
                     

Total

     35        20  
                     

United

         

Heating oil swaps

     15   $ 2.22         15   $ 2.22   

Heating oil call options

     15        2.23         N/A        N/A   

WTI crude oil swaps

     5        2.12         5        2.12   

WTI crude oil call options

     2        2.27         N/A        N/A   
                     

Total

     37        20  
                     

Continental

         

WTI crude oil swaps

     14   $ 1.97         14   $ 1.97   

WTI crude oil call options

     10        2.24         N/A        N/A   

WTI crude oil collars

     4        2.29         4        1.57   
                     

Total

     28        18  
                     

 

(a) Represents a hedge of approximately 60% of UAL’s expected first quarter consumption with decreasing hedge coverage later throughout 2011.

 

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Foreign Currency. The Company generates revenues and incurs expenses in numerous foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact the Company’s results of operations through changes in the dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses. Some of the Company’s more significant foreign currency exposures include the Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Japanese yen, British pound and the European euro. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for non-risk management purposes.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, United did not have any foreign currency hedges. At December 31, 2010, Continental had forward contracts outstanding to hedge 24% of its projected Japanese yen-denominated cash inflows, primarily from passenger ticket sales, through 2011. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of those hedges was $7 million and is included in other current liabilities in Continental’s consolidated balance sheets. Continental estimates that a uniform strengthening of 10% in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen at December 31, 2010 would increase the fair value of its yen hedges by $10 million and increase its underlying exposure by $40 million, resulting in a net loss of $30 million.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, and the related statements of consolidated operations, common stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) for the year ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting for frequent flyer award breakage in 2010.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 22, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009, and the related statements of consolidated operations, consolidated stockholders’ equity (deficit), and consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule for 2009 and 2008 listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule for 2009 and 2008, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 (Reclassifications) to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying 2009 and 2008 financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the reclassifications.

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the disclosures in the accompanying 2009 and 2008 financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for a change in the composition of reportable segments.

 

/s/    Deloitte & Touche LLP        

Chicago, Illinois

February 25, 2010, except for Note 1 (Reclassifications) and Note 10, as to which the date is February 22, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholder of

United Air Lines, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Air Lines, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, and the related statements of consolidated operations, common stockholder’s equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) for the year ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting for frequent flyer award breakage in 2010.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 22, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of

United Air Lines, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of United Air Lines, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009, and the related statements of consolidated operations, consolidated stockholder’s equity (deficit), and consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule for 2009 and 2008 listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examing on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Air Lines, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule for 2009 and 2008, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 (Reclassifications) to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying 2009 and 2008 financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the reclassifications.

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the disclosures in the accompanying 2009 and 2008 financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for a change in the composition of reportable segments.

 

/s/    Deloitte & Touche LLP        

Chicago, Illinois

February 25, 2010, except for Note 1 (Reclassifications) and Note 10, as to which the date is February 22, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholder of

Continental Airlines, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Continental Airlines, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 (Successor) and December 31, 2009 (Predecessor), and the related statements of consolidated operations, cash flows and stockholder’s equity for the period from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 (Successor), the period from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010 (Predecessor), and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2009 (Predecessor). Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2010 (Successor) and December 31, 2009 (Predecessor), and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 (Successor), the period from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010 (Predecessor), and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2009 (Predecessor), in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas

February 22, 2011

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Operating revenues:

      

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 16,069      $ 11,313      $ 14,822   

Passenger—Regional

     4,229        2,884        2,981   

Cargo

     832        536        854   

Other operating revenue

     2,099        1,602        1,537   
                        
     23,229        16,335        20,194   
                        

Operating expenses:

      

Aircraft fuel

     6,687        4,204        8,979   

Salaries and related costs

     5,002        3,919        4,452   

Regional capacity purchase

     1,812        1,523        1,391   

Landing fees and other rent

     1,307        1,011        954   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     1,115        965        1,096   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,079        917        946   

Distribution expenses

     912        670        846   

Aircraft rent

     500        346        409   

Merger-related costs and special charges

     733        374        339   

Goodwill impairment charge (credit)

     (64     —          2,277   

Other operating expenses

     3,170        2,567        2,943   
                        
     22,253        16,496        24,632   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     976        (161     (4,438
                        

Nonoperating income (expense):

      

Interest expense

     (798     (577     (571

Interest income

     15        19        112   

Interest capitalized

     15        10        20   

Miscellaneous, net

     42        37        (550
                        
     (726     (511     (989

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates

     250        (672     (5,427

Income tax benefit

     —          (17     (25
                        

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of affiliates

     250        (655     (5,402

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax

     3        4        6   
                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 253      $ (651   $ (5,396
                        

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

   $ 1.22      $ (4.32   $ (42.59
                        

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

   $ 1.08      $ (4.32   $ (42.59
                        

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an  integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
     2010     2009  

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,069      $ 3,042   

Short-term investments

     611        —     
                

Total unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     8,680        3,042   

Restricted cash

     37        128   

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2010—$6; 2009—$14)

     1,613        743   

Aircraft lease deposits maturing within one year

     —          293   

Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance (2010—$64; 2009—$61)

     466        472   

Deferred income taxes

     591        63   

Prepaid expenses and other

     658        364   
                
     12,045        5,105   
                

Operating property and equipment:

    

Owned—

    

Flight equipment

     15,181        8,303   

Other property and equipment

     2,890        1,745   
                
     18,071        10,048   

Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (2,858     (2,010
                
     15,213        8,038   
                

Purchase deposits for flight equipment

     230        —     

Capital leases—

    

Flight equipment

     1,741        2,096   

Other property and equipment

     217        51   
                
     1,958        2,147   

Less—Accumulated amortization

     (456     (345
                
     1,502        1,802   
                
     16,945        9,840   
                

Other assets:

    

Goodwill

     4,523        —     

Intangibles, less accumulated amortization (2010—$504; 2009—$408)

     4,917        2,455   

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments

     350        213   

Investments

     103        88   

Other, net

     715        983   
                
     10,608        3,739   
                
   $ 39,598      $ 18,684   
                

(continued on next page)

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
      2010     2009  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

    

Current liabilities:

    

Advance ticket sales

   $ 2,998      $ 1,492   

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,582        1,515   

Accounts payable

     1,805        803   

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     1,470        701   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     2,411        545   

Current maturities of capital leases

     252        426   

Other

     1,127        991   
                
     12,645        6,473   
                

Long-term debt

     11,434        6,378   

Long-term obligations under capital leases

     1,036        1,194   

Other liabilities and deferred credits:

    

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     3,491        2,720   

Postretirement benefit liability

     2,344        1,928   

Pension liability

     1,473        93   

Advanced purchase of miles

     1,159        1,157   

Deferred income taxes

     1,585        551   

Other

     2,704        1,001   
                
     12,756        7,450   
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

    

Preferred stock

     —          —     

Common stock at par, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares; outstanding 327,922,565 and 167,610,620 shares at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively

     3        2   

Additional capital invested

     7,071        3,136   

Retained deficit

     (5,703     (5,956

Stock held in treasury, at cost

     (31     (28

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     387        35   
                
     1,727        (2,811
                
   $ 39,598      $ 18,684   
                

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an  integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

     

Net income (loss)

  $ 253      $ (651   $ (5,396

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities -

     

Depreciation and amortization

    1,079        917        946   

Goodwill impairment (credit)

    (64     —          2,277   

Merger-related and special charges, non-cash portion

    230        374        339   

Proceeds from lease amendment

    —          160        —     

Debt and lease discount amortization

    36        97        97   

Deferred income taxes

    6        (16     (26

Share-based compensation

    14        21        31   

Other operating activities

    62        74        1   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of Merger -

     

Unrealized (gain)/loss on fuel derivatives and change in related pending settlements

    10        (1,007     858   

(Increase) decrease in fuel hedge collateral

    10        955        (965

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities

    264        (217     (155

(Increase) decrease in receivables

    (2     105        195   

Decrease in advance ticket sales

    (205     (38     (388

Increase (decrease) in frequent flyer deferred revenue and advanced purchase of miles

    (67     123        738   

(Increase) decrease in other assets

    26        (25     257   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

    255        94        (48
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    1,907        966        (1,239
                       

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

     

Increase in cash from acquisition of Continental

    3,698        —          —     

Capital expenditures

    (371     (317     (475

Proceeds from asset sale-leasebacks

    —          175        274   

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    48        77        94   

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

    68        (19     484   

Aircraft purchase deposits paid

    (45     —          —     

Proceeds on litigation of advanced deposits

    —          —          41   

(Increase) decrease in short-term and other investments

    (84     —          2,295   

Other, net

    6        4        8   
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    3,320        (80     2,721   
                       

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

     

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    2,086        907        337   

Payments of long-term debt

    (2,023     (794     (684

Proceeds from sale of common stock

    —          222        107   

Principal payments under capital leases

    (484     (190     (235

Decrease in aircraft lease deposits

    236        23        155   

Increase in deferred financing costs

    (33     (49     (120

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    21        —          —     

Purchases of treasury stock

    (3     (2     (11

Special distribution to common stockholders

    —          —          (253

Other, net

    —          —          2   
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (200     117        (702
                       

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    5,027        1,003        780   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    3,042        2,039        1,259   
                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 8,069      $ 3,042      $ 2,039   
                       

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an  integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In millions)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Capital

Invested
    Treasury
Stock
    Retained
Earnings

(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income (Loss)
    Total  
    Shares     Amount            

Balance at December 31, 2007

    117      $ 1      $ 2,392        (15   $ 91      $ 141      $ 2,610   

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (5,396     —          (5,396

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Net change in unrealized losses on financial instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          (37     (37

Net change related to employee benefit plans

    —          —          —          —          —          (11     (11
                   

Total comprehensive loss, net

                (5,444
                   

Preferred stock dividends

    —          —          —          —          (3     —          (3

Conversion of preferred stock

    11        —          374        —          —          —          374   

Issuance of common stock

    11        —          122        —          —          —          122   

Share-based compensation

    1        —          31        —          —          —          31   

Treasury stock acquisitions

    —          —          —          (11     —          —          (11
                                                       

Balance at December 31, 2008

    140        1        2,919        (26     (5,308     93        (2,321
                                                       

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (651     —          (651

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Net change in unrealized gains on financial instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          15        15   

Net change related to employee benefit plans

    —          —          —          —          —          (73     (73
                   

Total comprehensive loss, net

                (709
                   

Issuance of common stock

    26        1        206        —          —          —          207   

Share-based compensation

    —          —          11        —          —          —          11   

Other

    2        —          —          —          3        —          3   

Treasury stock acquisitions

    —          —          —          (2     —          —          (2
                                                       

Balance at December 31, 2009

    168        2        3,136        (28     (5,956     35        (2,811
                                                       

Net income

    —          —          —          —          253        —          253   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Net change in unrealized gains on derivative instruments and other

    —          —          —          —          —          257        257   

Net change related to employee benefit plans

    —          —          —          —          —          95        95   
                   

Total comprehensive income, net

                605   
                   

Shares issued in exchange for Continental common stock

    148        1        3,501        —          —          —          3,502   

Equity component of Continental convertible debt assumed in Merger

    —          —          157        —          —          —          157   

Shares issued in exchange for redemption of Continental convertible debt

    9        —          164        —          —          —          164   

Fair value of Continental stock options related to Merger

    —          —          78        —          —          —          78   

Share-based compensation

    —          —          14        —          —          —          14   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    3        —          21        —          —          —          21   

Treasury stock acquisitions

    —          —          —          (3     —          —          (3
                                                       

Balance at December 31, 2010

    328      $ 3      $ 7,071      $ (31   $ (5,703   $ 387      $ 1,727   
                                                       

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an  integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

(In millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Operating revenues:

      

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 13,461      $ 11,313      $ 14,822   

Passenger—Regional

     3,669        2,884        2,981   

Cargo

     714        536        854   

Other operating revenue

     1,838        1,626        1,580   
                        
     19,682        16,359        20,237   
                        

Operating expenses:

      

Aircraft fuel

     5,700        4,204        8,979   

Salaries and related costs

     4,212        3,919        4,452   

Regional capacity purchase

     1,610        1,523        1,391   

Landing fees and other rent

     1,077        1,011        954   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     980        965        1,096   

Depreciation and amortization

     903        917        946   

Distribution expenses

     756        670        846   

Aircraft rent

     326        349        411   

Merger-related costs and special charges

     532        374        339   

Goodwill impairment charge (credit)

     (64     —          2,277   

Other operating expenses

     2,632        2,564        2,939   
                        
     18,664        16,496        24,630   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     1,018        (137     (4,393
                        

Nonoperating income (expense):

      

Interest expense

     (695     (577     (571

Interest income

     11        19        112   

Interest capitalized

     11        10        20   

Miscellaneous, net

     39        37        (550
                        
     (634     (511     (989

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates

     384        (648     (5,382

Income tax benefit

     (12     (16     (22
                        

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of affiliates

     396        (632     (5,360

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax

     3        4        6   
                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 399      $ (628   $ (5,354
                        

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an  integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
     2010     2009  

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,665      $ 3,036   

Restricted cash

     37        128   

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2010—$5; 2009—$14)

     1,004        743   

Aircraft lease deposits maturing within one year

     —          293   

Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance (2010—$61; 2009—$61)

     321        472   

Receivables from related parties

     195        73   

Deferred income taxes

     373        57   

Prepaid expenses and other

     366        352   
                
     6,961        5,154   
                

Operating property and equipment:

    

Owned—

    

Flight equipment

     8,718        8,303   

Other property and equipment

     2,086        1,745   
                
     10,804        10,048   

Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (2,717     (2,010
                
     8,087        8,038   
                

Purchase deposits for flight equipment

     51        —     

Capital leases—

    

Flight equipment

     1,741        2,096   

Other property and equipment

     49        51   
                
     1,790        2,147   

Less—Accumulated amortization

     (453     (345
                
     1,337        1,802   
                
     9,475        9,840   
                

Other assets:

    

Intangibles, less accumulated amortization (2010—$473; 2009—$408)

     2,343        2,455   

Restricted cash

     190        212   

Investments

     97        88   

Other, net

     622        976   
                
     3,252        3,731   
                
   $ 19,688      $ 18,725   
                

(continued on next page)

 

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UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
     2010     2009  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT

    

Current liabilities:

    

Advance ticket sales

   $ 1,536      $ 1,492   

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     1,703        1,515   

Accounts payable

     907        806   

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     938        701   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     1,546        544   

Current maturities of capital leases

     249        426   

Other

     1,073        1,096   
                
     7,952        6,580   
                

Long-term debt

     5,480        6,033   

Long-term obligations under capital lease

     858        1,194   

Other liabilities and deferred credits:

    

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,321        2,720   

Postretirement benefit liability

     2,091        1,928   

Pension liability

     101        93   

Advanced purchase of miles

     1,159        1,157   

Deferred income taxes

     731        469   

Other

     972        1,003   
                
     7,375        7,370   
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholder’s deficit:

    

Common stock at par, $5 par value; authorized 1,000 shares; issued 205 shares at December 31, 2010 and 2009

     —          —     

Additional capital invested

     3,421        3,401   

Retained deficit

     (5,489     (5,888

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     91        35   
                
     (1,977     (2,452
                
   $ 19,688      $ 18,725   
                

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

     

Net income (loss)

  $ 399      $ (628   $ (5,354

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities -

     

Depreciation and amortization

    903        917        946   

Goodwill impairment (credit)

    (64     —          2,277   

Merger-related and special charges, non-cash portion

    230        374        339   

Proceeds from lease amendment

    —          160        —     

Debt and lease discount amortization

    93        97        97   

Deferred income taxes

    (12     (16     (26

Share-based compensation

    13        21        31   

Other operating activities

    83        48        (53

Changes in operating assets and liabilities -

     

Unrealized (gain)/loss on fuel derivatives and change in related pending settlements

    4        (1,007     858   

(Increase) decrease in fuel hedge collateral

    10        955        (965

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities

    262        (213     (128

(Increase) decrease in receivables

    (160     110        197   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

    221        94        (49

Increase (decrease) in advance ticket sales

    44        (38     (388

Increase (decrease) in frequent flyer deferred revenue and advanced purchase of miles

    (126     123        738   

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

    (103     (19     257   
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    1,797        978        (1,223
                       

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

     

Capital expenditures

    (318     (317     (475

Proceeds from asset sale-leasebacks

    —          175        274   

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    40        77        93   

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

    68        (24     455   

Aircraft purchase deposits paid

    (42     —          —     

Decrease in short-term and other investments

    18        —          2,259   

Proceeds from litigation on advanced deposits

    —          —          41   

Other, net

    7        3        9   
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (227     (86     2,656   
                       

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

     

Payments of other long-term debt

    (1,667     (793     (682

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    1,995        562        337   

Capital contributions from parent

    —          559        163   

Principal payments under capital leases

    (482     (190     (235

Decrease in aircraft lease deposits

    236        23        155   

Increase in deferred financing costs

    (33     (49     (120

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    9        —          —     

Dividend to parent

    —          —          (257

Other, net

    1        (1     —     
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    59        111        (639
                       

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    1,629        1,003        794   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    3,036        2,033        1,239   
                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 4,665      $ 3,036      $ 2,033   
                       

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In millions)

 

    Common
Stock
    Additional
Capital
Invested
    Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2007

  $ —        $ 2,253      $ 354      $ 141      $ 2,748   
                                       

Net loss

    —          —          (5,354     —          (5,354

Other comprehensive income (loss):

         

Net change in unrealized losses on financial instruments

    —          —          —          (37     (37

Net change related to employee benefit plans

    —          —          —          (11     (11
               

Total comprehensive loss, net

            (5,402
               

Dividend to parent

    —          —          (257     —          (257

Preferred stock dividends

    —          —          (3     —          (3

Conversion of preferred stock

    —          374        —          —          374   

Capital contributions from parent

    —          173        —          —          173   

Share-based compensation

    —          31        —          —          31   
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2008

    —          2,831        (5,260     93        (2,336
                                       

Net loss

    —          —          (628     —          (628

Other comprehensive income (loss):

         

Net change in unrealized gains on financial instruments

    —          —          —          15        15   

Net change related to employee benefit plans

    —          —          —          (73     (73
               

Total comprehensive loss, net

            (686
               

Capital contributions from parent

    —          559        —          —          559   

Share-based compensation

    —          11        —          —          11   
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2009

    —          3,401        (5,888     35        (2,452
                                       

Net income

    —          —          399        —          399   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

         

Net change in unrealized gains on derivative instruments and other

    —          —          —          204        204   

Net change related to employee benefit plans

    —          —          —          (148     (148
               

Total comprehensive income, net

            455   
               

Share-based compensation

    —          12        —          —          12   

Parent Company contribution related to stock plans

    —          8        —          —          8   
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2010

  $ —        $ 3,421      $ (5,489   $ 91      $ (1,977
                                       

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share data)

 

     Successor            Predecessor  
     Three Months
Ended
December 31,

2010
           Nine Months
Ended
September 30,

2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
                2009     2008  

Operating revenue:

             

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 2,606           $ 7,777      $ 9,024      $ 11,138   

Passenger—Regional

     561             1,726        2,016        2,498   

Cargo

     119             328        366        497   

Other operating revenue

     277             957        1,217        1,217   
                                     
     3,563             10,788        12,623        15,350   
                                     

Operating expenses:

             

Aircraft fuel

     986             2,872        3,401        6,004   

Salaries and related costs

     786             2,527        3,137        2,957   

Regional capacity purchase

     202             608        826        1,038   

Landing fees and other rent

     231             656        841        853   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     135             399        597        595   

Depreciation and amortization

     177             380        494        438   

Distribution expenses

     156             474        537        626   

Aircraft rent

     174             689        934        976   

Merger-related costs and special charges

     201             47        145        181   

Other operating expenses

     537             1,416        1,855        1,994   
                                     
     3,585             10,068        12,767        15,662   
                                     

Operating income (loss)

     (22          720        (144     (312
                                     

Nonoperating income (expense):

             

Interest expense

     (86          (288     (367     (376

Interest capitalized

     4             17        33        33   

Interest income

     3             6        12        65   

Gains on sale of investment

     —               —          —          78   

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments

     —               —          —          (60

Miscellaneous, net

     2             (13     27        (123
                                     
     (77          (278     (295     (383

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates

     (99          442        (439     (695

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (4          1        (157     (109
                                     

Net income (loss)

   $ (95        $ 441      $ (282   $ (586
                                         

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

          $ 3.16      $ (2.18   $ (5.54
                                   

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

          $ 2.81      $ (2.18     (5.54
                               

 

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
     At
December 31,
2010
          At
December 31,
2009
 

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,398          $ 2,546   

Short-term investments

     611            310   
                    

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     4,009            2,856   

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2010—$1; 2009—$7)

     671            508   

Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance (2010—$3; 2009—$113)

     246            254   

Deferred income taxes

     225            203   

Prepaid expenses and other

     185            165   
                    
     5,336            3,986   
                    

Operating property and equipment:

        

Owned—

        

Flight equipment

     6,463            8,769   

Other property and equipment

     804            1,787   
                    
     7,267            10,556   

Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (141         (3,509
                    
     7,126            7,047   
                    

Purchase deposits for flight equipment

     178            242   
 

Capital leases—

     168            194   

Less—Accumulated amortization

     (3         (63
                    
     165            131   
                    
     7,469            7,420   
                    

Other assets:

        

Goodwill

     4,523            —     

Intangibles, less accumulated amortization (2010—$31; 2009—$389)

     2,575            778   

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments

     160            164   

Other, net

     375            210   
                    
     7,633            1,152   
                    
   $ 20,438          $ 12,558   
                    

(continued on next page)

 

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
     At
December 31,
2010
          At
December 31,
2009
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

        

Current liabilities:

        

Advance ticket sales

   $ 1,463          $ 1,507   

Frequent flyer

     879            348   

Accounts payable

     961            702   

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     532            367   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     865            972   

Current maturities of capital leases

     3            3   

Other

     236            268   
                    
     4,939            4,167   
                    

Long-term debt

     5,536            5,098   

Long-term obligation under capital leases

     178            193   
 

Other liabilities and deferred credits:

        

Frequent flyer

     1,170            —     

Postretirement benefit liability

     253            216   

Accrued pension liability

     1,372            1,248   

Lease fair value adjustment, net

     1,374            —     

Deferred income taxes

     784            203   

Other

     522            843   
                    
     5,475            2,510   
                    

Commitments and contingencies

        

Stockholder’s equity:

        

Common stock at par, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,000 and 138,537,127 shares at December 31, 2010 and 2009

     —              1   

Additional capital invested

     4,115            2,216   

Retained deficit

     (95         (442

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     290            (1,185
                    
     4,310            590   
                    
   $ 20,438          $ 12,558   
                    

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
     Three Months
Ended
December 31,
2010
          Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
         2009     2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

            

Net income (loss)

   $ (95       $ 441      $ (282   $ (586

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities—

            

Depreciation and amortization

     177            380        494        438  

Special charges, non-cash portion

     —              18        145        181  

Amortization of lease fair value adjustment

     (57         —          —          —     

Deferred income taxes

     (6         —          (158     (111

Gain on sale of investments

     —              —          —          (78

Loss on fuel hedge contracts with Lehman Brothers

     —              —          —          125  

Other-than-temporary losses on investments

     —              —          —          60  

Share-based compensation

     1            10        9        16  

Other operating activities

     (7         20        55        (14

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of Merger impact—

            

(Increase) decrease in receivables

     37            (219     (3     172  

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     18            (158     124        (226

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     214            43        (69     (8

Increase (decrease) in advance ticket sales

     (248         400        (50     (92

Increase in frequent flyer deferred revenue

     59            141        24        6   

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities

     —              231        73        (207
                                    

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     93            1,307        362        (324
                                    

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

            

Capital expenditures

     (54         (246     (381     (373

Aircraft purchase deposits refunded (paid), net

     (2         10        29        102  

(Purchase) sale of short-term investments, net

     (102         (171     180        115  

Proceeds from sale of investments, net

     —              —          30        171  

Expenditures for airport operating rights

     —              —          (22     (131

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     20            32        64        113  

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     —              3        26        (13

Other, net

     —              —          (4     —     
                                    

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (138         (372     (78     (16
                                    

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

            

Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     (358         (836     (610     (641

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net

     90            1,025        538        642  

Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net

     —              —          158       358  

Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans

     13            28        11        18  
                                    

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (255         217        97        377  
                                    

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (300         1,152        381        37   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     3,698            2,546        2,165        2,128  
                                    

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 3,398          $ 3,698      $ 2,546      $ 2,165   
                                    

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(In millions)

 

     Common Stock      Additional
Paid in
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  
     Shares      Amount            

Predecessor Company

               

Balance at December 31, 2007

     98       $ 1       $ 1,647       $ 426      $ (505   $ 1,569   
                                                   

Net loss

     —           —           —           (586     —          (586

Other comprehensive loss:

               

Net change in unrealized loss on derivative instruments and other

     —           —           —           —          (441     (441

Net change related to employee benefit plans

     —           —           —           —          (810     (810
                     

Total comprehensive income

                  (1,837
                     

Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans

     1         —           17         —          —          17   

Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock offerings

     24         —           358         —          —          358   

Share-based compensation

     —           —           16         —          —          16   
                                                   

Balance at December 31, 2008

     123         1         2,038         (160     (1,756     123   
                                                   

Net loss

     —           —           —           (282     —          (282

Other comprehensive income:

               

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and other

     —           —           —           —          424        424  

Net change related to employee benefit plans

     —           —           —           —          305        305  

Tax expense on other comprehensive income

     —           —           —           —          (158     (158
                     

Total comprehensive income

                  289   
                     

Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans

     2         —           11         —          —          11  

Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock offerings

     14         —           158         —          —          158  

Share-based compensation

     —           —           9         —          —          9   
                                                   

Balance at December 31, 2009

     139         1         2,216         (442     (1,185     590   
                                                   

Net income from January 1 to September 30

     —           —           —           441        —          441   

Other comprehensive income (January 1 to September 30):

               

Net change in unrealized gain on derivative instruments and other

     —           —           —           —          11        11   

Net change related to employee benefit plans

     —           —           —           —          82        82   
                     

Total comprehensive income

                  534   
                     

Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans

     2         —           28         —          —          28   

Share-based compensation

     —           —           10         —          —          10   
                                                   

Balance at September 30, 2010

     141       $ 1       $ 2,254       $ (1   $ (1,092   $ 1,162   
                                                   

(continued on next page)

 

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(In millions)

 

     Common Stock     Additional
Paid in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  
     Shares     Amount          

Successor Company

            

Merger Impact:

            

Elimination of equity accounts in connection with the Merger

     (141   $ (1   $ (2,254   $ 1      $ 1,092      $ (1,162

Issuance of new stock by UAL pursuant to Merger

     —          —          3,579        —          —          3,579   

Contribution of indenture derivative assets by UAL

     —          —          520        —          —          520   

Net loss from October 1 to December 31

     —          —          —          (95     —          (95

Other comprehensive income (October 1 to December 31):

            

Net change in unrealized gain on derivative instruments and other

     —          —          —          —          53        53   

Net change related to employee benefit plans

     —          —          —          —          243        243   

Tax expense on other comprehensive income

     —          —          —          —          (6     (6
                  

Total comprehensive income

               195   
                  

UAL contribution related to stock plans

     —          —          13        —          —          13   

Other

     —          —          3        —          —          3   
                                                

Balance at December 31, 2010

     —        $ —        $ 4,115      $ (95   $ 290      $ 3,790   
                                                

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.,

UNITED AIR LINES, INC. AND CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.,

COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UAL”) is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiaries are United Air Lines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “United”) and, effective October 1, 2010, Continental Airlines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Continental”). As a consequence of the Merger described in Note 1, UAL Corporation changed its name to United Continental Holdings, Inc. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K is a combined report of UAL, United and Continental. We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” for disclosures that relate to all of UAL, United and Continental Successor. As UAL consolidates United for financial statement purposes, disclosures that relate to United activities also apply to UAL; and, effective October 1, 2010, disclosures that relate to Continental Successor activities also apply to UAL. When appropriate, UAL, United and Continental are named specifically for their related activities and disclosures.

Continental

As a result of the application of the acquisition method of accounting, the Continental financial statements prior to October 1, 2010 are not comparable with the financial statements for periods on or after October 1, 2010. References to “Successor” refer to Continental on or after October 1, 2010, after giving effect to the application of acquisition accounting. References to “Predecessor” refer to Continental prior to October 1, 2010.

NOTE 1—MERGER AND RECLASSIFICATIONS

Merger

Description of Transaction

On May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation, Continental and JT Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger agreement”). On October 1, 2010, JT Merger Sub Inc. merged with and into Continental, with Continental surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation (the “Merger”). Upon closing of the Merger, UAL Corporation became the parent company of both Continental and United and UAL Corporation’s name was changed to United Continental Holdings, Inc. Until the operational integration of United and Continental is complete, United and Continental will continue to operate as separate airlines.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger agreement, each outstanding share of Continental common stock was converted into and became exchangeable for 1.05 fully paid and nonassessable shares of UAL common stock with any fractional shares paid in cash. UAL issued approximately 148 million shares of UAL common stock to former holders of Continental Class B common stock (“Continental common stock”). Based on the closing price of $23.66 per share of UAL common stock on September 30, 2010, the last trading day before the closing of the Merger, the aggregate value of the consideration paid in connection with the Merger was approximately $3.7 billion.

The Merger was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting with Continental considered the acquiree. The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquisition values have been pushed down to Continental for its separate-entity financial statements as of October 1, 2010. The excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of assets and liabilities acquired was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment at least annually.

 

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Expenses Related to the Merger

The merger-related and integration expenses have been and are expected to be significant. While the Company has assumed that a certain level of expenses would be incurred, there are many factors that could affect the total amount or the timing of these expenses, and many of the expenses that will be incurred are, by their nature, difficult to estimate. These expenses could, particularly in the near term, exceed the financial benefits that the Company expects to achieve from the Merger and could result in the Company taking significant charges against earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2010, UAL and United incurred merger-related costs of $564 million and $363 million, respectively; Continental Successor and Continental Predecessor incurred merger-related costs of $201 million and $29 million, respectively, in the 2010 Successor and Predecessor periods. These costs are classified within merger-related costs and special charges in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 21 for additional information related to merger costs.

Tax Matters

UAL Corporation and Continental each experienced an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as a result of the Merger. However, the Company currently expects that these ownership changes will not significantly limit its ability to use its net operating loss and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards in the carryforward period. See Note 8 for additional information related to tax matters.

Fair Value of Consideration Transferred

 

(In millions, except per share data)

      

Outstanding shares of Continental common stock exchanged

     141   

Exchange ratio

     1.05   
        

Shares of UAL common stock issued

     148   

Price per share (closing market price of UAL common stock on acquisition date)

   $ 23.66   
        

Fair value of UAL shares issued

   $ 3,501   

Fair value of UAL options issued in exchange for Continental options and equity component of Continental convertible securities

     235   
        

Purchase price

   $ 3,736   
        

 

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Allocation of Consideration Transferred

The Merger was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting under applicable accounting principles. The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The table below represents the allocation of the total consideration to Continental’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of October 1, 2010 based upon management’s estimate of their respective fair values. The goodwill resulting from the Merger is primarily due to expected synergies to be gained from an enhanced route network and other operating efficiencies. These acquisition accounting adjustments have also been pushed down to Continental for its separate-entity financial reporting. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

 

(In millions)

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,698   

Other current assets

     1,811   

Property and equipment

     7,480   

Goodwill

     4,523   

Identified intangibles

     2,594   

Other noncurrent assets

     237   

Long-term debt and capital leases, including current portion

     (7,000

Advance ticket sales

     (1,724

Frequent flyer liability

     (1,978

Pension and postretirement benefits

     (1,872

Deferred income taxes

     (735

Other liabilities

     (3,298
        

Total purchase price

   $ 3,736   
        

The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using the market, income and cost approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market other than for derivative financial instruments and certain long-term debt assumed in the Merger. The market approach, which indicates value for a subject asset based on available market pricing for comparable assets, was utilized to estimate the fair value of Continental’s aircraft and operating leases. The market approach used by the Company included prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable assets, as well as pricing guides and other sources. The Company considered the current market for the aircraft, the maintenance condition of the aircraft and the expected proceeds from the sale of the assets, among other factors. The Company also utilized the market approach to value certain intangible assets such as airport take-off and landing slots when sufficient market information was available. The income approach was primarily used to value intangible assets, including the frequent flyer database, international route authorities, alliances, the Continental logo and tradename, and certain airport take-off and landing slots. The income approach indicates value for a subject asset based on the present value of cash flows projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flows are discounted at a required market rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flows and the time value of money. The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used, as appropriate, for certain assets for which the market and income approaches could not be applied due to the nature of the asset. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the asset, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation. The fair value of Continental’s OnePass frequent flyer program liability was determined based on the weighted average equivalent ticket value of outstanding miles which were expected to be redeemed at October 1, 2010. The weighted average equivalent ticket value contemplates differing classes of service, domestic and international itineraries and the carrier providing the award travel.

As more fully discussed in Note 14, and only for purposes of the Continental separate-entity reporting, the embedded conversion options in Continental’s convertible debt are required to be separated and accounted for as

 

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though they are free-standing derivatives. As a result, the acquisition date fair value of Continental’s long-term debt is $71 million lower and the acquisition date fair value of Continental’s other liabilities is $230 million higher than the UAL amounts shown above.

Pro-forma Impact of the Merger

The UAL unaudited pro-forma results presented below include the effects of the Continental acquisition as if it had been consummated as of January 1, 2009. The pro-forma results include the depreciation and amortization associated with the acquired tangible and intangible assets, lease fair value adjustments, elimination of any deferred gains or losses from other comprehensive income and the impact of income changes on profit sharing expense, among others. However, pro-forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits of the acquisition. Accordingly, the unaudited pro-forma financial information below is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated as of January 1, 2009.

 

(In millions, except per share data)

   Year Ended
December 31,
 
      2010      2009  

Revenue

   $ 33,946       $ 28,677   

Net income (loss)

     958         (689

Basic earnings (loss) per share

     3.02         (2.41

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     2.62         (2.41

 

(a) Not applicable.

 

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Reclassifications

UAL and United

In 2010, UAL and United changed their classification of certain revenue and expenses in their statements of consolidated operations. Baggage fees, unaccompanied minor fees and miscellaneous fees moved from mainline and regional passenger revenue to other operating revenue. Purchased services and cost of third party sales moved from separate line items to other operating expenses. Salaries and related costs, aircraft fuel, depreciation and amortization, landing fees and distribution expenses related to regional expenses were reclassified from regional capacity purchase to their separate line items. Amounts originally reported in UAL’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K that have been reclassified are shown below (in millions):

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

   2009      2008  
     As Reclassified      Historical      As Reclassified      Historical  

Operating revenues:

           

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 11,313       $ 11,910       $ 14,822       $ 15,337   

Passenger—Regional

     2,884         3,064         2,981         3,098   

Other operating revenue

     1,602         825         1,537         905   
                                   
   $ 15,799       $ 15,799       $ 19,340       $ 19,340   
                                   

Operating expenses:

           

Aircraft fuel

   $ 4,204       $ 3,405       $ 8,979       $ 7,722   

Salaries and related costs

     3,919         3,773         4,452         4,311   

Regional capacity purchase

     1,523         2,939         1,391         3,248   

Landing fees and other rent

     1,011         905         954         862   

Depreciation and amortization

     917         902         946         932   

Distribution expenses

     670         534         846         710   

Other operating expenses

     2,567         956         2,943         1,079   

Purchased services

     —           1,167         —           1,375   

Cost of third party sales

     —           230         —           272   
                                   
   $ 14,811       $ 14,811       $ 20,511       $ 20,511   
                                   

There are no significant differences in the impact of the United reclassifications as compared to the UAL reclassifications above.

 

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Continental

In 2010, Continental changed its classification of certain revenue and expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations to conform to the new UAL classification discussed above. Charter revenue was reclassified from other operating revenue to passenger revenue. Fuel related costs included in other operating expense moved to aircraft fuel expense. Continental aircraft maintenance and materials expense moved to other operating expenses. Frequent flyer activity with other airlines was moved from other revenue and other operating expenses to passenger revenue. The following table summarizes the historical and revised financial statement amounts for Predecessor Continental (in millions).

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
     Year Ended
December 31, 2008
 
     As
Reclassified
    Historical     As
Reclassified
     Historical      As
Reclassified
    Historical  

Operating revenues:

              

Passenger—Mainline

   $ 7,777      $ 8,002      $ 9,024       $ 9,244       $ 11,138      $ 11,382   

Passenger—Regional

     1,726        1,667        2,016         1,894         2,498        2,355   

Other operating revenues

     957        833        1,217         1,082         1,217        1,007   

Operating expenses:

              

Aircraft fuel

   $ 2,872      $ 2,806      $ 3,401       $ 3,317       $ 6,004      $ 5,919   

Regional Capacity Purchase, net

     608        625        826         848         1,038        1,059   

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     399        413        597         617         595        612   

Distribution expenses

     474        555        537         624         626        717   

Passenger services

     —          299        —           373         —          406   

Other operating expenses

     1,416        1,114        1,855         1,402         1,994        1,437   

Nonoperating income (expense):

              

Miscellaneous, net

   $ (13   $ (12   $ 27       $ 29       $ (123   $ (121

NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following policies are applicable to UAL, United and Continental, except as noted below under Continental Predecessor Accounting Policies, for accounting policies followed by Continental Predecessor that are materially different than the Company’s accounting policies.

 

(a) Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company estimates the fair value of its financial instruments and indefinite-lived intangible assets for testing impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets. These estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially.

 

(b) Revenue Recognition—The value of unused passenger tickets and miscellaneous charge orders (“MCOs”) are included in current liabilities as advance ticket sales. The Company records passenger ticket sales and tickets sold by other airlines for use on United or Continental as passenger revenue when the transportation is provided or upon estimated breakage. The Company records an estimate of breakage revenue for tickets that will expire in twelve months at departure date. The Company records an estimate of tickets that have been used, but not recorded as revenue due to system processing errors, as revenue in the month of sale based on historical results. Due to complex industry pricing structures, refund and exchange policies and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized as revenue using estimates both as to the timing of recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are based on the evaluation of actual historical results.

 

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Tickets sold by other airlines are recorded at the estimated values to be billed to the other airlines. Non-refundable tickets generally expire on the date of the intended flight, unless the date is extended by notification from the customer on or before the intended flight date. Fees charged in association with changes or extensions to non-refundable tickets are recorded as other revenue at the time the fee is incurred. Change fees related to non-refundable tickets are considered a separate transaction from the air transportation because they represent a charge for the Company’s additional service to modify a previous sale. Therefore, the pricing of the change fee and the initial customer order are separately determined and represent distinct earnings processes. Refundable tickets expire after one year.

MCOs issued for denied boarding can be exchanged for a passenger ticket. The Company estimates the amount of MCO breakage revenue based on historical experience.

Under our capacity purchase agreements with regional carriers, we purchase all of the capacity related to aircraft covered by the contracts and are responsible for selling all of the related seat inventory. We record the passenger revenue and related expenses as separate operating revenue and expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

In the separate financial statements of United and Continental, for tickets sold by one carrier but flown by the other, the carrier that operates the aircraft recognizes the associated revenue. See Note 21 for additional information regarding related party transactions.

The Company recognizes cargo and mail revenue as services are provided.

Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from credit card companies and customers of our aircraft maintenance and cargo transportation services. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts equal to the estimated losses expected to be incurred based on historical write-offs and other specific analyses. Bad debt expense and write-offs were not material for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash— Cash in excess of operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid investments. Investments with a maturity of three months or less on their acquisition date are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments in debt securities classified as available-for-sale are stated at fair value. The gains or losses from changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income.

Restricted cash primarily includes cash collateral associated with workers’ compensation obligations, reserves for institutions that process credit card ticket sales and cash collateral received from fuel hedge counterparties. Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments are classified as short-term or long-term in the consolidated balance sheet based on the expected timing of return of the assets to the Company. Airline industry practice includes classification of restricted cash flows as either investing cash flows or operating cash flows. Cash flows related to restricted cash activity are classified as investing activities because the Company considers restricted cash arising from these activities similar to an investment. UAL’s cash inflows (outflows) associated with its restricted cash balances for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $68 million, $(19) million and $484 million, respectively.

 

(d) Short-term Investments—Short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses on specific investments are reflected in non-operating income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

 

(e) Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts and Supplies—The Company accounts for fuel and aircraft spare parts and supplies at average cost and provides an obsolescence allowance for aircraft spare parts and supplies.

 

(f) Property and Equipment—The Company records additions to owned operating property and equipment at cost when acquired. Property under capital leases and the related obligation for future lease payments are recorded at an amount equal to the initial present value of those lease payments.

 

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Depreciation and amortization of owned depreciable assets is based on the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining term of the lease, including estimated facility renewal options when renewal is reasonably assured at key airports, or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is less. Properties under capital leases are amortized on the straight-line method over the life of the lease or, in the case of certain aircraft, over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of capital lease assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:

 

     Estimated Useful Life (in years)  

Aircraft

     28 to 30   

Buildings

     25 to 45   

Other property and equipment

     4 to 15   

Computer software

     5 to 10   

Building improvements

     1 to 40   

As of December 31, 2010, UAL, United and Continental had a carrying value of computer software of $454 million, $114 million and $340 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2010, UAL, United, Continental Successor and Continental Predecessor depreciation expense related to computer software was $69 million, $58 million, $11 million and $22 million, respectively.

 

(g) Maintenance and Repairs—The cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost of minor replacements, is charged to expense as incurred, except for costs incurred under our power-by-the-hour engine maintenance agreements, which are expensed based upon the number of hours flown. Modifications that enhance the operating performance or extend the useful lives of airframes or engines are capitalized as property and equipment.

 

(h) Frequent Flyer Awards—United and Continental have loyalty programs to increase customer loyalty. Program participants earn mileage credits (“miles”) for flights on United, Continental and certain other participating airlines. Program participants can also earn miles through purchases from other non-airline partners that participate in the Company’s loyalty programs. We sell miles to these partners, which include retail merchants, credit card issuers, hotels and car rental companies, among others. Miles can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded air travel and non-travel awards. The Company records its obligation for future award redemptions using a deferred revenue model.

In the case of the sale of air services, the Company recognizes a portion of the ticket sales as revenue when the air transportation occurs and defers a portion of the ticket sale that represents the fair value of the miles under the residual method, as described further below. In the case of miles sold to third parties, there are two revenue elements: marketing and air transportation, as described below.

Marketing-related element. In addition to selling mileage for future redemption, the Company may also provide marketing services with the sale of miles, which, depending on the particular customer, may include advertising and branding services, access to the program member list, and other services. The amount of revenue from the marketing-related element is determined by subtracting the estimated fair value of the miles earned or future transportation element from the total proceeds. The residual portion of the sales proceeds related to marketing activities is recorded as other operating revenue when earned.

Air transportation element. The Company defers the portion of the sales proceeds that represents estimated fair value of the future air transportation and recognizes that amount as revenue when transportation is provided. The fair value of the air transportation component is determined based upon the equivalent ticket value of similar Company fares and amounts paid to other airlines for air transportation. The initial revenue deferral is presented as frequent flyer deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets. The revenue related to the air transportation component is recorded as passenger revenue.

The value of miles is estimated assuming redemptions on the Company and other participating carriers in the loyalty programs and by estimating the relative proportions of awards to be redeemed by class of service

 

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within broad geographic regions of the Company’s operations. This estimate also includes the cost of redemptions on other airlines, and the cost of certain other awards. The estimation of the fair value of each award mile requires the use of several significant assumptions, for which significant management judgment is required. For example, management must estimate how many miles are projected to be redeemed on its airline, versus on other airlines. Since the equivalent ticket value of miles redeemed on the Company and on other carriers can vary greatly, this assumption can materially affect the calculation of the weighted-average ticket value from period to period.

Management uses historical customer redemption patterns as the best single indicator of future redemption behavior in making its estimates, but changes in customer redemption behavior to patterns which are not consistent with historical behavior may result in material changes to deferred revenue balances and to recognized revenue.

The Company measures its deferred revenue obligation using all awarded and outstanding miles, regardless of whether or not the customer has accumulated enough miles to redeem an award. Some of these sold and awarded miles will never be redeemed by program members, which we refer to as “breakage.” UAL reviews its breakage estimates annually based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns. Prior to January 1, 2010, UAL and United recognized revenue related to expected expired miles over the estimated redemption period.

Management’s estimate of the expected expiration of miles requires significant management judgment. Current and future changes to expiration assumptions or to the expiration policy, or to program rules and program redemption opportunities, may result in material changes to the deferred revenue balance, as well as recognized revenues from the programs. For example, various program rule differences exist between the United and Continental programs. One such difference is for expiration of miles, as under United’s program miles expire after eighteen months of inactivity, whereas miles do not expire under Continental’s program. Although Continental’s program does not cancel accounts for inactivity, Continental records breakage revenue by estimating that a portion of the miles will never be redeemed based on statistical analysis of sales and redemptions of miles. Continental records an estimate of breakage revenue using this data.

During the first quarter of 2010, United obtained additional historical data, previously unavailable, which enabled it to refine its estimate of the amount of breakage in its population of miles. This new data enables United to identify historical differences between certain of its breakage estimates and the amounts that have actually been experienced more accurately. As a result, United increased its estimate of the number of miles expected to expire. In conjunction with this change in estimate, United also adopted a change to the accounting methodology used to recognize breakage. Both the change in estimate and methodology have been applied prospectively effective January 1, 2010. The new accounting method recognizes breakage as a component of the weighted average redemption rate on actual redemptions as compared to United’s prior method which recognized a pool of breakage dollars over an estimated redemption period. United believes that this is a preferable change to the accounting methodology for breakage because breakage will be recognized as a component of the rate at which actual miles are redeemed.

UAL and United estimate these changes increased passenger revenue by approximately $250 million, or $1.21 per UAL basic share ($0.99 per UAL diluted share), in the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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The following table provides additional information related to amounts recorded related to UAL’s frequent flyer programs. Continental’s results are included in UAL’s results from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

 

(In millions)

 

Year Ended December 31,

   Cash Proceeds
from Miles Sold
(a)
     Other Revenue
Recognized
Upon Award of
Miles to Third-
Party
Customers (b)
    Increase in
Frequent Flyer
Deferred
Revenue for
Miles Awarded
(c)
    Net Increase in
Advanced
Purchase of Miles
(d)
 

2010 United

   $ 1,863       $ (300   $ (1,477   $ (86

2010 Continental Successor

     293         (31     (262     —     
                                 

2010 UAL Consolidated

   $ 2,156       $ (331   $ (1,739   $ (86
                                 

2009 UAL / United

   $ 1,703       $ (256   $ (1,377   $ (70
                                 

2008 UAL / United

   $ 2,204       $ (260   $ (1,550   $ (394
                                 

 

  (a) Cash proceeds for the year ended December 31, 2008 include $500 million of proceeds from one significant advanced sales transaction to United’s co-branded credit card partner.
  (b) This amount represents other revenue recognized during the period from the sale of miles to third parties, representing the marketing services component of the sale.
  (c) This amount represents the increase to frequent flyer deferred revenue during the period.
  (d) This amount represents the net increase in the advance purchase of miles obligation due to cash payments for the sale of miles in excess of miles awarded to customers.

See Note 19 for additional information related to the Company’s frequent flyer program. Continental’s frequent flyer program accounting changed significantly as a result of the Merger. See Continental Predecessor Accounting Policies, below, for the Continental Predecessor policy.

 

(i) Deferred Gains (Losses)—Gains and losses on aircraft sale and leaseback transactions are amortized over the related lease terms.

 

(j) Regional Capacity Purchase—Payments made to regional carriers under capacity purchase agreements are reported in regional capacity purchase in our consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2010, United has call options on 189 regional jet aircraft currently being operated by certain regional carriers. At December 31, 2010, none of the call options were exercisable because none of the required conditions to make an option exercisable by United were met.

 

(k) Advertising—Advertising costs, which are included in other operating expenses, are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

     UAL      United      Continental
Successor
            Continental
Predecessor
 

2010

   $ 90       $ 67       $ 23            $ 74   

2009

     44         44         N/A              102   

2008

     63         63         N/A              93   

 

(l) Intangibles—The Company has finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill. As of December 31, 2010, goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair values of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Continental in the Merger. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, or on an interim basis whenever a triggering event occurs. See Notes 4 and 21 for additional information related to intangibles, including impairments recognized in 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

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(m) Measurement of Impairments—The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets and intangible assets subject to amortization whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. For purposes of this testing, the Company has generally identified the aircraft fleet type as the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for purposes of testing aircraft for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its net undiscounted future cash flows and its fair market value. The amount of the charge is the difference between the asset’s carrying value and fair market value. See Note 21 for information related to asset impairments recognized in 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

(n) Share-Based Compensation—The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The resulting cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. Obligations for certain cash-settled restricted stock units and profit-based restricted stock units are remeasured throughout the requisite service period based on the market share price as of the last day of the reporting period. A cumulative adjustment is recorded to adjust compensation expense based on the current value of the awards. See Note 7 for additional information on the Company’s share-based compensation plans.

 

(o) Ticket Taxes—Certain governmental taxes are imposed on the Company’s ticket sales through a fee included in ticket prices. The Company collects these fees and remits them to the appropriate government agency. These fees are recorded on a net basis (excluded from operating revenues).

 

(p) Early Retirement of Leased Aircraft—The Company accrues the present value of future minimum lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals (if any) in the period that aircraft are permanently removed from service. When reasonably estimable and probable, the Company estimates maintenance lease return condition obligations for items such as minimum aircraft and engine conditions specified in leases and accrues these amounts over the lease term while the aircraft are operating, and any remaining unrecognized estimated obligations are accrued in the period that an aircraft is removed from service.

 

(q) Uncertain Income Tax Positions—The Company has recorded reserves for income taxes and associated interest that may become payable in future years. Although management believes that its positions taken on income tax matters are reasonable, the Company nevertheless has established tax and interest reserves in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge certain of the positions taken by the Company, potentially resulting in additional liabilities for taxes and interest. The Company’s uncertain tax position reserves are reviewed periodically and are adjusted as events occur that affect its estimates, such as the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitation, the conclusion of tax audits, the measurement of additional estimated liability, the identification of new tax matters, the release of administrative tax guidance affecting its estimates of tax liabilities, or the rendering of relevant court decisions. See Note 8 for further information related to uncertain income tax positions.

Continental Predecessor Accounting Policies

The following summarizes Continental Predecessor accounting policies that materially differ from the Company’s accounting policies, described above.

Revenue Recognition—Continental Predecessor recognized passenger revenue for ticket breakage when the ticket expired unused, rather than over the twelve months preceding expiration.

 

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Property and Equipment—Property and equipment was recorded at cost and was depreciated to estimated residual value over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. Jet aircraft and rotable spare parts were assumed to have residual values of 15% and 10%, respectively, of original cost; other categories of property and equipment were assumed to have no residual value. The estimated useful lives of Continental property and equipment were as follows:

 

    

Estimated Useful Life

Jet aircraft and simulators

   25 to 30 years

Rotable spare parts

  

Average lease term or

useful life for related aircraft

Buildings and improvements

   10 to 30 years

Vehicles and equipment

   5 to 10 years

Computer software

   3 to 5 years

Frequent Flyer Program Accounting—Continental accounted for mileage credits earned by flying on Continental under an incremental cost model, rather than a deferred revenue model. For those frequent flyer accounts that had sufficient mileage credits to claim the lowest level of free travel, Continental recorded a liability for either the estimated incremental cost of providing travel awards that were expected to be redeemed for travel on Continental or the contractual rate of expected redemption on alliance carriers. Incremental cost included the cost of fuel, meals, insurance and miscellaneous supplies, less any fees charged to the passenger for redeeming the rewards, but did not include any costs for aircraft ownership, maintenance, labor or overhead allocation. The liability was adjusted periodically based on awards earned, awards redeemed, changes in the incremental costs and changes in the frequent flyer program. Changes in the liability were recognized as passenger revenue in the period of change. Continental recorded an adjustment of $27 million to increase passenger revenue and reduce its frequent flyer liability during 2008 for the impact of redemption fees after Continental increased such fees during 2008.

NOTE 3—RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements—A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This guidance defines whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables should be separated and how the consideration should be allocated to one or more units of accounting. This guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The selling price used for each deliverable will be based on vendor-specific objective evidence, if available, third-party evidence if vendor-specific objective evidence is not available, or estimated selling price if neither vendor-specific or third-party evidence is available. The Company is required to apply this guidance prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2011.

The Company will prospectively apply this guidance to new sales of air transportation that include a mileage credit component beginning in the first quarter of 2011. The adoption of this standard will decrease the value of the mileage credit component that we record as deferred revenue and increase the passenger revenue we record at the time air transportation is provided. This change will occur because of the different assumptions we will use to determine the estimated selling price of the mileage credit component under the new standard. The total impact of the new accounting standard may be material and will depend on many factors, including the volume of air transportation sales with mileage credit components.

In addition, United and Continental both have significant contracts to sell mileage credits to their co-branded credit card partners. These contracts may be modified in 2011 as a result of the Merger. A modified contract would be subject to the new standard in the period the contract modification is executed. We may record material adjustments to revenue in the period we modify the contract based on the provisions of the new standard, which requires us to adjust our deferred revenue balance as if we had been applying the new standard since the contract initiation. The amount of any modification impact cannot be readily determined until such contract modifications are executed.

 

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NOTE 4—GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table presents information about the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets at December 31 (dollars in millions):

 

UAL

   Asset life (a)    2010         2009  
      Gross  Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
        Gross  Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
 

Goodwill

      $ 4,523           $ —        

Amortized intangible assets

               

Airport slots and gates

      $ 117       $ 49        $ 72       $ 37   

Hubs

        145         36          145         29   

Patents and tradenames

        108         73          70         70   

Frequent flyer database

        1,177         279          521         221   

Contracts

        140         52          140         44   

Other

        135         15          12         7   
                                       

Total

      $ 1,822       $ 504        $ 960       $ 408   
                                       

Unamortized intangible assets

               

Airport slots and gates

      $ 997           $ 219      

Route authorities

        1,606             1,146      

Tradenames and logos

        711             538      

Alliances

        286             —        
                           

Total

      $ 3,600           $ 1,903      
                           

United

        2010         2009  

Amortized intangible assets

               

Airport slots and gates

   9    $ 72       $ 45        $ 72       $ 37   

Hubs

   20      145         36          145         29   

Patents

   3      70         70          70         70   

Frequent flyer database

   21 (b)      521         261          521         221   

Contracts

   13      140         52          140         44   

Other

   7      12         9          12         7   
                                       

Total

      $ 960       $ 473        $ 960       $ 408   
                                       

Unamortized intangible assets

               

Airport slots

      $ 201           $ 219      

Route authorities

        1,117             1,146      

Tradenames

        538             538      
                           

Total

      $ 1,856           $ 1,903      
                           
 
          Successor          Predecessor  

Continental

        2010          2009  

Goodwill

      $ 4,523             $ —        

Amortized intangible assets

                 

Airport slots

   4    $ 45       $ 4          $ 466       $ 389   

Frequent flyer database

   23 (b)      656         18            —           —     

Tradenames

   3      38         3            —           —     

Other

   27      123         6            —           —     
                                         

Total

      $ 862       $ 31          $ 466       $ 389   
                                         

Unamortized intangible assets

                 

Airport slots

      $ 796             $ 247      

Route authorities

        489               454      

Alliances

        286               —        

Logo

        173               —        
                             

Total

      $ 1,744             $ 701      
                             

 

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(a) Weighted average life expressed in years.
(b) The United and Continental frequent flyer databases are amortized based on an accelerated amortization schedule to reflect utilization of the assets. Estimated cash flows correlating to the expected attrition rate of customers in the frequent flyer databases were considered in the determination of the amortization schedules.

The following table presents information related to the Company’s actual and expected future amortization expense (in millions):

 

Actual Amortization:

   UAL      United      Continental
Successor
            Continental
Predecessor
 

2010

   $ 96       $ 65       $ 31            $ 11   

2009

     69         69         N/A              14   

2008

     92         92         N/A              14   

Projected Amortization:

                                  

2011

   $ 169       $ 61       $ 108         

2012

     120         55         65         

2013

     140         52         88         

2014

     126         46         80         

2015

     106         37         69         

See Note 21 for information related to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.

NOTE 5—COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY(DEFICIT) AND PREFERRED SECURITIES

UAL

In the fourth quarter of 2010, approximately 9 million shares of UAL common stock were issued upon the redemption of Continental’s $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5% Convertible Notes due 2023. See Note 14 for additional information related to this transaction.

In October 2010, approximately 148 million shares of UAL common stock were issued to Continental stockholders in exchange for Continental common stock in connection with the Merger. See Note 1 for additional information related to this transaction.

During 2009 and 2008, UAL issued approximately 7 million and 11 million shares of its common stock, respectively, as part of a $200 million equity offering program generating net proceeds of $75 million and $122 million, respectively. Of the 2008 sales, $107 million was received in December 2008 and $15 million was received in January 2009 upon settlement of shares sold during the last three days of 2008. This equity offering program was completed in September 2009.

In addition, UAL sold approximately 19 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten, public offering for a price of $7.24 per share in October 2009. The Company received approximately $132 million of net proceeds from this issuance. UAL contributed the proceeds from both its equity offering program and its 19 million common stock issuance to United, as further discussed in Note 20.

In 2008, approximately 11 million shares of UAL common stock were issued upon preferred stockholders’ elections to exercise their conversion option of all 5 million shares of UAL’s 2% mandatorily convertible preferred stock. This class of stock was retired in October 2008. UAL and United increased additional paid in capital by $374 million and decreased the mandatorily convertible preferred stock by the same amount to record the impact of these conversions.

All treasury shares were acquired for tax withholding obligations related to UAL’s share-based compensation plan. At December 31, 2010, approximately 94 million shares of UAL common stock were reserved for future issuance related to the conversion of convertible debt securities and the issuance of equity based awards under UAL’s incentive compensation plans.

 

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As of December 31, 2010, UAL had two shares of junior preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share) outstanding. In addition, UAL is authorized to issue 250 million shares of preferred stock (without par value) under UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Continental

Common Stock. In connection with the Merger, on October 1, 2010, all outstanding 141 million shares of Continental common stock were converted into and exchanged for 1.05 fully paid and nonassessable shares of UAL common stock with any fractional shares paid in cash. The shares of Continental common stock that were acquired by UAL were subsequently canceled and replaced with 1,000 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value), all of which are owned by UAL as of December 31, 2010.

In August 2009, Continental completed a public offering of 14 million shares of its Continental common stock at a price to the public of $11.20 per share, raising net proceeds of $158 million. In June 2008, Continental completed a public offering of 11 million shares of its Continental common stock at a price to the public of $14.80 per share, raising net proceeds of $162 million. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2008, Continental completed a public offering of 13 million shares of its Continental common stock at an average price to the public of $15.84 per share, raising net proceeds of $196 million. Proceeds from each of these offerings were used for general corporate purposes.

 

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NOTE 6—EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The computations of UAL’s basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are set forth below (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 253      $ (651   $ (5,396

Less: Income allocable to participating securities/preferred stock dividends

     (1     —          (3
                        

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 252      $ (651   $ (5,399
                        

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     207        151        127   
                        

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

   $ 1.22      $ (4.32   $ (42.59
                        

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

      

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 252      $ (651   $ (5,399

Effect of United 6% senior convertible notes

     18        —          —     

Effect of Continental 4.5% convertible notes

     2        —          —     

Effect of Continental 5% convertible notes

     1        —          —     
                        

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders including the effect of dilutive securities

   $ 273      $ (651   $ (5,399
                        

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     207        151        127   

Effect of United 6% senior convertible notes

     40        —          —     

Effect of Continental 4.5% convertible notes

     3        —          —     

Effect of employee stock options

     2        —          —     

Effect of Continental 5% convertible notes

     1        —          —     
                        

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

     253        151        127   
                        

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

   $ 1.08      $ (4.32   $ (42.59
                        

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted per share amounts:

      

United 4.5% senior limited subordination convertible notes

     22        22        22   

Stock options

     9        7        4   

United 5% senior convertible notes

     3        3        3   

Continental 6% convertible junior subordinated debentures

     1        —          —     

United 6% senior convertible notes

     —          40        —     

Restricted shares

     —          1        2   

2% preferred securities

     —          —          3   
                        
     35        73        34   
                        

The adjustments to earnings (loss) available to common stockholders are net of the related effect of profit sharing and income taxes, where applicable.

Approximately 2.0 million shares of UAL common stock remain to be issued to unsecured creditors and employees under UAL Corporation’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and are included in outstanding basic shares for 2008, as the necessary conditions for issuance have been satisfied. UAL’s 6% Senior Notes due 2031 with a current principal amount of $615 million as of December 31, 2010, are callable at any time at 100% of par value, and can be redeemed with either cash or UAL common stock at UAL’s option. These notes are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation, as it is UAL’s intent to use cash to redeem these notes.

 

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Continental Predecessor

The computations of Continental Predecessor’s basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the periods Continental had outstanding publicly-traded equity securities are set forth below (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

     Nine Months
Ended
September 30,

2010
     Year Ended
December 31,
 
        2009     2008  

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

       

Net income (loss)

   $ 441       $ (282   $ (586
                         

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 441       $ (282   $ (586
                         

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     140         129        106   
                         

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

   $ 3.16       $ (2.18   $ (5.54
                         

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

       

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 441       $ (282   $ (586

Effect of 5% convertible notes

     10         —          —     

Effect of 6% convertible junior subordinated debentures

     10         —          —     

Effect of 4.5% convertible notes

     7         —          —     
                         

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders including the effect of dilutive securities

   $ 468       $ (282   $ (586
                         

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     140         129        106   

Effect of 4.5% convertible notes

     12         —          —     

Effect of 5% convertible notes

     9         —          —     

Effect of 6% convertible junior subordinated debentures

     4         —          —     

Effect of employee stock options

     2         —          —     
                         

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

     167         129        106   
                         

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

   $ 2.81       $ (2.18   $ (5.54
                         

The adjustments to earnings (loss) available to common stockholders are net of the related effect of profit sharing and income taxes, where applicable.

Approximately 2 million, 8 million and 8 million weighted average options to purchase shares of Continental common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect of including the options would have been antidilutive. In addition, approximately 14 million and 13 million potential shares of Continental common stock related to Continental’s convertible debt securities were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, because they were antidilutive.

NOTE 7—SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Prior to the Merger, UAL and Continental maintained separate share-based compensation plans. These plans provide for grants of qualified and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance compensation awards, performance units, cash incentive awards and other types of equity-based and equity-related awards. As part of the Merger, UAL assumed all of Continental’s outstanding share-based compensation plans.

 

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Following the Merger, UAL is now the sole issuer of all stock-based compensation awards. All awards are recorded as equity or a liability in UAL’s consolidated balance sheet. The stock-based compensation expense specifically attributable to the employees of United and Continental is directly recorded to salaries and related costs, or merger-related expense, within each of their respective statements of operations. United and Continental record an allocation of share-based expense for employees that devote a significant amount of time to both companies. As United and Continental do not sponsor their own share-based compensation plans, the disclosures below primarily relate to UAL. See Continental Predecessor below, for share-based compensation disclosures applicable to Continental prior to the Merger.

The following table provides information related to UAL share-based compensation plan cost, for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Compensation cost: (a), (b)

        

Share-based awards converted to cash awards (c)

   $ 84       $ —         $ —     

Restricted stock units

     20         10         —     

Restricted stock

     6         6         18   

Stock options

     7         5         13   
                          

Total

   $ 117       $ 21       $ 31   
                          

 

(a) All compensation cost is recorded to Salaries and related benefits, with the exception of $70 million in 2010 that was recorded in merger-related costs.
(b) In 2010, United and Continental Successor recorded $63 and $54 million, respectively, of compensation cost related to UAL’s share-based plans. These amounts included $24 million and $46 million that were classified as merger-related expense by United and Continental, respectively. All UAL share-based compensation expense in 2009 and 2008 was recorded by United.
(c) As described below, in connection with the Merger, certain awards were converted into fixed cash equivalents.

The table below summarizes UAL’s unearned compensation and weighted-average remaining period to recognize costs for all outstanding share-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2010 ($ in millions):

 

     Unearned
Compensation
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Period
 

Share-based awards converted to cash awards (a)

   $ 27         1.6   

Restricted stock (b)

     9         1.6   

Stock options (b)

     7         2.2   
           

Total

   $ 43      
           

 

(a) Compensation cost attributable to future service related to unvested awards remaining to be recognized is allocated equally between United and Continental.
(b) Compensation cost attributable to future service related to unvested awards remaining to be recognized by United and Continental consists of $10 million and $6 million, respectively.

Merger Impacts- Continental Predecessor Share-Based Awards. Prior to completion of the Merger, Continental had outstanding stock options, non-employee director restricted stock awards and performance compensation awards (profit based RSUs) that were issued pursuant to its incentive compensation plans. Under the terms of Continental’s incentive plans, substantially all of the outstanding equity awards fully vested as a result of the Merger. The equity awards were assumed and issued by UAL using a 1.05 conversion rate and had a fair value of approximately $78 million at the Merger closing date which was included in the acquisition cost. In addition, as a result of the Merger, the performance criteria related to the profit based RSUs (“PBRSUs”) was deemed to be achieved for each open performance period (the three-year periods beginning January 1, 2008,

 

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2009 and 2010) at a payment percentage of 150% and the minimum cash balance requirement was deemed satisfied. Following the Merger closing date, with limited exceptions related to death, disability and retirement eligibility, payments under all outstanding PBRSUs remain subject to continued employment by the participant and will continue to be paid on their normal payment date over a three-year period. The PBRSUs were converted into a fixed cash equivalent based on a stock price of $23.48, the average closing price per share of Continental common stock for the 20 trading days preceding the completion of the Merger.

Merger Impacts- United Share-Based Awards. In May 2010, the UAL Board of Directors made a determination that the Merger should be considered a change of control for purposes of all outstanding awards. Accordingly, upon the completion of the Merger on October 1, 2010, eligible outstanding equity-based awards immediately vested except for certain officer awards that are subject to separate agreements, as discussed below. In September 2010, the Human Resources Subcommittee of the UAL Board of Directors elected to settle all eligible RSUs in cash. As a result, participants received $23.66 in exchange for each share unit, based on the closing price of UAL stock on the day prior to the closing. The cash payment to settle these awards was $18 million.

Certain officers entered into separate agreements with the Company pursuant to which they agreed to waive the provisions providing for accelerated vesting upon the change of control. As part of the agreements, the outstanding restricted stock awards and RSUs were converted into fixed cash equivalents based on a stock price of $22.33 per share, UAL’s average closing share price for the preceding 20 days prior to the closing of the Merger. Following the Merger, with limited exceptions as described below, the payment of these awards remains subject to continued employment by the participant and will be paid on the original vesting dates. Upon termination of employment under certain circumstances following the Merger, the participant is entitled to a cash settlement. In the fourth quarter of 2010, UAL paid $19 million in cash for merger-related terminations.

Stock Options. Stock options are awarded with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of UAL’s common stock on the date of grant. UAL stock options generally vest over a period of either three or four years and have a contractual life of 10 years. The Continental Predecessor vested stock options generally have an original contractual life of five years (management level employee options) or 10 years (outside directors). Expense related to each portion of an option grant is recognized on a straight-line basis over the specific vesting period for those options.

The table below summarizes UAL stock option activity (shares in thousands):

 

     Options     Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     6,406      $ 22.42         

Issued in exchange for Continental options

     7,366        16.77         

Exercised (a)

     (2,467     8.13         

Canceled

     (59     8.56         

Expired

     (194     34.97         
                

Outstanding at end of year

     11,052        21.70         3.6      
                

Exercisable at end of period

     9,729        22.66         3.2       $ 61   

 

(a) The aggregate intrinsic value of shares exercised in 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $42 million, less than $1 million and less than $1 million, respectively.

 

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The following table provides additional information for options granted in 2009 and 2008 and Continental Predecessor options in 2010 which were valued at the Merger closing date:

 

Weighted-average fair value assumptions:

   2010     2009     2008  

Risk-free interest rate

     0.1 – 1.8     1.9 – 3.1     1.9 – 3.6

Dividend yield

     —       —       —  

Expected market price volatility of UAL common stock

     75     93     55

Expected life of options (years)

     0.1 - 6.3        6.0        5.0 – 6.3   

Weighted-average fair value

   $ 11.52      $ 3.72      $ 7.86   

The fair value of options is determined at the grant date, and at the Merger date in the case of Continental Predecessor options, using a Black Scholes option pricing model, which requires UAL to make several assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect for the expected term of the option at the time of grant. The dividend yield on UAL’s common stock was assumed to be zero since UAL did not have any plans to pay dividends at the time of the option grants.

The volatility assumptions were based upon historical volatilities of UAL and other comparable airlines whose shares are traded using daily stock price returns equivalent to the contractual term of the option. In addition, implied volatility data for both UAL and other comparable airlines, using current exchange-traded options, was utilized.

The expected lives of the options were determined based upon either a simplified assumption that the option will be exercised evenly from vesting to expiration or estimated using historical experience for the assumed options. The terms of certain UAL awards do not provide for the acceleration of vesting upon retirement. In addition, certain UAL awards and the assumed options awarded to employees that are retirement eligible either at the grant date or within the vesting period is considered vested at the respective retirement eligibility date.

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units. The UAL RSUs may be settled in either cash or stock. As a result of the Merger, UAL converted certain RSUs discussed above into fixed cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, UAL, United and Continental had recorded a liability of $71 million, $7 million and $64 million, respectively, for these awards.

The table below summarizes UAL’s RSU and restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2010 (shares in thousands):

 

     Restricted Stock
Units
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Price
     Restricted Stock     Weighted-
Average
Grant Price
 

Non-vested at beginning of year

     1,719      $ 4.90         811      $ 27.82   

Assumed in Merger

     —          —           20        23.66   

Granted

     1,395        22.20         212        24.55   

Modified

     (449     21.63         449        21.63   

Converted to fixed cash equivalent

     (1,496     —           (164     —     

Vested

     (1,069     22.41         (651     31.47   

Canceled

     (49     10.55         (6     11.03   
                     

Non-vested at end of year

     51        22.85         671        17.20   
                     

The fair value of RSUs and restricted shares vested in 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $33 million, $21 million and $30 million, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock awards and the restricted stock units that are share settled was primarily based upon the share price on the date of grant. These awards are accounted for as equity awards. The fair value of the RSUs that were cash settled were remeasured based upon the closing share price on the day before the settlement date. These awards were accounted for as liability awards. Restricted stock vesting and the recognition of the expense is similar to the stock option vesting described above.

 

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Continental Predecessor

Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Total stock-based compensation expense included in salaries and related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $57 million, $(3) million and $47 million, respectively.

Stock Options. Stock options were awarded with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of Continental’s common stock on the date of grant. Management level employee stock options typically vested over a four year period and generally had five year terms. Expense related to each portion of an option grant was recognized on a straight-line basis over the specific vesting period for those options. Outside director stock options vested in full on the date of grant and had ten year terms. All outstanding options under the Continental 2005 Pilot Supplemental Option Plan, which vested over three years and have terms of six to eight years, and the Continental 2005 Broad Based Employee Stock Option Plan, which vested over three years and have a term of six years, were already fully vested on the Merger closing date. Outstanding stock options granted under the Continental Incentive Plan 2000, the Continental 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, and the Continental 1997 Stock Incentive Plan became exercisable in full upon the closing of the Merger. Outstanding stock options granted under the Continental Incentive Plan 2010 vest on their original vesting schedule or earlier if the holder experiences an involuntary termination within two years of the Merger closing date.

The table below summarizes stock option transactions pursuant to Continental plans for Continental Predecessor (shares in thousands):

 

     Options     Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in
years)
     Average
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

     8,114      $ 16.08         2.4       $ 38   

Granted

     654        23.83         

Exercised (a)

     (1,652     11.92         

Canceled

     (92     29.59         
                

Outstanding at September 30, 2010

     7,024        17.60         2.0         61   
                

Vested and Expected to Vest at September 30, 2010

     6,943        17.59         2.0         61   

Exercisable at September 30, 2010

     5,448        17.46         1.5         49   

 

(a) The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2010 Predecessor period and the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $18 million, $2 million and $3 million, respectively.

The following table provides additional information for options granted by Continental Predecessor in each period.

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.4     2.0     3.1

Dividend yield

     —       —       —  

Expected market price volatility of Continental common stock

     88     86     62

Expected life of options (years)

     3.8        3.9        3.9   

Weighted average fair value

   $ 14.55      $ 5.75      $ 5.32   

The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model was used to value the options at the grant date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect for the expected term of the option at the time of grant. The dividend yield on Continental common stock was assumed to be zero since Continental historically had not paid dividends. The market price volatility of Continental common stock was based on the historical volatility of the common stock over a time period equal to the expected term of the option and ending

 

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on the grant date. The expected life of the options was based on Continental’s historical experience for various work groups. Expense was recognized only for those option awards expected to vest, using an estimated forfeiture rate based on historical experience.

Profit Based RSU Awards. See Merger Impacts-Continental Predecessor Share-Based Awards, above, for a discussion of the impact of the Merger on profit based RSU awards. Continental issued PBRSU awards pursuant to its long-term incentive and RSU programs, which provided for cash payments to Continental’s officers upon the achievement of specified profit sharing-based performance targets. The performance targets required that Continental reach target levels of cumulative employee profit sharing during the performance period and that Continental had net income calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for the applicable fiscal year in which the cumulative profit sharing target was met. To serve as a retention feature, payments related to the achievement of a performance target generally were made in annual increments over a three-year period to participants who remain continuously employed by Continental through each payment date. Payments also were conditioned on Continental having, at the end of the fiscal year preceding the date any payment was made, a minimum unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance as set by the Human Resources Committee of Continental’s Board of Directors. If Continental did not achieve the minimum cash balance applicable to a payment date, the payment was deferred until the next payment date (March 1 of the next year), subject to a limit on the number of years payments could be carried forward. Payment amounts were calculated based on the number of PBRSUs subject to the award, the average closing price of Continental common stock during the 20 trading days preceding the payment date and the payment percentage set by the Human Resources Committee of Continental’s Board of Directors for achieving the applicable profit sharing-based performance target.

Continental accounted for the PBRSU awards as liability awards. Once it became probable that a profit sharing-based performance target would be met, Continental measured the awards at fair value based on its current stock price. The related expense was recognized ratably over the required service period, which ended on each payment date, after adjustment for changes in the then-current market price of Continental’s common stock.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. All of Continental’s employees (including Continental Micronesia, Inc. employees) were eligible to participate in Continental’s 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. At the end of each fiscal quarter, participants could purchase shares of Continental’s common stock at a discount of 15% off the fair market value of the stock on either the first day or the last day of the quarter (whichever was lower), subject to a minimum purchase price of $10 per share. This discount was reduced to zero as the fair market value approached $10 per share. If the fair market value was below the $10 per share minimum price on the last day of a quarter, then the participants were not be permitted to purchase the common stock for such quarterly purchase period and Continental refunded to those participants the amount of their unused payroll deductions. During 2010 (Predecessor Period), 2009 and 2008, approximately 0.8 million, 0.5 million and 1.1 million shares, respectively, of Continental common stock were issued to participants at a weighted-average purchase price of $15.92, $11.81 and $12.76 per share, respectively. This plan was terminated prior to the Merger closing date.

 

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NOTE 8—INCOME TAXES

The significant components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

 

(In millions)

                               

2010

   UAL     United     Continental
Successor
           Continental
Predecessor
 

Current

   $ 10      $ —        $ 2           $ 1   

Deferred

     (10     (12     (6          —     
                                     
   $ —        $ (12   $ (4        $ 1   
                                     

2009

                               

Current

   $ (1   $ —               $ 1   

Deferred

     (16     (16            (158
                               
   $ (17   $ (16          $ (157
                               

2008

                               

Current

   $ 1      $ 4             $ 2   

Deferred

     (26     (26            (111
                               
   $ (25   $ (22          $ (109
                             

The income tax provision differed from amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate, as follows:

 

(In millions)

                               

Year Ended December 31, 2010

   UAL     United     Continental
Successor
           Continental
Predecessor
 

Income tax provision at statutory rate

   $ 87      $ 135      $ (35        $ 155   

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

     24        24        1             8   

Nondeductible acquisition costs

     45        31        14             —     

Nondeductible employee meals

     8        7        1             3   

Nondeductible interest expense

     12        12        —               —     

Change in tax law—Medicare Part D Subsidy

     119        119        —               —     

Nondeductible compensation

     13        1        12             —     

Goodwill credit

     (22     (22     —               —     

Valuation allowance

     (290     (322     9             (166

Tax benefit resulting from intraperiod tax allocation

     —          —          (6          —     

Other, net

     4        3        —               1   
                                     
   $      $ (12   $ (4        $ 1   
                                     
 

Year Ended December 31, 2009

                               

Income tax provision at statutory rate

   $ (234   $ (225          $ (154

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

     5        6               (9

Nondeductible employee meals

     6        6               4   

Nondeductible interest expense

     12        12               —     

Medicare Part D Subsidy

     (7     (7            —     

Increase valuation allowance

     190        182               158   

Share-based compensation

     7        7               —     

Tax benefit resulting from intraperiod tax allocation

     —          —                 (158

Other, net

     4        3               2   
                               
   $ (17   $ (16          $ (157
                               

 

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(In millions)

                             

Year Ended December 31, 2008

  UAL     United     Continental
Successor
          Continental
Predecessor
 

Income tax provision at statutory rate

  $ (1,896   $ (1,882         $ (243

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

    (68     (67           (14

Goodwill

    798        798              —     

Nondeductible employee meals

    7        7              5   

Nondeductible interest expense

    10        10              —     

Medicare Part D Subsidy

    (12     (12           —     

Increase valuation allowance

    1,117        1,101              142   

Rate change beginning deferreds

    14        14              —     

Other, net

    5        9              1   
                             
  $ (25   $ (22         $ (109
                             

We are required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit that should be allocated to a loss from continuing operations. As a result, Continental recorded $6 million and $158 million of non-cash tax benefits on its loss from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009, respectively, which is exactly offset by income tax expense in other comprehensive income, a component of stockholder’s equity. Because the income tax expense on other comprehensive income is equal to the income tax benefit from continuing operations, Continental’s net deferred tax positions at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were not impacted by this tax allocation.

Temporary differences and carry forwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

    UAL     United     Continental  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  

(In millions)

  2010     2009     2010     2009     Successor
2010
          Predecessor
2009
 

Deferred income tax asset (liability):

               

Federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards

  $ 3,429      $ 2,707      $ 2,217      $ 2,697      $ 1,179          $ 1,412   

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

    2,358        1,644        1,609        1,647        752            128   

Employee benefits, including pension, postretirement and medical

    1,741        1,328        1,272        1,358        551            438   

Lease fair value adjustment

    504        —          —          —          504            —     

AMT credit carryforwards

    268        287        263        287        5            10   

Restructuring charges

    69        104        69        99        —              —     

Other asset

    1,031        291        388        284        495            462   

Less: Valuation allowance

    (4,171     (3,060     (2,624     (2,977     (1,384         (563
                                                   

Total deferred tax assets

  $ 5,229      $ 3,301      $ 3,194      $ 3,395      $ 2,102          $ 1,887   
                                                   
 

Depreciation, capitalized interest and other

  $ (4,091   $ (2,686   $ (2,463   $ (2,682   $ (1,625       $ (1,702

Intangibles

    (1,699     (787     (849     (834     (850         (185

Other liability

    (433     (317     (240     (291     (186         —     
                                                   

Total deferred tax liabilities

  $ (6,223   $ (3,790   $ (3,552   $ (3,807   $ (2,661       $ (1,887
                                                   

Net deferred tax liability

  $ (994   $ (489   $ (358   $ (412   $ (559       $ —     
                                                   

 

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In addition to the deferred tax assets listed in the table above, UAL has an $871 million unrecorded tax benefit at December 31, 2010, primarily attributable to the difference between the amount of the financial statement expense and the allowable tax deduction for UAL common stock issued to certain unsecured creditors and employees pursuant to UAL Corporation’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This unrecorded tax benefit is accounted for by analogy to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 which requires recognition of the tax benefit to be deferred until it is realized as a reduction of taxes payable. Although not recognized for financial reporting purposes, this unrecognized tax benefit is available to reduce future income and is incorporated into our federal and state NOL carry forwards, which are discussed below.

The federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards relate to prior years’ NOLs, which may be used to reduce tax liabilities in future years. These tax benefits are mostly attributable to federal pre-tax NOL carry forwards of $11.6 billion for UAL (including the NOLs discussed in the preceding paragraph). If not utilized these federal pre-tax NOLs will expire as follows (in billions): $2.4 in 2022, $1.6 in 2023, $2.4 in 2024, $2.0 in 2025 and $3.2 after 2025. In addition, the majority of state tax benefits of the net operating losses of $187 million for UAL expires over a five to 20 year period.

Both UAL Corporation and Continental experienced an “ownership change” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as a result of the Merger. However, the Company currently expects that these ownership changes will not significantly limit its ability to use its NOL and AMT credit carryforwards in the carryforward period because the size of the limitation exceeds our NOL and AMT credit carryforwards.

The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income (including the reversals of deferred tax liabilities) during the periods in which those deferred tax assets will become deductible. The Company’s management assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets, and records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that a portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As a result, the Company has a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 to reflect management’s assessment regarding the realizability of those assets. The Company will maintain a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets until there is sufficient positive evidence of future realization. The current valuation allowances of $4.2 billion, $2.6 billion and $1.4 billion for UAL, United and Continental, respectively, if reversed in future years (as a result of change in future judgment) will reduce income tax expense. The current valuation allowance reflects increases from December 31, 2009 of $1.1 billion and $821 million for UAL and Continental, respectively, and a decrease from December 31, 2009 of $353 million for United.

UAL’s unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions were $32 million, $16 million and $20 million at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Included in the ending balance at 2010 is $6 million that would affect UAL’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect significant increases or decreases in its unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

There are no significant amounts included in the balance at December 31, 2010 for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.

The Company records penalties and interest relating to uncertain tax positions in other operating expenses and interest expense, respectively, in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company has not recorded any significant expense or liabilities related to interest or penalties in its consolidated financial statements.

 

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The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to UAL’s uncertain tax positions (in millions):

 

     2010      2009     2008  

Balance at January 1,

   $ 16       $ 20      $ 35   

Increase due to Continental’s uncertain tax positions at the Merger closing date

     6         —          —     

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during the current period

     10         1        1   

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period

     —           (5     (11

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements with taxing authorities

     —           —          (5
                         

Balance at December 31,

   $ 32       $ 16      $ 20   
                         

UAL’s federal income tax returns for tax years after 2002 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state taxing jurisdictions. The IRS commenced an examination of UAL’s U.S. income tax returns for 2007 through 2009 in the fourth quarter of 2010. As of December 31, 2010, the IRS had not proposed any adjustments to UAL’s returns. Continental’s federal income tax returns for tax years after 2001 remain subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing jurisdictions.

As a result of the Merger, beginning October 1, 2010, Continental and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries joined the UAL consolidated tax return filing group, which also includes United and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries. Consolidated current and deferred tax expense was allocated to each of United and Continental using a method that treats each entity as though it had filed a separate tax return. Under the Company’s tax sharing agreement, tax liabilities of group members are settled in cash. Group members are compensated for their losses and other tax benefits only if they would be able to use those losses and tax benefits on a separate return basis. At December 31, 2010, there were no tax-related balances due to or from Continental; and there was approximately $13 million due from United to UAL in respect of state tax liabilities.

NOTE 9—PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The following summarizes the significant pension and other postretirement plans of United and Continental:

Pension Plans

Continental maintains two primary defined benefit pension plans, one covering pilot employees and another covering substantially all of its U.S. non-pilot employees other than Continental Micronesia and Chelsea Food Services employees. Each of these plans provide benefits based on a combination of years of benefit accruals service and an employee’s final average compensation. Additional benefit accruals were frozen under the plan covering Continental’s pilot employees during 2005, at which time any existing accrued benefits for pilots were preserved in such plan. Benefit accruals for Continental’s non-pilot employees under its other primary defined benefit pension plan continue.

United maintains a frozen defined benefit pension plan for a small number of former employees. United and Continental maintain additional defined benefit pension plans, which cover certain international employees.

Other Postretirement Plans

United and Continental maintain postretirement medical programs which provide medical benefits to certain retirees and eligible dependents, as well as certain life insurance benefits to certain retirees participating in United’s plan. Benefits provided are subject to applicable contributions, co-payments, deductibles and other limits as described in the specific plan documentation.

 

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The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status and the amounts recognized in these financial statements for the defined benefit and other postretirement plans:

 

Pension Benefits

 
     Year Ended
December 31, 2010
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 

(In millions)

   UAL     United     Continental (a)     UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
 

Accumulated benefit obligation:

   $ 2,999      $ 214      $ 2,785      $ 228      $ 2,401   

Change in projected benefit obligation:

          

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 228      $ 228      $ 2,629      $ 221      $ 2,482   

Merger impact (b)

     3,169        —          439        —          —     

Service cost

     27        6        71        6        65   

Interest cost

     51        9        161        9        153   

Plan participants’ contributions

     1        1        —          1        —     

Actuarial (gain) loss (b)

     (130     17        (147     3        70   

Curtailments

     (7     —          (7     (1     —     

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     11        11        —          8        —     

Lump sum settlement

     (9     (9     (9     —          (92

Special termination benefits

     4        —          4        —          —     

Gross benefits paid

     (23     (7     (75     (19     (49
                                        

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 3,322      $ 256      $ 3,066      $ 228      $ 2,629   
                                        

Change in plan assets:

          

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 156      $ 156      $ 1,371      $ 124      $ 1,057   

Merger impact (b)

     1,549        —          83        —          —     

Actual return on plan assets (b)

     131        16        115        26        268   

Employer contributions

     58        18        202        18        187   

Plan participants’ contributions

     1        1        —          1        —     

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     4        4        —          7        —     

Transfer adjustment

     4        4        —          (1     —     

Lump sum settlement

     (9     (9     (8     —          (92

Benefits paid

     (23     (7     (75     (19     (49
                                        

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 1,871      $ 183      $ 1,688      $ 156      $ 1,371   
                                        

Funded status—Net amount recognized

   $ (1,451   $ (73   $ (1,378   $ (72   $ (1,258
                                        

 

(a) Continental, in 2010, represents combined Predecessor and Successor.
(b) UAL represents plan assets and liabilities assumed in the Merger. Continental represents remeasurement of the projected benefit obligation as of the Merger closing date.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

 

Noncurrent asset

   $ 32      $ 32      $ —        $ 24      $ —     

Current liability

     (10     (4     (6     (3     (10

Noncurrent liability

     (1,473     (101     (1,372     (93     (1,248
                                        

Net amount recognized

   $ (1,451   $ (73   $ (1,378   $ (72   $ (1,258
                                        

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

  

   

Net actuarial gain (loss)

   $ 226      $ (7   $ 233      $ (1   $ (1,174

Prior service credit (cost)

     18        18        —          18        (22
                                        

Net amount recognized

   $ 244      $ 11      $ 233      $ 17      $ (1,196
                                        

 

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Other Postretirement Benefits

 
     Year Ended
December 31, 2010
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 

(In millions)

   UAL     United     Continental (a)     UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
 

Change in benefit obligation:

          

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 2,069      $ 2,069      $ 233      $ 1,958      $ 249   

Merger impact (b)

     278        —          35        —          —     

Service cost

     33        30        11        28        11   

Interest cost

     118        115        13        114        15   

Plan participants’ contributions

     72        72        3        70        2   

Actuarial (gain) loss (b)

     120        131        (11     109        (26

Curtailments

     —          —          —          (9     —     

Federal subsidy

     13        13        —          11        —     

Plan amendments

     —          —          2        —          —     

Gross benefits paid

     (209     (205     (17     (212     (18
                                        

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 2,494      $ 2,225      $ 269      $ 2,069      $ 233   
                                        

Change in plan assets:

          

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 58      $ 58      $ —        $ 57      $  —     

Actual return on plan assets

     2        2        —          2        —     

Employer contributions

     131        131        —          141        —     

Plan participants’ contributions

     72        72        —          70        —     

Benefits paid

     (205     (205     —          (212     —     
                                        

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 58      $ 58      $ —        $ 58      $  —     
                                        

Funded status—Net amount recognized

   $ (2,436   $ (2,167   $ (269   $ (2,011   $ 233   
                                        

 

(a) Continental, in 2010, represents combined Predecessor and Successor.
(b) UAL represents plan assets and liabilities assumed in Merger. Continental represents remeasurement of the projected benefit obligation as of the Merger closing date.

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

  

     

Current liability

   $ (92   $ (76   $ (16   $ (83   $ (17

Noncurrent liability

     (2,344     (2,091     (253     (1,928     (216
                                        

Total liability

   $ (2,436   $ (2,167   $ (269   $ (2,011   $ (233
                                        

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

  

Net actuarial gain

   $ 24      $ 13      $ 11      $ 155      $ 87   

Prior service cost

     —          —          —          —          (166
                                        

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 24      $ 13      $ 11      $ 155      $ (79
                                        

The following information relates to all pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31 (in millions):

 

    UAL     United     Continental
Successor
    Continental
Predecessor
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 3,202      $ 211      $ 136      $ 211      $ 3,066      $ 2,629   

Accumulated benefit obligation

    2,906        176        121        176        2,785        2,401   

Fair value of plan assets

    1,742        104        54        104        1,688        1,371   

 

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Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, included the following components (in millions):

 

    2010  
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    UAL     United     Continental
Successor
          Continental
Predecessor
    UAL     United     Continental
Successor
          Continental
Predecessor
 

Service cost

  $ 27      $ 6      $ 21          $ 50      $ 33      $ 30      $ 3          $ 7   

Interest cost

    51        9        42            119        120        116        4            10   

Expected return on plan assets

    (39     (9     (30         (82     (2     (2     —              —     

Curtailment gain

    (7     —          (7         —          —          —          —              —     

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

    (2     (2     —              7        —          —          —              16   

Special termination benefits

    4        —          4            —          —          —          —              —     

Amortization of unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

    1        1        —              65        (12     (12     —              (3
                                                                       

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 35      $ 5      $ 30          $ 159      $ 139      $ 132      $ 7          $ 30   
                                                                       

 

     2009     2008  
     Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
    Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
    UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
    UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
    UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
 

Service cost

   $ 6      $ 65      $ 28      $ 11      $ 6      $ 59      $ 32      $ 12   

Interest cost

     8        153        114        15        8        149        122        15   

Expected return on plan assets

     (7     (89     (4     —          (10     (157     (4     —     

Curtailment gain

     (1     —          (9     —          —          —          (1     —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     —          10        —          21        —          10        —          21   

Amortization of unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

     2        111        (20     (2     (2     34        (17     (1
                                                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 8      $ 250      $ 109      $ 45      $ 2      $ 95      $ 132      $ 47   
                                                                

Settlement charges (included in special items)

     —          29        —          —          —          52        —          —     
                                                                

Net benefit expense

   $ 8      $ 279      $ 109      $ 45      $ 2      $ 147      $ 132      $ 47   
                                                                

The Continental settlement charges in 2009 and 2008, which were classified as special items, are non-cash charges related to lump sum distributions from the Continental pilot-only defined benefit pension plan to pilots who retired. Settlement accounting is required if, for a given year, the cost of all settlements exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension expense for a plan. Under settlement accounting, unrecognized plan gains or losses must be recognized immediately in proportion to the percentage reduction of the plan’s projected pension benefit obligation.

 

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The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2011 for actuarial gains (losses) are as follows (in millions):

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     UAL      United     Continental      UAL      United      Continental  

Actuarial gain (loss)

   $ 20       $ (1   $ 21       $ 2       $ 1       $ 1   

The weighted-average assumptions used for the benefit plans were as follows:

 

Pension Benefits

                               
     United     Continental
Successor
           Continental
Predecessor
 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations

   2010     2009     2010            2009  

Discount rate (a)

     3.56     3.87     5.52          6.01

Rate of compensation increase (a)

     3.29     3.27     2.44          2.30
 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net expense

                               

Discount rate (b)

     3.96     3.72     5.24          6.13

Expected return on plan assets (b)

     5.71     5.01     7.75          8.25

Rate of compensation increase (b)

     3.33     3.02     2.44          2.30

 

(a) The 2010 discount rate and rate of compensation increase used to determine benefit obligations at the Merger closing date are 5.24% and 2.44%, respectively.
(b) The 2010 discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increase used by Continental Predecessor to determine net expenses are 6.05%, 8.00% and 2.30%, respectively.

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

                               
      United     Continental
Successor
           Continental
Predecessor
 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations

   2010     2009     2010            2009  

Discount rate (a)

     5.15     5.69     4.97          5.57
 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net expense

                               

Discount rate (b)

     5.69     5.97     4.58          6.03

Expected return on plan assets

     4.00     6.50     N/A             N/A   

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (b)

     8.00     8.50     7.50          7.50

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate in 2016)

     5.00     5.00     5.00          5.00

 

(a) The 2010 discount rate used to determine benefit obligations at the Merger closing date is 4.58%.
(b) The 2010 discount rate and health care cost trend rate used by Continental Predecessor to determine net expense are 5.57% and 7.50%, respectively.

 

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We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumption based on historical experience and by evaluating input from the trustee managing the plans’ assets. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on a target allocation of assets, which is based on our goal of earning the highest rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels. The plans strive to have assets sufficiently diversified so that adverse or unexpected results from one security class will not have an unduly detrimental impact on the entire portfolio. We regularly review our actual asset allocation and the pension plans’ investments are periodically rebalanced to our targeted allocation when considered appropriate. Continental’s plan assets are allocated within the following guidelines:

 

     Percent of Total     Expected Long-Term
Rate of Return
 

Equity security funds:

    

U.S. companies

     35-55     8

International companies

     15-25       8   

Fixed-income securities

     15-25       5   

Other

     0-15       10   

United’s target allocation for the defined benefit pension plan assets is 62% in equity securities and 38% in fixed income securities, while 100% of other postretirement plan assets are invested in a deposit administration fund.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement plans. A 1% change in the assumed health care trend rate for the Company would have the following additional effects (in millions):

 

     UAL     United     Continental  
     1% Increase      1% Decrease     1% Increase      1% Decrease     1% Increase      1% Decrease  

Effect on total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2010 (a)

   $ 20       $ (16   $ 17       $ (14   $ 3       $ (2

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2010

     297         (245     272         (223     25         (22

 

(a) Continental represents combined Predecessor and Successor.

Fair Value Information. Accounting standards require us to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

 

  Level 1 Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
  Level 2 Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs
  Level 3 Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require us to develop our own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities

 

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The following tables present information about the Company’s pension and other postretirement plan assets (in millions):

 

     UAL - 2010  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Pension Plan Assets:

           

Equity security funds:

           

U.S. companies

   $ 894       $ —         $ 894       $ —     

International companies

     416         —           416         —     

Fixed-income securities

     365         —           365         —     

Private equity funds

     150         —           —           150   

Annuity insurance contract

     42         —           —           42   

Other investments

     4         —           4         —     
                                   

Total

   $ 1,871       $ —         $ 1,679       $ 192   
                                   

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:

           

Deposit administration fund

   $ 58       $ —         $ —         $ 58   
                                   
     United - 2010  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Pension Plan Assets:

           

Equity security funds:

           

U.S. companies

   $ 55       $ —         $ 55       $ —     

International companies

     58         —           58         —     

Fixed-income securities

     24         —           24         —     

Annuity insurance contract

     42         —           —           42   

Other investments

     4         —           4         —     
                                   

Total

   $ 183       $ —         $ 141       $ 42   
                                   

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:

           

Deposit administration fund

   $ 58       $ —         $ —         $ 58   
                                   
     UAL and United - 2009  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Pension Plan Assets:

           

Fixed income funds

   $ 25       $ —         $ 25       $ —     

Equity security funds

     81         —           81         —     

Annuity insurance contract

     41         —           —           41   

Other investments

     9         —           9         —     
                                   

Total

   $ 156       $ —         $ 115       $ 41   
                                   

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:

           

Deposit administration fund

   $ 58       $ —         $ —         $ 58   
                                   

 

     Continental Successor - 2010            Continental Predecessor - 2009  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3            Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Pension Plan Assets:

                           

Equity security funds:

                           

U.S. companies

   $ 839       $ —         $ 839       $ —             $ 661       $ —         $ 661       $ —     

International companies

     358         —           358         —               292         —           292         —     

Fixed-income securities

     341         —           341         —               290         —           290         —     

Private equity funds

     150         —           —           150             128         —           —           128   
                                                                           

Total

   $ 1,688       $ —         $ 1,538       $ 150           $ 1,371       $ —         $ 1,243       $ 128   
                                                                           

 

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United

Fixed income and equity. The fair market value reflects the combined market value of the underlying stock and/or market value of the underlying debt securities. The market value of the common stock portion, if any, of the fund is based on the primary-exchange closing prices of the stocks of the fund.

Insurance contract and deposit administration fund. Both of these investments are stable investment vehicles structured to provide investment income. Generally, the deposit administration fund assets are not subject to market volatilities as the fund earns a stated return, determined at the beginning of each year. Similarly, the insurance contract is not subject to market volatility. Due to the conservative nature of the underlying assets, the cost of these investments approximates their fair value.

Continental

Fixed income and equity. Equity security funds invest in large-cap and small-cap companies. Fixed-income securities include corporate bonds of companies in diversified industries and asset and mortgage-backed securities. Investments in equity securities and fixed-income securities are commingled funds valued at the unit of participation value of shares held by the plans’ trust.

Private equity. The private equity funds invest primarily in common stock of companies in diversified industries and in buyout, venture capital and special situation funds. Investments in private equity funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plans’ trust at year end.

The reconciliation of our defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in millions):

 

     2010      2009  
     UAL     United     Continental (a)      UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 99      $ 99      $ 128       $ 103      $ 127   

Assumed in Merger

     139        —          —           —          —     

Actual return on plan assets:

           

Unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at year end

     13        2        21         2        (2

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net)

     (1     (1     1         (6     3   
                                         

Balance at end of year

   $ 250      $ 100      $ 150       $ 99      $ 128   
                                         

 

(a) Continental in 2010 represents combined Predecessor and Successor.

Funding requirements for tax-qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by government regulations. The Company’s contributions reflected above have satisfied its required contributions through the 2010 calendar year. Expected 2011 employer contributions to all of the Company’s pension and postretirement plans are as follows (in millions):

 

     Pension      Other
Postretirement  Benefits
 

UAL

   $ 141       $ 161   

United

     15         145   

Continental

     126         16   

 

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Each of UAL’s, United’s and Continental’s estimated future benefit payments, net of expected participant contributions, in all of the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2010 were (in millions):

 

     Pension      Other
Postretirement
     Other Postretirement—  
subsidy receipts
 

UAL

                    

2011

   $ 227       $ 162       $ 13   

2012

     239         163         15   

2013

     251         166         16   

2014

     253         171         18   

2015

     256         176         19   

Years 2016 – 2020

     1,266         974         110   

United

                    

2011

   $ 11       $ 146       $ 13   

2012

     11         146         15   

2013

     12         147         16   

2014

     13         151         18   

2015

     10         155         19   

Years 2016 – 2020

     60         854         110   

Continental

                    

2011

   $ 216       $ 16       $ —     

2012

     228         17         —     

2013

     239         19         —     

2014

     240         20         —     

2015

     246         21         —     

Years 2016 – 2020

     1,206         120         —     

Defined Contribution and Multi-Employer Plans

Depending upon the employee group, employer contributions consist of matching contributions and/or non-elective employer contributions. United’s and Continental’s employer contribution percentages vary from 1% to 16% and less than 1% to 12.75%, respectively, of eligible earnings depending on the terms of each plan. The Company’s contributions to its defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

     UAL (a)      United (a)      Continental
Successor
           Continental
Predecessor
 

2010

   $ 254       $ 231       $ 23           $ 74   

2009

     244         244         —               93   

2008

     248         248         —               88   

 

(a) UAL and United amounts include IAM multi-employer plan contributions of $34 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

In 2006, United began participating in the International Association of Machinists (“IAM”) National Pension Plan with respect to certain employees. The IAM plan is a multi-employer pension plan whereby contributions by the participating company are based on hours worked by the applicable covered employees.

Under multi-employer plans of this type, assets contributed by all participating companies are not segregated or restricted to provide benefits specifically to the employees of such participating company. In

 

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accordance with applicable accounting rules for multi-employer plans, the participating company would only recognize a withdrawal obligation if it becomes probable it would withdraw from such plan.

Profit Sharing Plans

UAL, United, Continental Successor and Continental Predecessor recorded profit sharing and related payroll tax expense of $166 million, $165 million, less than $1 million and $77 million, respectively, in 2010. Profit sharing expense is recorded as a component of salaries and related costs in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did not record profit sharing expense in 2009 or 2008 due to pretax losses. During 2010, United and Continental maintained separate employee profit sharing plans for the employees of each respective subsidiary. United’s profit sharing plan pays 15% of total GAAP pre-tax profits, excluding special items and stock compensation expense, to the employees of United when pre-tax profit excluding special items, profit sharing expense and stock-based compensation program expense exceeds $10 million. Continental’s profit sharing plan creates an award pool of 15% of annual pre-tax income excluding special, unusual or non-recurring items.

NOTE 10—SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise with separate financial information, which are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker and are used in resource allocation and performance assessments. Prior to the Merger, the Company managed its business by two reporting segments: Mainline and Regional. In connection with the Merger integration and design of the new organization, the new management determined that the Company will be managed as one segment, airline operations, because the Company’s services are passenger and cargo air transportation. The Company has retrospectively applied its new segment reporting.

Managing the Company as one segment allows management the opportunity to maximize the value of its route network. The Company has multiple aircraft fleets that are deployed across its route network through a single route scheduling system to maximize the value of UAL. When making resource allocation decisions, the Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates flight profitability data, which considers aircraft type and route economics, but gives no weight to the financial impact of the resource allocation decision on an individual carrier basis. The Company’s chief operating decision maker makes resource allocation decisions to maximize the Company’s consolidated financial results.

 

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The Company’s operating revenue by principal geographic region (as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation) for the years ended December 31, is presented in the table below (in millions):

 

2010

   UAL      United      Continental
Successor
            Continental
Predecessor
 

Domestic (U.S. and Canada)

   $ 14,329       $ 12,354       $ 1,991            $ 5,870   

Pacific

     3,947         3,576         371              1,080   

Atlantic

     3,897         3,197         700              2,299   

Latin America

     1,056         555         501              1,539   
                                        

Total

   $ 23,229       $ 19,682       $ 3,563            $ 10,788   
                                        
 

2009

                                  

Domestic (U.S. and Canada)

   $ 10,775       $ 10,799               $ 7,152   

Pacific

     2,628         2,628                 1,137   

Atlantic

     2,538         2,538                 2,498   

Latin America

     394         394                 1,836   
                                  

Total

   $ 16,335       $ 16,359               $ 12,623   
                                  
 

2008

                                  

Domestic (U.S. and Canada)

   $ 12,819       $ 12,862               $ 8,643   

Pacific

     3,712         3,712                 1,220   

Atlantic

     3,055         3,055                 3,332   

Latin America

     608         608                 2,155   
                                  

Total

   $ 20,194       $ 20,237               $ 15,350   
                                  

The Company attributes revenue among the geographic areas based upon the origin and destination of each flight segment. The Company’s operations involve an insignificant level of dedicated revenue-producing assets in geographic regions as the overwhelming majority of the Company’s revenue producing assets (primarily U.S. registered aircraft) can be deployed in any of its geographic regions.

 

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NOTE 11—ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The UAL and United accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2010 is net of deferred income tax expense of approximately $116 million. The tables below present the components of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in millions).

 

UAL

   Pension and
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Unrecognized

Actuarial
Gains (Losses)
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives
and other
Financial
Instruments
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 141      $ —        $ 141   

Change in fair value of financial instruments

     —          (37     (37

Employee benefit plans:

      

Reclassification unrecognized net actuarial gains into earnings

     (19     —          (19

Current year actuarial gain

     8        —          8   
                        

Balance at December 31, 2008

     130        (37     93   

Change in fair value of financial instruments

     —          15        15   

Employee benefit plans:

      

Reclassification unrecognized net actuarial gains into earnings

     (9     —          (9

Current year actuarial loss

     (64     —          (64
                        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     57        (22     35   

Derivative financial instruments:

      

Reclassification of losses into earnings

     —          68        68   

Change in fair value of derivatives

     —          168        168   

Change in fair value of other financial instruments

     —          21        21   

Employee benefit plans:

      

Reclassification unrecognized net actuarial gains into earnings

     (12     —          (12

Current year actuarial gain

     107        —          107   
                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 152      $ 235      $ 387   
                        

 

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United

   Pension and
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Unrecognized

Actuarial
Gains (Losses)
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on Derivative
Instruments
and Other
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 141      $ —        $ 141   

Change in fair value of financial instruments

     —          (37     (37

Employee benefit plans:

      

Reclassification of unrecognized net actuarial gains into earnings

     (19     —          (19

Current year actuarial gain

     8        —          8   
                        

Balance at December 31, 2008

     130        (37     93   

Change in fair value of financial instruments

     —          15        15   

Employee benefit plans:

      

Reclassification of unrecognized net actuarial gains into earnings

     (9     —          (9

Current year actuarial loss

     (64     —          (64
                        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     57        (22     35   

Derivative financial instruments:

      

Reclassification of losses into earnings

     —          84        84   

Change in fair value of derivatives

     —          101        101   

Change in fair value of other financial instruments

     —          19        19   

Employee benefit plans:

      

Reclassification of unrecognized net actuarial gains into earnings

     (12     —          (12

Current year actuarial loss

     (136     —          (136
                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ (91   $ 182      $ 91   
                        

 

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    Pension and Other
Postretirement Benefits
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on
Derivatives
and other
Financial
Instruments
    Income
Tax
Benefit
(Expense)
       

Continental—Predecessor Company

  Unrecognized
Prior Service
Cost
    Unrecognized
Actuarial
Gains
(Losses)
        Total  

Balance at December 31, 2007

  $ (250   $ (520   $ 29      $ 236      $ (505

Derivative financial instruments:

         

Reclassification of losses into earnings

    —          —          170       —          170   

Change in fair value

    —          —          (608     —          (608

Unrealized loss on student loan-related auction rate securities

    —          —          (3     —          (3

Employee benefit plans:

         

Reclassification of unrecognized net actuarial loss into earnings

    —          85        —          —          85   

Reclassification of prior service cost into earnings

    31        —          —          —          31   

Current year actuarial loss

    —          (926     —          —          (926
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2008

    (219     (1,361     (412     236        (1,756

Derivative financial instruments:

         

Reclassification of losses into earnings

    —          —          375       —          375   

Change in fair value of derivatives

    —          —          46       —          46   

Unrealized gain on student loan-related auction rate securities

    —          —          3        —          3   

Employee benefit plans:

         

Reclassification of unrecognized net actuarial loss into earnings

    —          138        —          —          138   

Reclassification of prior service cost into earnings

    31        —          —          —          31   

Current year actuarial gain

    —          136        —          —          136   

Income tax expense on other comprehensive income (a)

    —          —          —          (158     (158
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2009

    (188     (1,087     12        78        (1,185

Derivative financial instruments:

         

Reclassification of losses into earnings

    —          —          24        —          24   

Change in fair value of derivatives

    —          —          (13     —          (13

Employee benefit plans:

         

Reclassification of unrecognized net actuarial loss into earnings

    —          62        —          —          62   

Reclassification of prior service cost into earnings

    23        —          —          —          23   

Current year actuarial loss

    —          (3     —          —          (3
                                       

Balance at September 30, 2010

  $ (165   $ (1,028   $ 23      $ 78      $ (1,092
                                       

Continental—Successor Company

                             

Elimination of accumulated other comprehensive income in connection with the Merger

  $ 165      $ 1,028      $ (23   $ (78   $ 1,092   

Balance at October 1, 2010

    —          —          —          —          —     

Derivative financial instruments:

         

Reclassification of gains into earnings

    —          —          (16     —          (16

Change in fair value of derivatives

    —          —          67        —          67   

Unrealized gain on student loan-related auction rate securities

    —          —          2        —          2   

Current year actuarial gain

    —          243        —          —          243   

Income tax expense on other comprehensive income (a)

    —          —          —          (6     (6
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2010

  $ —        $ 243      $ 53      $ (6   $ 290   
                                       

 

(a) Taxes on other comprehensive income did not impact Continental’s net deferred tax position due to an offsetting tax benefit on the loss from continuing operations as described in Note 8.

 

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NOTE 12—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Information. Accounting standards require us to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

Level 1—Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

Level 2—Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs

Level 3—Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require us to develop our own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities

The table below presents disclosures about the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31 (in millions):

 

     2010      2009  
     Total     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  
     UAL  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,069      $ 8,069       $ —        $ —         $ 3,061      $ 3,061       $ —        $ —     

EETC

     66        —           —          66         51        —           —          51   

Short-term investments:

                   

Auction rate securities

     119        —           —          119         —          —           —          —     

CDARS

     45        45         —          —           —          —           —          —     

Asset-backed securities

     258        258         —          —           —          —           —          —     

Corporate debt

     135        135         —          —           —          —           —          —     

U.S. government and agency notes

     39        39         —          —           —          —           —          —     

Other fixed income securities

     15        15         —          —           —          —           —          —     

Current fuel derivative instruments asset

     375        —           375        —           138        —           138        —     

Foreign currency derivatives

     (7     —           (7     —           —          —           —          —     

Restricted cash

     160        160         —          —           —          —           —          —     

Current fuel derivative instruments liability

     —          —           —          —           (5     —           (5     —     
     United  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,665      $ 4,665       $ —        $ —         $ 3,061      $ 3,061       $ —        $ —     

EETC

     66        —           —          66         51        —           —          51   

Current fuel derivative instruments asset

     277        —           277        —           138        —           138        —     

Current fuel derivative instruments liability

     —          —           —          —           (5     —           (5     —     

 

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     Continental Successor           Continental Predecessor  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,398      $ 3,398       $ —        $ —            $ 2,546       $ 2,546       $ —         $ —     

Short-term investments:

                        

Auction rate securities

     119        —           —          119            201         —           —           201   

CDARS

     45        45         —          —              103         103         —           —     

Asset-backed securities

     258        258         —          —              6         6         —           —     

Corporate debt

     135        135         —          —              —           —           —           —     

U.S. government and agency notes

     39        39         —          —              —           —           —           —     

Other fixed income securities

     15        15         —          —              —           —           —           —     

Current fuel derivative instruments asset

     98        —           98        —              14         —           14         —     

Foreign currency derivatives

     (7     —           (7     —              5         —           5         —     

Restricted cash

     160        160         —          —              164         164         —           —     

Auction rate securities put right

     —          —           —          —              20         —           —           20   

Convertible debt derivative asset

     286        —           —          286            —           —           —           —     

Convertible debt option liability

     (164     —           —          (164         —           —           —           —     

The table below presents disclosures about the activity for “Level Three” financial assets and financial liabilities (in millions):

 

     2010            2009  

UAL (a)

   Student
Loan-Related
Auction Rate
Securities
     EETC            EETC  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ —         $ 51           $ 46   

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net)

     —           (4          (10

Acquired in Merger

     117         —               —     

Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

     2         19             15   
                              

Balance at end of year

   $ 119       $ 66           $ 51   
                              

 

(a) For 2009, amounts also represent United. For 2010, United’s only Level 3 recurring measurement are the above EETCs.

As of December 31, 2010, the auction rate securities, which had a par value of $145 million, were variable-rate debt instruments with contractual maturities generally greater than ten years and whose interest rates are reset every 7, 28 or 35 days, depending on the terms of the particular instrument. These securities are secured by pools of student loans guaranteed by state-designated guaranty agencies and reinsured by the U.S. government. All of the auction rate securities Continental holds are senior obligations under the applicable indentures authorizing the issuance of the securities. Auctions for these securities began failing in the first quarter of 2008 and have continued to fail, resulting in Continental holding such securities and the issuers of these securities paying interest adjusted to the maximum contractual rates.

 

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As of December 31, 2010, the United enhanced equipment trust certificate (“EETC”) securities have an amortized cost basis of $70 million and unrealized losses of $4 million and represent a portion of United’s previously issued and outstanding EETC securities which were repurchased in open market transactions in 2007. As of December 31, 2010, these investments have been in an unrealized loss position for a period of over twelve months. However, United has not recognized an impairment loss in earnings related to these securities because United does not intend or expect to be required to sell the securities and expects to recover its entire amortized cost basis. United expects to collect the full principal balance and all related interest payments. All changes in the fair value of these investments have been classified within accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

     2010           2009  

(In millions)
    
    

Continental (a)

   Student
Loan-Related
Auction Rate
Securities
    Auction
Rate
Securities
Put Right
    Convertible
Debt
Supplemental
Derivative
Asset
    Convertible
Debt
Conversion
Option
Liability
          Student
Loan-Related
Auction Rate
Securities
    Auction
Rate
Securities
Put Right
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 201      $ 20      $ —        $ —            $ 229      $ 26   

Merger impact (Note 14)

     —          —          520        (230         —          —     

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net)

     (106     —          (263     89            (40     —     

Gains and losses:

                

Reported in earnings:

                

Realized

     23        (21     47        (36         8        (7

Unrealized

     —          1        (18     13            1        1   

Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

     1        —          —          —              3        —     
                                                    

Balance at end of period

   $ 119      $ —        $ 286      $ (164       $ 201      $ 20   
                                                    

 

(a) For 2010, amounts represent combined Continental Successor and Predecessor. For 2009, amounts represent Continental Predecessor.

During the first nine months of 2010, Continental sold, at par, auction rate securities having a par value of $106 million. Certain of these auction rate securities were subject to a put right granted to Continental by an institution permitting Continental to sell to the institution at their full par value certain auction rate securities. Continental classified the auction rate securities underlying the put right as trading securities and elected the fair value option under applicable accounting standards for the put right, with changes in the fair value of the put right and the underlying auction rate securities recognized in earnings currently. Continental recognized gains on the sales using the specific identification method. The gains were substantially offset by the cancellation of the related put rights. The net gains are included in other non-operating income (expense) in the Continental Predecessor statement of consolidated operations and were not material. The Company did not hold any put rights as of December 31, 2010.

Derivative instruments and investments presented in the tables above have the same fair value as their carrying value. The table below presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments not presented in the tables above for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

     2010      2009  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
 

UAL debt

   $ 13,845       $ 14,995       $ 6,923       $ 6,298   

United debt

     7,026         7,350         6,577         5,745   

Lease deposits—UAL and United

     —           —           326         340   

Continental debt (a)

     6,401         6,663         6,070         5,756   

 

(a) Represents Continental Successor and Predecessor as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Fair value of the Company’s financial instruments was determined as follows:

 

Description

  

Fair Value Methodology

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Short Term Investments (other than Auction Rate Securities), Restricted Cash, Trade Receivables, Fuel Hedge Collateral Deposits, Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities    The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these assets and liabilities. These assets have maturities of less than one year except for corporate debt, which generally has maturities of less than two years.
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates    The EETCs are not actively traded on an exchange. Fair value is based on the trading prices of United’s and Continental’s EETCs or similar EETC instruments issued by other airlines. An income approach, which uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectations about those future amounts, including present value techniques, was used to determine fair values of the EETCs. Significant inputs to the valuation models include contractual terms, risk-free interest rates and credit spreads.
Auction rate securities    Fair value is estimated taking into consideration the limited sales and offers to purchase such securities and using internally-developed models of the expected future cash flows related to the securities. Our models incorporated our probability-weighted assumptions about the cash flows of the underlying student loans and discounts to reflect a lack of liquidity in the market for these securities.
Fuel Derivative Instruments    Derivative contracts are privately negotiated contracts and are not exchange traded. Fair value measurements are estimated with option pricing models that employ observable inputs. Inputs to the valuation models include contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, fuel price curves and measures of volatility, among others.
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments    Fair value is determined with a formula utilizing observable inputs. Significant inputs to the valuation models include contractual terms, risk-free interest rates and forward exchange rates.
Debt    Fair values were based on either market prices or the discounted amount of future cash flows using our current incremental rate of borrowing for similar liabilities.
Convertible Debt Asset or Liability (Continental)    The Company used a binomial lattice model to value the conversion options and the supplement derivative assets. Significant binomial model inputs that are not objectively determinable include volatility and discount rate.

 

 

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Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

The table below presents fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets that were performed during the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

     2010      2009  
     Fair Value      Loss      Fair Value      Loss  

UAL

                           

Nonoperating aircraft and spare engines

   $ 128       $ 120       $ 310       $ 93   

Routes

     124         29         —           —     

Tradename

     —           —           420         150   

United

                           

Nonoperating aircraft and spare engines

   $ 128       $ 120       $ 310       $ 93   

Routes

     124         29         —           —     

Tradename

     —           —           420         150   

Continental—Predecessor

                           

Nonoperating aircraft

   $ —         $ —         $ 172       $ 31   

The Company utilized the market approach to estimate the fair value of its aircraft. In 2010, the estimated fair value of the routes was determined using an income approach.

In 2009, the Company estimated the fair value of its tradename using a discounted cash flow model. The key inputs to the discounted cash flow model were the Company’s historical and estimated future revenues, an assumed royalty rate and discount rate among others. While certain of these inputs are observable, significant judgment was required to select certain inputs from observable and unobservable market data. The decrease in fair value of the tradename was due to lower estimated revenues resulting from the weak economic environment and the Company’s capacity reductions, among other factors. See Note 21 for additional information related to these asset impairments.

 

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NOTE 13—HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Fuel Derivatives

As of December 31, 2010, our projected fuel requirements for 2011 were hedged as follows:

 

     Maximum Price      Minimum Price  
     % of
Expected
Consumption
    Weighted
Average
Price
(per gallon)
     % of
Expected
Consumption
    Weighted
Average
Price
(per gallon)
 

UAL (a)

         

Heating oil swaps

     9   $ 2.22         9   $ 2.22   

Heating oil call options

     9        2.23         N/A        N/A   

West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude oil swaps

     9        2.02         9        2.02   

WTI crude oil call options

     6        2.24         N/A        N/A   

WTI crude oil collars

     2        2.29         2        1.57   
                     

Total

     35        20  
                     

United

         

Heating oil swaps

     15   $ 2.22         15   $ 2.22   

Heating oil call options

     15        2.23         N/A        N/A   

WTI crude oil swaps

     5        2.12         5        2.12   

WTI crude oil call options

     2        2.27         N/A        N/A   
                     

Total

     37        20  
                     

Continental

         

WTI crude oil swaps

     14   $ 1.97         14   $ 1.97   

WTI crude oil call options

     10        2.24         N/A        N/A   

WTI crude oil collars

     4        2.29         4        1.57   
                     

Total

     28        18  
                     

 

(a) Represents a hedge of approximately 60% of UAL’s expected first quarter consumption with a decreasing level of hedge coverage throughout 2011.

Aircraft fuel has been the Company’s single largest operating expense for the last several years. In addition, aircraft fuel is a globally traded commodity with significant price volatility. Aircraft fuel prices fluctuate based on market expectations of supply and demand, among other factors. Increases in fuel prices may adversely impact the Company’s financial performance, operating cash flows and financial position as greater amounts of cash may be required to obtain aircraft fuel for operations. To protect against increases in the prices of aircraft fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements, provided the hedges are expected to be cost effective. The Company uses fixed price swaps, purchased call options, collars or other commonly used financial hedge instruments based on fuel or closely related commodities, such as heating and crude oils. The Company strives to maintain fuel hedging levels and exposure generally consistent with industry standards, so that the Company’s fuel cost is not disproportionate to the fuel costs of its major competitors. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for non-risk management purposes.

Prior to April 1, 2010, United’s instruments classified as economic hedges were not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges under accounting principles related to hedge accounting. All changes in the fair value of economic hedges were recorded in income, with the offset to either current assets or liabilities in each reporting period. Economic fuel hedge gains and losses were classified as part of aircraft fuel expense, and fuel hedge gains and losses from instruments that are not deemed economic hedges were classified as part of nonoperating income/expense.

 

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Effective April 1, 2010, United designated substantially all of its outstanding fuel derivative contracts as cash flow hedges under applicable accounting standards. In addition, substantially all new fuel derivative contracts entered into subsequent to April 1, 2010 by United were designated as cash flow hedges. Continental applied cash flow hedge accounting for all periods presented in these financial statements.

Accounting pronouncements pertaining to derivative instruments and hedging are complex with stringent requirements, including documentation of hedging strategy, statistical analysis to qualify a commodity for hedge accounting both on a historical and a prospective basis, and strict contemporaneous documentation that is required at the time each hedge is designated as a cash flow hedge. As required, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each of its individual hedges on a quarterly basis. The Company also examines the effectiveness of its entire hedging program on a quarterly basis utilizing statistical analysis. This analysis involves utilizing regression and other statistical analyses that compare changes in the price of aircraft fuel to changes in the prices of the commodities used for hedging purposes.

Upon proper qualification, the Company accounts for its fuel derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. All derivatives designated as hedges that meet certain requirements are granted special hedge accounting treatment. Generally, utilizing the special hedge accounting, all periodic changes in fair value of the derivatives designated as hedges that are considered to be effective are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) until the underlying fuel is consumed and recorded in fuel expense. The Company is exposed to the risk that its hedges may not be effective in offsetting changes in the cost of fuel and that its hedges may not continue to qualify for special hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness results when the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument exceeds the change in the value of the Company’s expected future cash outlay to purchase and consume fuel. To the extent that the periodic changes in the fair value of the derivatives are not effective, that ineffectiveness is classified as other nonoperating income (expense).

If the Company terminates a derivative prior to its contractual settlement date, then the cumulative gain or loss recognized in AOCI at the termination date remains in AOCI until the forecasted transaction occurs. In a situation where it becomes probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains and/or losses that have been recorded to AOCI would be required to be immediately reclassified into earnings. All cash flows associated with purchasing and settling derivatives are classified as operating cash flows in the statements of cash flow.

The Company records each derivative instrument as a derivative asset or liability (on a gross basis) in its consolidated balance sheets, and, accordingly, records any related collateral on a gross basis. The table below presents the fair value amounts of fuel derivative assets and liabilities and the location of amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements. As of December 31, 2010, all of the Company’s fuel derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges. As of December 31, 2009, none of United’s fuel derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges. For each year in the three year period ended December 31, 2010, Continental did not have any significant gains (losses) on undesignated contracts except for recognized losses of $125 million in 2008. See Note 21 for additional information related to the $125 million loss, which was related to a fuel hedge counterparty that filed for bankruptcy protection. These hedges, which were initially designated as cash flow hedges, were no longer considered to be highly effective after the counterparty declared bankruptcy. These contracts settled in 2009.

 

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At December 31, the Company’s derivatives were reported in its consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions):

 

          December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
      Balance Sheet
Location
   UAL     United     Continental
Successor
    UAL &
United
    Continental
Predecessor
 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

             

Assets:

             

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Receivables    $ 375      $ 277      $ 98      $ —        $ 14   
                                           

Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges

             

Assets:

             

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Receivables    $ —        $ —        $ —         $ 138      $ —     
                                           

Convertible debt supplemental indenture derivative assets

  

Other assets:
Other, net
   $ —        $ —        $ 286      $ —        $ —     
                                           

Liabilities:

             

Convertible debt conversion option liabilities

   Other liabilities
and deferred
credits: Other
   $ —        $ —        $ (164   $ —        $ —     
                                           

The following tables present the fuel hedge gains (losses) recognized during the periods presented and their classification in the financial statements (in millions):

 

Fuel derivatives

designated as cash flow

hedges

   Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Recognized
in AOCI on Derivatives
(Effective portion)
     Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income

(Fuel Expense)
(Effective Portion)
    Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Recognized in
Income (Nonoperating
Expense)

(Ineffective Portion)
 
         2010             2009              2010             2009             2010             2009      

UAL

   $ 170      $ —         $ (70   $ —        $ 10      $ —     

United

     101        —           (84     —          8        —     

Continental - Successor

     69        N/A         14        N/A        2        N/A   

Continental - Predecessor

     (4     36         (23     (380     (2     7   

 

Derivatives not designated as cash

flow hedges

   Aircraft Fuel Gain (Loss)     Nonoperating Income
(Expense)
    Total Gain (Loss)  
     2010     2009      2008     2010     2009      2008     2010     2009      2008  

Fuel:

                     

UAL/United

   $ (35   $ 104       $ (608   $ —        $ 31       $ (528   $ (35   $ 135       $ (1,136

Convertible Debt Supplemental Indenture Derivative Assets:

                     

Continental Successor

   $ —        $ —         $ —        $ 29      $ —         $ —        $ 29      $ —         $ —         

Convertible Debt Conversion Option Liabilities:

                     

Continental Successor

   $ —        $ —         $ —        $ (23   $ —         $ —        $ (23   $ —         $ —         

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company generates revenues and incurs expenses in numerous foreign currencies. Such expenses include fuel, aircraft leases, commissions, catering, personnel expense, advertising and distribution costs, customer service expense and aircraft maintenance. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows through changes in the dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses. When management believes risk reduction can be effectively

 

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achieved, the Company may use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not enter into foreign currency derivative contracts for purposes other than risk management. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, United did not have any foreign currency derivatives. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Continental had foreign currency derivatives with fair values of $7 million and $5 million, respectively. Hedge gains (losses) were not significant in any of the periods presented in these financial statements.

Derivative Credit Risk and Fair Value

The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to its derivative instruments. The Company enters into master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. While the Company records derivative instruments on a gross basis, the Company monitors its net derivative position with each counterparty to monitor credit risk. As of December 31, 2010, United and Continental had net derivative assets of $277 million and $98 million, respectively, with certain of their fuel derivative counterparties. Based on the fair value of our fuel derivative instruments, our counterparties may require us to post collateral when the price of the underlying commodity decreases, and we may require our counterparties to provide us with collateral when the price of the underlying commodity increases. The Company was not required to post cash collateral with any of its fuel derivative counterparties at December 31, 2010. United was required to post $10 million of cash collateral with certain of its fuel derivative counterparties at December 31, 2009. Continental was not required to post cash collateral with any of its fuel derivative counterparties at December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2010, United’s counterparties had provided cash collateral of $63 million, which United recorded as an asset, in addition to an obligation to return the cash collateral. Therefore, United’s and Continental’s potential credit-risk loss based on the value of the fuel derivatives as of December 31, 2010, if all counterparties were to fail to perform collectively and simultaneously as of that date is $214 million and $98 million, respectively.

The Company considers counterparty credit risk in determining its exposure and the fair value of its financial instruments. The Company considers credit risk to have a minimal impact on fair value because cash collateral is provided by the Company’s hedging counterparties periodically based on current market exposure and the credit-worthiness of the counterparties.

 

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NOTE 14—DEBT

 

(In millions)   At December 31,  
     2010           2009  

United:

     

Secured

     

Notes payable, fixed interest rates of 5.74% to 12.00% (weighted average rate of 8.89% as of December 31, 2010), payable through 2022

  $ 2,469        $ 2,464   

Floating rate notes, LIBOR plus 0.20% to 11.30%, payable through 2020

    1,165          1,496   

9.875% senior secured notes and 12.0% second lien due 2013

    700          —     

12.75% senior second lien notes due 2013

    173          175   

Amended credit facility, LIBOR plus 2.0%, due 2014

    1,237          1,255   

Unsecured

     

4.5% senior limited subordination convertible notes due 2021

    726          726   

6% senior notes due 2031

    615          580   

5% senior convertible notes due 2021

    150          150   

Other

    72          78   
                 
    7,307          6,924   

Less: unamortized debt discount

    (281       (347

Less: current portion of long-term debt—United

    (1,546       (544
                 

Long-term debt, net—United

  $ 5,480        $ 6,033   
                 
     

Continental:

    (Successor         (Predecessor

Secured

       

Notes payable, fixed interest rates of 4.75% to 9.25% (weighted average rate of 7.0% as of December 31, 2010), payable through 2022

  $ 3,290          $ 3,077   

Floating rate notes, LIBOR plus 0.35% to 5.0%, payable through 2020

    1,407            1,957   

6.75% senior secured notes due 2015

    800            —     

Advance purchases of mileage credits

    273            275   

Other

    —              5   
 

Unsecured

       

8.75% notes due 2011

    200            200   

6.0% convertible junior subordinated debentures due 2030

    248            248   

4.5% convertible notes due 2015

    230            230   

5% convertible notes due 2023

    —              175   

Other

    6            8   
                   
  $ 6,454          $ 6,175   

Less: unamortized debt (discount) premium (a)

    20            (105

Less: current maturities

    (865         (972
                   

Long-term debt, net—Continental (a)

  $ 5,609          $ 5,098   
                   
 

UAL Consolidated:

       

6% senior convertible notes due 2029

  $ 345          $ 345   
                   

Long-term debt, net—UAL (consolidated)

  $ 11,434          $ 6,378   
                   

 

(a) As further described below under “Convertible Debt Securities,” there is a basis difference between UAL and Continental debt values, because we were required to apply different accounting methodologies. The Continental debt balances presented above do not equal the Continental balance sheet by the amount of this adjustment.

 

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United has a $255 million revolving loan commitment available under Tranche A of its Amended Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, United used $253 million and $254 million, respectively, of the Tranche A commitment capacity for letters of credit. In addition, under a separate agreement, United had a $150 million unused line of credit as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, Continental had letters of credit and performance bonds relating to various real estate, customs and aircraft financing obligations in the amount of $73 million with expiration dates through December 2014.

The table below presents the Company’s contractual principal payments at December 31, 2010 under then-outstanding long-term debt agreements in each of the next five calendar years (in millions):

 

     UAL      United      Continental  

2011 (a)

   $ 2,411       $ 1,546       $ 865   

2012

     1,320         688         632   

2013

     1,835         1,151         684   

2014

     2,101         1,718         383   

2015

     1,953         403         1,550   

After 2015

     4,486         1,801         2,340   
                          
   $ 14,106       $ 7,307       $ 6,454   
                          

 

(a) Includes $726 million and $150 million of debt related to United’s 4.5% Senior Limited Subordination Convertible Notes and 5% Senior Convertible Notes, respectively, which are due in 2021. These notes were classified as current based on the put options available to noteholders in 2011, as further discussed below.

Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral for our debt. These assets principally consist of aircraft and related spare parts, route authorities and, in the case of United, loyalty program intangible assets. As of December 31, 2010, UAL, United and Continental were in compliance with their respective debt covenants. Continued compliance depends on many factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, including the overall industry revenue environment and the level of fuel costs.

The Company’s significant financing agreements are summarized below:

UAL—Parent Only

6% Senior Convertible Notes. The 6% Senior Convertible Notes due 2029 (the “UAL 6% Senior Convertible Notes”) are unsecured and may be converted by holders into shares of UAL common stock at an initial conversion price of approximately $8.69 per share of UAL common stock. UAL does not have the option to settle in cash upon a noteholder’s conversion; however, noteholders may require UAL to repurchase all or a portion of the notes for cash, common stock or a combination thereof, at its option, at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest if certain changes in control of UAL occur. UAL may redeem for cash all or part of the UAL 6% Senior Convertible Notes on or after October 15, 2014. In addition, holders of the UAL 6% Senior Convertible Notes have the right to require UAL to repurchase all or a portion of their notes on each of October 15, 2014, October 15, 2019 and October 15, 2024, payable by UAL in cash, shares of UAL common stock or a combination thereof, at its option.

UAL and United—Push Down of UAL Securities.

The 4.5% Senior Limited Subordination Convertible Notes due 2021 (the “UAL 4.5% Notes”), 5% Senior Convertible Notes due 2031 (the “UAL 5% Notes”) and 6% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “UAL 6% Senior Notes”), as further described below, were issued by UAL, have been pushed down to United and are reflected as debt of United. Each of these notes is guaranteed by United.

 

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The following table provides additional information about the UAL 4.5% Notes and UAL 5% Notes, which are convertible into UAL common stock at the noteholder’s option. UAL may elect to settle a conversion of the UAL 4.5% Notes or UAL 5% Notes with cash or shares of UAL common stock:

 

      As of December 31, 2010             As of December 31, 2009  

($ and shares in millions, except conversion prices)

   4.5% Notes      5% Notes             4.5% Notes      5% Notes  

Initial value of the equity component

     $   216         $     38            $ 216       $ 38   

Principal amount of the liability component

     726         150              726         150   

Unamortized discount of liability component

     29         1              80         11   

Net carrying amount of liability component

     697         149              646         139   

Remaining amortization period of discount

     6 months         1 month              

Conversion price

     $32.64         $43.90              

Number of shares to be issued upon conversion

     22.2         3.4              

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     4.5% Notes     5% Notes     4.5% Notes     5% Notes     4.5% Notes     5% Notes  

Contractual coupon interest

   $ 33      $ 7      $ 33      $ 7      $ 33      $ 7   

Amortization of discount

     53        10        46        9        40        8   

Effective interest rate

     12.8     12.1     12.8     12.1     12.8     12.1

4.5% Notes. The UAL 4.5% Notes due 2021 are unsecured and may be converted by holders into shares of UAL’s common stock at an initial conversion price of approximately $32.64 per share of UAL common stock. On each of June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2016, the noteholders have the option to require UAL to repurchase the notes. UAL may elect to pay the repurchase price in cash, shares of UAL common stock or a combination thereof. Noteholders may also require UAL to repurchase all or a portion of the notes for cash, common stock or a combination thereof, at its option, at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest if certain changes in control of UAL occur. The UAL 4.5% Notes are junior, in right of payment upon liquidation, to UAL’s obligations under the UAL 5% Notes and UAL 6% Senior Notes discussed below. The UAL 4.5% Notes are callable, at UAL’s option, at any time at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and can be redeemed with cash, shares of UAL common stock or a combination thereof, beginning in July 2011, except that UAL may elect to pay the redemption price in shares of UAL common stock only if the closing price of UAL common stock has not been less than 125% of the conversion price for the 60 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the redemption date.

5% Notes. The UAL 5% Notes due 2021 are unsecured and may be converted by holders into shares of UAL’s common stock at an initial conversion price of approximately $43.90 per share of UAL common stock. The noteholders of the UAL 5% Notes, which had a principal amount of $150 million, had the option to require UAL to repurchase the notes in February 2011. The noteholders surrendered $148 million of notes on the repurchase date and UAL settled the obligation in cash. Noteholders may also require UAL to repurchase all or a portion of the notes for cash, common stock or a combination thereof, at its option, at par plus any accrued and

 

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unpaid interest if certain changes in control of UAL occur. The UAL 5% Notes are callable, at UAL’s option, at any time at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and can be redeemed with cash, shares of UAL common stock or a combination thereof, beginning in February 2011. In the case of any such redemption, UAL may redeem these notes with shares of UAL common stock only if the closing price of UAL common stock has traded at no less than 125% of the conversion price for the 60 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the redemption date.

6% Senior Notes. The UAL 6% Senior Notes due 2031 are unsecured. UAL may pay interest in cash, or, on or prior to December 31, 2011, UAL may pay interest by issuing UAL common stock with a market value as of the close of business immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date equal to the amount of interest due or by issuing additional UAL 6% Senior Notes. UAL issued approximately $35 million of UAL 6% Senior Notes during the year ended December 31, 2010 to pay interest in-kind. Noteholders may also require UAL to repurchase all or a portion of the notes for cash, common stock or a combination thereof, at its option, at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest if certain changes in control of UAL occur. The UAL 6% Senior Notes are callable, at UAL’s option, at any time at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and can be redeemed with cash, shares of UAL common stock or a combination thereof.

United Amended Credit Facility. United’s Amended Credit Facility is comprised of two separate tranches: (i) a Tranche A consisting of $255 million revolving commitment available for Tranche A loans and standby letters of credit and (ii) a Tranche B consisting of a term loan which had a balance of $1,237 million as of December 31, 2010. The Tranche A loans mature on February 1, 2012 and the Tranche B loans mature on February 1, 2014.

Borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which, at United’s option, can be either a base rate or a LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin of 1.0% in the case of base rate loans and 2.0% in the case of LIBOR loans. The Tranche B term loan requires regularly scheduled semi-annual payments of principal equal to $9 million. United may prepay some or all of the Tranche B loans from time to time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount prepaid plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of prepayment, but without penalty or premium.

Amended Credit Facility Collateral. United’s obligations under the Amended Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by United Continental Holdings, Inc. and certain of its direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, other than certain immaterial subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). As of December 31, 2010, the Amended Credit Facility was secured by certain of United’s international route authorities, international slots, related gate interests and associated rights, aircraft, spare engines, primary slots at LaGuardia and Washington Reagan and flight simulators. The international routes include the Pacific (including China and Hong Kong, but excluding Japan) and London Heathrow routes (the “Primary Routes”) that United had as of February 2, 2007.

Amended Credit Facility Covenants. The Amended Credit Facility contains covenants that in certain circumstances may limit the ability of United and the Guarantors to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends on or repurchase stock, make certain types of investments, enter into transactions with affiliates, sell assets or merge with other companies, modify corporate documents or change lines of business.

UAL and United must maintain a specified minimum 1.5 to 1.0 ratio of EBITDAR to the sum of the following fixed charges for all applicable periods: (a) cash interest expense and (b) cash aircraft operating rental expense. EBITDAR represents earnings before interest expense net of interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, aircraft rent and certain other cash and non-cash credits and charges as further defined by the Amended Credit Facility. The other adjustments to EBITDAR include items such as foreign currency transaction losses, increases in our deferred revenue obligation, share-based compensation expense,

 

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non-recurring or unusual losses, any non-cash non-recurring charge or non-cash restructuring charge, a limited amount of cash restructuring charges, certain cash transaction costs incurred with financing activities and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

The Amended Credit Facility also requires compliance with the following financial covenants: (i) a minimum unrestricted cash balance (as defined by the Amended Credit Facility) of $1.0 billion at all times, and (ii) a minimum collateral ratio of 150% at any time, or 200% at any time following the release of the Primary Routes having an appraised value in excess of $1 billion in the aggregate, unless the Primary Routes are the only collateral then pledged, in which case a minimum collateral ratio of 150% is required. To date, Primary Routes having an appraised value of $875 million have been released. The minimum collateral ratio is calculated as the market value of collateral to the sum of (a) the aggregate outstanding amount of the loans, plus (b) the undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit, plus (c) the unreimbursed amount of drawings under such letters of credit and (d) the termination value of certain interest rate protection and hedging agreements with the Amended Credit Facility lenders and their affiliates.

Failure to comply with any applicable covenants in effect for any reporting period could result in a default under the Amended Credit Facility unless United obtains a waiver of or amendment of such covenants, or otherwise mitigates or cures, any such default. A default could result in a termination of the Amended Credit Facility and a requirement to accelerate repayment of all outstanding facility borrowings.

United Senior Secured Notes. In January 2010, United issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (the “United Senior Secured Notes”) and $200 million aggregate principal amount of 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013 (the “United Senior Second Lien Notes”) (collectively, the “United Senior Notes”). The United Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by UAL and UAL’s subsidiaries that are guarantors or direct obligors under its Amended Credit Facility. The United Senior Notes are secured by United’s route authority to operate between the United States and Japan and beyond Japan to points in other countries, certain airport takeoff and landing slots and airport gate leaseholds utilized in connection with these routes. Among other required covenants, the indentures governing the United Senior Notes contain a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum ratio of collateral value to debt obligations, which if not met may result in the acceleration of payments under the United Senior Notes. United may meet this minimum ratio by providing certain non-cash collateral and/or by redeeming, repurchasing or repaying in part the United Senior Notes pursuant to any available optional redemption provisions of the indentures governing the United Senior Notes. In addition, if United fails to maintain a collateral coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 on the United Senior Secured Notes, United must pay additional interest on the United Senior Notes at the rate of 2% per annum until the collateral coverage ratio on the United Senior Secured Notes equals at least 1.5 to 1.0. The indentures governing the United Senior Notes also contain a cross-acceleration provision pursuant to which a default resulting in the acceleration of indebtedness under the Amended Credit Facility would result in a default under such indentures. A default under the United Senior Notes could allow holders to accelerate the maturity of the obligations in these indentures.

United EETCs. United has several enhanced equipment trust certificate (“EETC”) financings outstanding. Generally, the structure of all of these EETC financings consist of pass-through trusts created by United to issue EETCs. The EETCs represent fractional undivided interests in the respective pass-through trusts and are not obligations of United. The proceeds of the issuance of the EETCs are used to purchase equipment notes which are issued by United and secured by United’s aircraft. The payment obligations of United under the equipment notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by UAL. In 2009, through two transactions, United created three pass through trusts to issue a total of approximately $1.5 billion of pass through certificates. In connection with these transactions, United issued $161 million of equipment notes in 2009 and the remaining amount of equipment notes ($1.308 billion) in 2010. Proceeds received from the sale of EETCs are initially held by a depository in escrow for the benefit of the certificate holders until United issues equipment notes to the trust, which purchases such notes with a portion of the escrowed funds. These escrowed funds are not guaranteed by United and are not reported as debt on United’s consolidated balance sheet because the proceeds held by the

 

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depositary are not United’s assets. Approximately $1.1 billion of the 2010 proceeds was used to repay equipment notes related to EETCs that had been issued in prior years and the remaining amount was used for general corporate purposes. See Note 16 for additional information related to the United EETCs.

Continental

6.75% Notes. In August 2010, Continental issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior secured notes due 2015 (the “Continental Senior Secured Notes”). Continental may redeem some or all of the Continental Senior Secured Notes at any time on or after September 15, 2012 at specified redemption prices. If Continental sells certain of its assets or if it experiences specific kinds of a change in control, Continental will be required to offer to repurchase the notes. Continental’s obligations under the notes are unconditionally guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. The Continental Senior Secured Notes and related guarantees are secured by certain of Continental’s U.S.-Asia and U.S.-London Heathrow routes and related assets, all of the outstanding common stock and other assets of the guarantor subsidiaries and substantially all of the other assets of the guarantors, including route authorities and related assets.

The indenture for the Continental Senior Secured Notes includes covenants that, among other things, restrict Continental’s ability to sell assets, incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, make investments or pay dividends. In addition, if Continental fails to maintain a collateral coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0, Continental must pay additional interest on notes at the rate of 2% per annum until the collateral coverage ratio equals at least 1.5 to 1.0. The indenture for the Continental Senior Secured Notes also includes events of default customary for similar financings. In conjunction with the issuance of the notes, Continental repaid a $350 million senior secured term loan credit facility that was due in June 2011.

Continental EETCs. Continental has several EETC financings outstanding, which are similar in structure to the United EETCs described above. In December 2010, Continental created two pass-through trusts, one of which issued approximately $363 million aggregate principal amount Class A pass-through certificates with a stated interest rate of 4.75% and one which issued approximately $64 million aggregate principal amount of Class B pass-through certificates with a stated interest rate of 6.0%. The proceeds of the issuance of the Class A and Class B pass-through trusts, which amounted to approximately $427 million, have been and will be used to purchase equipment notes issued by Continental. Of the $427 million in proceeds, $188 million was received in 2010 and the remaining amount is expected to be received in 2011. The proceeds have been and are expected to be used to fund the acquisition of new aircraft and in the case of currently owned aircraft, for general corporate purposes. In 2009, through two transactions Continental created three pass through trusts to issue a total of approximately $1.0 billion of certificates. In connection with these transactions, Continental issued $390 million of equipment notes in 2009 and $644 million of equipment notes in 2010. The proceeds from the issuances were used to finance the acquisition of new aircraft and in the case of currently owned aircraft, for general corporate purposes. Consistent with the United EETC structure described above, Continental records the debt obligation upon issuance of the equipment notes rather than upon the initial issuance of EETCs. See Note 16 for additional information related to the Continental EETCs.

Notes Secured by Spare Parts Inventory. Continental has two series of notes totaling $304 million, which bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin that are secured by the majority of its spare parts inventory. In connection with these equipment notes, Continental entered into a collateral maintenance agreement requiring it, among other things, to maintain a loan-to-collateral value ratio of not greater than 45% with respect to the senior series of equipment notes and a loan-to-collateral value ratio of not greater than 75% with respect to both series of notes combined. Continental must also maintain a certain level of rotable components within the spare parts collateral pool. These ratios are calculated semi-annually based on an independent appraisal of the spare parts collateral pool. If any of the collateral ratio requirements are not met, Continental must take action to meet all ratio requirements by adding additional eligible spare parts to the collateral pool, redeeming a portion of the outstanding notes, providing other collateral acceptable to the bond insurance policy provider for the senior series of equipment notes or any combination of the above actions.

 

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Advance Purchases of Mileage Credits. In December 2009, Continental entered into an amendment of its Debit Card Marketing Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan Chase”) under which JPMorgan Chase purchases frequent flyer mileage credits to be earned by One Pass members for making purchases using a Continental branded debit card issued by JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan Chase paid Continental $40 million in early 2010 for the advance purchase of frequent flyer mileage credits beginning January 1, 2016, or earlier in certain circumstances. The purchase of mileage credits has been treated as a loan from JPMorgan Chase and is reported as long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet.

In June 2008, Continental entered into an amendment and restatement of its Bankcard Joint Marketing Agreement (the “Bankcard Agreement”) with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”), under which Chase purchases frequent flyer mileage credits to be earned by OnePass members for making purchases using a Continental branded credit card issued by Chase. The Bankcard Agreement provided for a payment to Continental of $413 million, of which $235 million is related to the advance purchase of frequent flyer mileage credits for the year 2016. The assets that secure the Continental Senior Secured Notes also secure, on a junior lien basis, Continental’s obligations to JPMorgan Chase and Chase with respect to the frequent flyer mileage credits. The $235 million purchase of mileage credits has been treated as a loan from Chase and is reported as long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet. The liability will be reduced ratably in 2016 as the mileage credits are issued to Chase.

Convertible Debt Securities.

Following the Merger, UAL, Continental and the trustees for Continental’s 4.5% Convertible Notes, 5% Convertible Notes and 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures entered into supplemental indenture agreements which provide that Continental’s convertible debt, which was previously convertible into shares of Continental common stock, will be convertible into shares of UAL common stock upon the terms and conditions specified in the indentures. For purposes of the Continental separate-entity reporting, as a result of the Continental debt becoming convertible into the stock of a non-consolidated entity, the embedded conversion options in Continental’s convertible debt are required to be separated and accounted for as though they are free-standing derivatives. As a result, the carrying value of Continental’s debt, net of current maturities, on a separate-entity reporting basis as of October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, was $5,931 million and $5,536 million, respectively, which is $71 million and $73 million, respectively, lower than the consolidated UAL carrying values on those dates.

In addition, UAL’s contractual commitment to provide common stock to satisfy Continental’s obligation upon conversion of the debt is an embedded call option on UAL common stock that is also required to be separated and accounted for as though it is a free-standing derivative. The fair value of the indenture derivatives on a separate-entity reporting basis as of October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, was an asset of $520 million and $286 million, respectively. The fair value of the embedded conversion options as of October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, was a liability of $230 million and $164 million, respectively. The initial contribution of the indenture derivatives to Continental by UAL was accounted for as additional-paid-in-capital in Continental’s separate-entity financial statements. Changes in fair value of both the indenture derivatives and the embedded conversion options subsequent to October 1, 2010 are recognized currently in nonoperating income (expense). The decline in fair value of the indenture derivatives and the embedded conversion options during the three months ended December 31, 2010 was largely due to the conversion of Continental’s 5.0% Convertible Notes, which were redeemed with UAL shares in the fourth quarter of 2010. The net impact of the conversion of Continental’s 5.0% Convertible Notes and the adjustments to fair value of the indenture derivatives and the embedded conversion options was not material to Continental’s results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2010.

Continental 4.5% Notes. In December 2009, Continental issued $230 million in principal amount of 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015 (the “Continental 4.5% Notes”). The Continental 4.5% Notes, which were convertible into Continental common stock prior to the Merger, became convertible into UAL common stock at a

 

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conversion price of approximately $18.93 per share of UAL common stock. Continental does not have the option to pay the conversion price in cash. However, holders of the notes may require Continental to repurchase all or a portion of the notes for cash at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest if certain changes in control of Continental occur.

Continental 5% Notes. Continental’s $175 million 5% Convertible Notes, which were convertible into Continental common stock prior to the Merger, became convertible into UAL common stock at a conversion price of $19.0476 per share of UAL common stock. Prior to the Merger, the Continental 5% Notes were convertible into shares of Continental common stock. In the fourth quarter of 2010, Continental called the notes for redemption. The holders of substantially all of these notes exercised their right to convert their notes into shares of UAL common stock in lieu of cash redemption. During the fourth quarter of 2010, 9.2 million shares of UAL common stock were issued in connection with the conversion of these notes.

As of December 31, 2009, Continental’s 5% Convertible Notes had a principal amount, unamortized discount and net carrying amount of $175 million, $6 million and $169 million, respectively, and were convertible into shares of Continental common stock at a conversion price of $20 per share. The amount of interest expense recognized and effective interest rate for the Continental 5% Convertible Notes for the periods shown below, were as follows (in millions):

 

    

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

   

Year Ended

December 31,

 
     2010             2009                     2008          

Contractual coupon interest

   $ 6      $ 9      $ 9   

Amortization of discount

     6        12        11   
                        

Interest expense

   $ 12      $ 21      $ 20   
                        

Effective interest rate

     13     13     13

6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures. In November 2000, Continental Airlines Finance Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the “Trust”) of which Continental owns all the common trust securities, completed a private placement of five million 6% convertible preferred securities, called Term Income Deferrable Equity Securities or “TIDES.” The TIDES have a liquidation value of $50 per preferred security and are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of UAL common stock at a conversion rate of $57.14 per share of common stock (equivalent to approximately 0.875 of a share of UAL common stock for each preferred security). Distributions on the preferred securities are payable by the Trust at an annual rate of 6% of the liquidation value of $50 per preferred security.

The sole assets of the Trust are 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures (the “6% Convertible Debentures”) with an aggregate principal amount of $248 million as of December 31, 2010 issued by Continental and which mature on November 15, 2030. The 6% Convertible Debentures are redeemable by Continental, in whole or in part, on or after November 20, 2003 at designated redemption prices. If Continental redeems the 6% Convertible Debentures, the Trust must redeem the TIDES on a pro rata basis having an aggregate liquidation value equal to the aggregate principal amount of the 6% Convertible Debentures redeemed. Otherwise, the TIDES will be redeemed upon maturity of the 6% Convertible Debentures, unless previously converted.

Taking into consideration Continental’s obligations under (i) the preferred securities guarantee relating to the TIDES, (ii) the indenture relating to the 6% Convertible Debentures to pay all debt and obligations and all costs and expenses of the Trust (other than U.S. withholding taxes) and (iii) the indenture, the declaration of trust relating to the TIDES and the 6% Convertible Debentures, Continental has fully and unconditionally guaranteed payment of (i) the distributions on the TIDES, (ii) the amount payable upon redemption of the TIDES and (iii) the liquidation amount of the TIDES.

 

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NOTE 15—LEASES AND CAPACITY PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Company leases aircraft, airport passenger terminal space, aircraft hangars and related maintenance facilities, cargo terminals, other airport facilities, other commercial real estate, office and computer equipment and vehicles.

At December 31, 2010, the Company’s scheduled future minimum lease payments under operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms of more than one year, aircraft leases, including aircraft rent under capacity purchase agreements and capital leases (substantially all of which are for aircraft) were as follows (in millions):

 

     Operating Leases  
      UAL (a), (b)     United (c)     Continental (b)  

Aircraft Operating Leases

      

2011

   $ 1,711      $ 729      $ 1,000   

2012

     1,635        687        957   

2013

     1,576        637        941   

2014

     1,503        593        910   

2015

     1,218        415        803   

After 2015

     3,234        646        2,588   
                        
   $ 10,877      $ 3,707      $ 7,199   
                        

Facility and Other Operating Leases

      

2011

   $ 1,100      $ 639      $ 461   

2012

     1,077        555        522   

2013

     891        507        384   

2014

     816        449        367   

2015

     705        363        342   

After 2015

     5,988        2,545        3,443   
                        
   $ 10,577      $ 5,058      $ 5,519   
                        

Capital Leases (c)

      

2011

   $ 368      $ 351      $ 17   

2012

     222        206        16   

2013

     211        195        16   

2014

     197        181        16   

2015

     181        165        16   

After 2015

     850        483        367   
                        

Minimum lease payments

   $ 2,029      $ 1,581      $ 448   
                        

Imputed interest

     (741     (474     (267
                        

Present value of minimum lease payments

     1,288        1,107        181   

Current portion

     (252     (249     (3
                        

Long-term obligations under capital leases

   $ 1,036      $ 858      $ 178   
                        

 

(a) The operating lease payments presented above include United’s and Continental’s future payments of $28 million and $202 million, respectively, related to nonoperating aircraft as of December 31, 2010. United and Continental have 12 and 27 nonoperating aircraft subject to leases, respectively. United’s regional carrier, Express Jet, subleases aircraft from Continental; UAL operating lease payments exclude payments related to these aircraft.
(b) For UAL and Continental, the table above does not include projected sublease income of $127 million to be received through 2015 from other operators related to aircraft that are not operated on Continental’s behalf. Continental expects such sublease income to be $29 million, $28 million, $24 million, $23 million and $23 million in each of the next five years, respectively.

 

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(c) As of December 31, 2010, United’s aircraft capital lease minimum payments relate to leases of 61 mainline and 38 regional aircraft and Continental’s aircraft capital lease minimum payments relate to nonaircraft assets. United’s and Continental’s imputed interest rate ranges are 3.0% to 20.0% and 3.0% to 8.4%, respectively.

Aircraft operating leases have initial terms of one to 24 years, with expiration dates ranging from 2011 through 2024. The Company has facility operating leases that extend to 2032. Under the terms of most leases, the Company has the right to purchase the aircraft at the end of the lease term, in some cases at fair market value, and in others, at fair market value or a percentage of cost.

In 2009, United entered into multiple sale-leaseback financings with sales proceeds of $175 million and involving 19 aircraft. All of the leases were considered capital leases resulting in an increase to United’s capital lease assets and capital lease obligations. A $108 million loss on the sales was initially deferred to be recognized in future periods.

In October 2009, United amended a capacity agreement with one of its regional carriers. The amendment extended the lease terms on 40 existing aircraft and added 14 new aircraft to the amended agreement. As a result of this amendment, capital lease assets and obligations increased by $250 million.

In January 2009, United amended its lease of the Chicago O’Hare cargo facility. This amendment resulted in proceeds to United of approximately $160 million in return for United’s agreement to vacate its currently leased cargo facility earlier than the lease expiration date in order for the airport authority to continue with its long-term airport modernization plan. The proceeds were recorded as a deferred credit. This deferred credit, net of $18 million of carrying value of abandoned leasehold interests, will be amortized through 2022.

The table below summarizes the Company’s nonaircraft rent expense, net of minor amounts of sublease rentals, for the years ended December 31, (in millions):

 

     UAL      United      Continental
Successor
            Continental
Predecessor
 

2010

   $ 839       $ 685       $ 154            $ 452   

2009

     644         644         —                578   

2008

     609         609         —                580   

In addition to nonaircraft rent in the table above and aircraft rent, which is separately presented in the consolidated statements of operations, UAL had aircraft rent related to regional aircraft operating leases, which is included as part of regional capacity purchase expense in UAL’s consolidated statement of operations, of $411 million, $443 million and $413 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2010, UAL’s regional aircraft rent, which is included as part of regional capacity purchase expense, consisted of $393 million and $18 million related to United and Continental, respectively.

 

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In connection with UAL Corporation’s and United’s fresh-start reporting requirements upon their exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2006 and UAL’s and Continental’s acquisition accounting adjustments related to the Merger, lease fair value adjustments for operating leases were initially recorded in the consolidated balance sheet, representing the net present value of the differences between contractual lease rates and the fair market lease rates for similar leased assets at the time. An asset (liability) results when the contractual lease rates are more (less) favorable than market lease terms at the valuation date. The lease fair value adjustment is amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase (decrease) to rent expense over the individual applicable remaining lease terms, resulting in recognition of rent expense as if the Company had entered into the leases at market rates. The related remaining lease terms are one to 15 years for United and one to 14 years for Continental. The lease fair value adjustments are classified within other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, and are as follows as of December 31, 2010 (in millions):

 

     United     Continental  

Gross deferred asset

   $ 263      $ —     

Less: accumulated amortization

     (155     —     

Gross deferred liability

     —          (1,433

Less: accumulated amortization

     —          59   
                

Net deferred asset (liability)

   $ 108      $ (1,374
                

Regional Capacity Purchase Agreements

The Company has capacity purchase agreements (“CPAs”) with certain regional carriers. We purchase all of the capacity from the flights covered by the CPA at a negotiated price. In exchange for the regional carriers’ operation of the flights and performance of other obligations under the CPAs, we have agreed to pay the regional carrier a pre-determined rate, subject to annual inflation adjustments (capped at 3%), for each block hour flown (the hours from gate departure to gate arrival) and to reimburse the regional carrier for various pass-through expenses (with no margin or mark-up) related to the flights, including aviation insurance, property taxes, international navigation fees, depreciation (primarily aircraft-related), landing fees and certain maintenance expenses. Under the CPAs, we are responsible for the cost of providing fuel for all flights and for paying aircraft rent for all of the aircraft covered by the CPAs. Generally, the CPAs contain incentive bonus and rebate provisions based upon each regional carrier’s operational performance. United’s and Continental’s CPAs are for 295 and 252 regional aircraft, respectively, and the United and Continental CPAs have terms expiring through 2024 and 2021, respectively. Aircraft operated under CPAs include aircraft leased directly from the regional carriers and those leased from third party lessors and operated by the regional carriers.

 

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Our future commitments under our CPAs are dependent on numerous variables, and are therefore difficult to predict. The most important of these variables is the number of scheduled block hours. Although we are not required to purchase a minimum number of block hours under certain of our CPAs, we have set forth below estimates of our future payments under the CPAs based on our assumptions. Continental’s estimates of its future payments under all of the CPAs do not include the portion of the underlying obligation for any aircraft leased to ExpressJet or deemed to be leased from other regional carriers and facility rent that are disclosed as part of aircraft and nonaircraft operating leases. For purposes of calculating these estimates, we have assumed (1) the number of block hours flown is based on our anticipated level of flight activity or at any contractual minimum utilization levels if applicable, (2) that we will reduce the fleet as rapidly as contractually allowed under each CPA, (3) that aircraft utilization, stage length and load factors will remain constant, (4) that each carrier’s operational performance will remain at historic levels and (5) that inflation is projected to be between 1.5% and 2.2% per year. Based on these assumptions as of December 31, 2010, our future payments through the end of the terms of our CPAs are presented in the table below. These amounts exclude variable pass-through costs such as fuel and landing fees, among others.

 

(In millions)

   UAL      United      Continental  

2011

   $ 1,707       $ 908       $ 799   

2012

     1,622         840         782   

2013

     1,557         791         766   

2014

     1,403         677         726   

2015

     1,286         619         667   

After 2015

     4,080         1,550         2,530   
                          
   $ 11,655       $ 5,385       $ 6,270   
                          

It is important to note that the actual amounts we pay to our regional operators under CPAs could differ materially from these estimates. For example, a 10% increase or decrease in scheduled block hours for all of United’s and Continental’s regional operators (whether as a result of changes in average daily utilization or otherwise) in 2011 would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in cash obligations under the CPAs of approximately $478 million (8.2%) and $77 million (9.6%), respectively.

NOTE 16—VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Variable interests are contractual, ownership or other monetary interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the fair value of the entity’s net assets exclusive of variable interests. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) can arise from items such as lease agreements, loan arrangements, guarantees or service contracts. An entity is a VIE if (a) the entity lacks sufficient equity or (b) the entity’s equity holders lack power or the obligation and right as equity holders to absorb the entity’s expected losses or to receive its expected residual returns. Therefore, if the equity owners as a group do not have the power to direct the entity’s activities that most significantly impact its economic performance, the entity is a VIE.

If an entity is determined to be a VIE, the entity must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. Under new accounting standards applicable in 2010, the primary beneficiary is the holder of the variable interests that has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that (i) most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses of or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Prior to 2010, the determination of the primary beneficiary was based on projected cash flows at the inception of the variable interests. Therefore, the Company must identify which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and determine whether it, or another party, has the power to direct those activities.

The Company’s evaluation of its association with VIEs is described below:

Aircraft Leases. We are the lessee in a number of operating leases covering the majority of our leased aircraft. The lessors are trusts established specifically to purchase, finance and lease aircraft to us. These leasing

 

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entities meet the criteria for VIEs. We are generally not the primary beneficiary of the leasing entities if the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and do not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature that obligates us to absorb decreases in value or entitles us to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. This is the case for many of our operating leases; however, leases of approximately 11 United mainline jet aircraft and 75 Continental mainline jet aircraft contain a fixed-price purchase option that allow United and Continental to purchase the aircraft at predetermined prices on specified dates during the lease term. Additionally, leases covering substantially all of Continental’s 256 leased regional jet aircraft contain an option to purchase the aircraft at the end of the lease term at prices that, depending on market conditions, could be below fair value. The Company has not consolidated the related trusts because, even taking into consideration these purchase options, the Company is still not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s maximum exposure under these leases is the remaining lease payments, which are reflected in future lease commitments in Note 15.

Airport Leases. Continental is the lessee of real property under long-term leases at a number of airports where it is also the guarantor of approximately $1.7 billion of underlying debt and interest thereon. These leases are typically with municipalities or other governmental entities, which are excluded from the consolidation requirements concerning VIEs. To the extent Continental’s lease and related guarantee are with a separate legal entity other than a governmental entity, Continental is not the primary beneficiary because the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and the lease does not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature as discussed above. The leasing arrangements associated with approximately $1.5 billion of these obligations are accounted for as operating leases, and the leasing arrangements associated with approximately $190 million of these obligations are accounted for as capital leases.

Subsidiary Trust. Continental has a subsidiary trust that has mandatorily redeemable preferred securities outstanding with a liquidation value of $248 million. The trust is a VIE because Continental has a limited ability to make decisions about its activities. However, Continental is not the primary beneficiary of the trust. Therefore, the trust and the mandatorily redeemable preferred securities issued by the trust are not reported in Continental’s balance sheets. Instead, Continental reports its 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the trust as long-term debt and interest on these notes is recorded as interest expense for all periods presented in the accompanying financial statements.

EETCs. The Company evaluated whether the pass-through trusts formed for its EETC financings, treated as either debt or aircraft operating leases, are VIEs required to be consolidated by the Company under applicable accounting guidance, and determined that the pass-through trusts are VIEs. Based on the Company’s analysis as described below, the Company determined that it does not have a variable interest in the pass-through trusts.

The primary risk of the pass-through trusts is credit risk (i.e. the risk that United or Continental, the issuer of the equipment notes, may be unable to make its principal and interest payments). The purpose of the pass-through trusts is to enhance the credit worthiness of the Company’s debt obligation through certain bankruptcy protection provisions, a liquidity facility (in certain of the EETC structures) and improved loan-to-value ratios for more senior debt classes. These credit enhancements lower the Company’s total borrowing cost. The other purpose of the pass-through trusts is to receive principal and interest payments on the equipment notes purchased by the pass-through trusts from the Company and remit these proceeds to the pass-through trusts’ certificate holders.

The Company does not invest in or obtain a financial interest in the pass-through trusts. Rather, the Company has an obligation to make its interest and principal payments on their equipment notes held by the pass-through trusts. The Company was not intended to have any voting or non-voting equity interest in the pass-through trusts or to absorb variability from the pass-through trusts. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that it is not required to consolidate the pass-through trusts.

See Note 17 for a discussion of the Company’s fuel consortia guarantees and United’s municipal bond guarantees.

 

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NOTE 17—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

General Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into numerous real estate leasing and aircraft financing arrangements that have various guarantees included in the contracts. These guarantees are primarily in the form of indemnities under which the Company typically indemnifies the lessors and any tax/financing parties against tort liabilities that arise out of the use, occupancy, operation or maintenance of the leased premises or financed aircraft. Currently, the Company believes that any future payments required under these guarantees or indemnities would be immaterial, as most tort liabilities and related indemnities are covered by insurance (subject to deductibles). Additionally, certain leased premises such as fueling stations or storage facilities include indemnities of such parties for any environmental liability that may arise out of or relate to the use of the leased premises.

Legal and Environmental Contingencies. The Company has certain contingencies resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Management believes, after considering a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the information currently available, the views of legal counsel, the nature of contingencies to which the Company is subject and prior experience, that the ultimate disposition of these contingencies will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company records liabilities for legal and environmental claims when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. These amounts are recorded based on the Company’s assessments of the likelihood of their eventual disposition. The amounts of these liabilities could increase or decrease in the near term, based on revisions to estimates relating to the various claims.

The Company believes that it will have no financial exposure for claims arising out of the events of September 11, 2001 in light of the provisions of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act of 2001, the resolution of the majority of the wrongful death and personal injury cases by settlement and the withdrawal of all related proofs of claim from UAL Corporation’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and the limitation of claimants’ recoveries to insurance proceeds.

Trans-Atlantic Joint Venture. In December 2010, pursuant to antitrust immunity approval granted by the DOT, United, Continental, Air Canada and Lufthansa executed a revenue-sharing joint venture agreement covering transatlantic routes. The joint venture is expected to deliver highly competitive flight schedules, fares and service. The European Commission, which has been conducting a parallel review of the competitive effects of the joint venture, similar to the DOT’s review, has not yet completed its review. The joint venture has a revenue sharing structure that results in payments among participants based on a formula that compares current period unit revenue performance on trans-Atlantic routes to a historic period or “baseline,” which is reset annually. The payments are calculated on a quarterly basis and subject to a cap. In the fourth quarter of 2010, upon executing the joint venture agreement, United and Continental recorded charges to other operating expense of $65 million each related to their revenue sharing obligations for the first three quarters of 2010.

Contingent Senior Unsecured Notes. UAL would be obligated under an indenture to issue to the PBGC up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8% Notes if certain financial triggering events occur. The 8% Notes would be issued to the PBGC in up to eight equal tranches of $62.5 million (with each tranche issued no later than 45 days following the end of any applicable fiscal year). A triggering event occurs when UAL’s EBITDAR (as defined in the PBGC indenture) exceeds $3.5 billion over the prior twelve months ending June 30 or December 31 of any applicable fiscal year. The twelve month measurement periods will end with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. In certain circumstances, UAL common stock may be issued in lieu of issuance of the 8% Notes.

Other Contingencies. United is a party to a multiyear technology services agreement and has engaged in discussions with the counterparty to amend or restructure certain performance obligations. In the event that these discussions are not successful, the counterparty may assert claims for damages. The ultimate outcome of these

 

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discussions and the exact amount of the damages and costs, if any, to the Company cannot be predicted with certainty at this time.

Commitments. The table below summarizes the Company’s commitments as of December 31, 2010, which primarily relate to the acquisition of aircraft and related spare engines, aircraft improvements and include other commitments primarily to acquire information technology services and assets (in millions).

 

     UAL      United      Continental  

2011

   $ 422       $ 225       $ 197   

2012

     1,082         119         963   

2013

     765         71         694   

2014

     988         95         893   

2015

     1,642         372         1,270   

After 2015

     7,494         6,834         660   
                          
   $ 12,393       $ 7,716       $ 4,677   
                          

United Aircraft Commitments

As of December 31, 2010, United had firm commitments to purchase 25 Boeing 787 aircraft and 25 Airbus A350XWB aircraft for delivery from 2016 through 2019. United also has purchase options for 42 Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft and purchase rights for 50 Boeing 787 aircraft and 50 Airbus A350XWB aircraft. United has secured considerable backstop financing commitments from its aircraft and engine manufacturers, subject to certain customary conditions. However, there is no guarantee that United will be able to obtain any or all of the backstop financing, or any other financing, for the aircraft and engines on acceptable terms when necessary.

Continental Aircraft Commitments

As of December 31, 2010, Continental had firm commitments to purchase 75 new aircraft (50 Boeing 737 aircraft and 25 Boeing 787 aircraft) scheduled for delivery from 2011 through 2016. Continental is currently scheduled to take delivery of four Boeing 737 aircraft in 2011. Continental also has options to purchase 94 additional Boeing aircraft.

As discussed in Note 14, Continental does not have backstop financing or any other financing currently in place for most of the Boeing aircraft on order. Further financing will be needed to satisfy Continental’s capital commitments for its firm order aircraft and other related capital expenditures. Continental can provide no assurance that backstop financing or any other financing not already in place for aircraft deliveries will be available to Continental when needed on acceptable terms or at all.

Credit Card Processing Agreements.

United and Continental have agreements with financial institutions that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. Under certain of United’s and Continental’s credit card processing agreements, the financial institutions either require, or under certain circumstances have the right to require, that United and Continental maintain a reserve equal to a portion of advance ticket sales that have been processed by that financial institution, but for which United and Continental have not yet provided the air transportation (referred to as “relevant advance ticket sales”).

United’s credit card processing agreement with Paymentech and JPMorgan Chase contains a cash reserve requirement, determined based on the amount of unrestricted cash held by United as defined under the Amended Credit Facility. If United’s unrestricted cash balance is at or more than $2.5 billion as of any calendar month-end measurement date, its required reserve will remain at $25 million. However, if United’s unrestricted cash balance

 

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is less than $2.5 billion, its required reserve will increase to a percentage of relevant advance ticket sales as summarized in the following table:

 

Total Unrestricted Cash Balance (a)

   Required% of
Relevant Advance Ticket Sales
 

Less than $2.5 billion

     15

Less than $2.0 billion

     25

Less than $1.0 billion

     50

 

(a) Includes unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at month-end, including certain cash amounts already held in reserve, as defined by the agreement.

Based on United’s December 31, 2010 unrestricted cash balance, United was not required to provide cash collateral above the current $25 million reserve balance.

Under United’s credit card processing agreement with American Express, in addition to certain other risk protections provided to American Express, United is required to provide reserves based primarily on its unrestricted cash balance and net current exposure as of any calendar month-end measurement date, as summarized in the following table:

 

Total Unrestricted Cash Balance (a)

   Required% of
Net Current Exposure
(b)
 

Less than $2.4 billion

     15

Less than $2.0 billion

     25

Less than $1.35 billion

     50

Less than $1.2 billion

     100

 

(a) Includes unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at month-end, including certain cash amounts already held in reserve, as defined by the agreement.
(b) Net current exposure equals relevant advance ticket sales less certain exclusions, and as adjusted for specified amounts payable between United and the processor, as further defined by the agreement.

The agreement with American Express permits United to provide certain replacement collateral in lieu of cash collateral, as long as United’s unrestricted cash is above $1.35 billion. Such replacement collateral may be pledged for any amount of the required reserve up to the full amount thereof, with the stated value of such collateral determined according to the agreement. Replacement collateral may be comprised of aircraft, slots and routes, real estate or other collateral as agreed between the parties. Based on United’s restricted cash balance at December 31, 2010, United was not required to provide any reserves under this agreement.

Continental’s credit card processing agreement with JPMorgan Chase and affiliates of JPMorgan Chase contains financial covenants that require, among other things, that Continental post additional cash collateral if it fails to maintain (1) a minimum level of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, (2) a minimum ratio of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to current liabilities of 0.25 to 1.0 or (3) a minimum senior unsecured debt rating of at least Caa3 and CCC- from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, respectively. If the minimum debt ratings are not maintained, Continental’s required reserve will be 30% of relevant advance ticket sales. Additional reserve requirements are summarized in the table below.

If Continental’s unrestricted cash balance is at, or more than, $2.0 billion as of any calendar month-end measurement date, its required reserve will remain at $25 million. However, if Continental’s unrestricted cash balance is less than $2.0 billion or certain lower minimum cash amounts, its required reserve will increase to stated percentages of relevant advance ticket sales that could be significant. Based on Continental’s December 31, 2010 unrestricted cash balance, Continental was not required to provide cash collateral above the current $25 million reserve balance.

 

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Under the terms of Continental’s credit card processing agreement with American Express, if a covenant trigger under the JPMorgan Chase processing agreement requires them to post additional collateral under that agreement, they would be required to post additional collateral under the American Express processing agreement. The amount of additional collateral required under the American Express processing agreement would be based on a percentage of the value of unused tickets (for travel at a future date) purchased by customers using the American Express card. The percentage for purposes of this calculation is the same as the percentage applied under the JPMorgan Chase processing agreement, after taking into account certain other risk protection maintained by American Express.

The following table summarizes required reserves if the minimum thresholds in Continental’s JPMorgan Chase and American Express agreements are not maintained:

 

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments
balance

   Minimum ratio of unrestricted cash, cash
equivalents and short-
term  investments to current liabilities
   Required% of
Relevant Advance
Ticket Sales
 

Less than $2.0 billion

   N/A      15

Less than $1.75 billion

   N/A      25

Less than $1.4 billion

   Less than 0.25 to 1.0      50 % (a) 

Less than $1.0 billion

   Less than 0.22 to 1.0      100 % (a) 

 

(a) Reserve percentage applies if either of the minimum thresholds is not maintained.

An increase in the future reserve requirements and the posting of a significant amount of cash collateral as provided by the terms of any of the Company’s material credit card processing agreements could materially reduce the Company’s liquidity.

Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Financing.

Fuel Consortia. The Company participates in numerous fuel consortia with other air carriers at major airports to reduce the costs of fuel distribution and storage. Interline agreements govern the rights and responsibilities of the consortia members and provide for the allocation of the overall costs to operate the consortia based on usage. The consortium (and in limited cases, the participating carriers) have entered into long-term agreements to lease certain airport fuel storage and distribution facilities that are typically financed through tax-exempt bonds (either special facilities lease revenue bonds or general airport revenue bonds), issued by various local municipalities. In general, each consortium lease agreement requires the consortium to make lease payments in amounts sufficient to pay the maturing principal and interest payments on the bonds. As of December 31, 2010, approximately $1.2 billion principal amount of such bonds were secured by significant fuel facility leases in which UAL participates, as to which UAL and each of the signatory airlines has provided indirect guarantees of the debt. As of December 31, 2010, UAL’s contingent exposure was approximately $276 million principal amount of such bonds based on its recent consortia participation. As of December 31, 2010, United’s and Continental’s contingent exposure related to these bonds, based on its recent consortia participation, was approximately $212 million and $64 million, respectively. The Company’s contingent exposure could increase if the participation of other air carriers decreases. The guarantees will expire when the tax-exempt bonds are paid in full, which ranges from 2011 to 2040. The Company did not record a liability at the time these indirect guarantees were made.

Guarantees. United has guaranteed interest and principal payments on $270 million of the Denver International Airport bonds, which were originally issued in 1992, but were subsequently redeemed and reissued in 2007 and are due in 2032 unless United elects not to extend its equipment and ground lease in which case the bonds are due in 2023. The bonds were issued in two tranches—approximately $170 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% discount bonds and $100 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% premium bonds. The related lease obligation is accounted for as an operating lease with the associated expense recorded on a straight-line basis resulting in ratable accrual of the final $270 million lease obligation over the expected lease term through 2032, and is included in our lease commitments disclosed in Note 15.

 

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In the Company’s financing transactions that include loans, the Company typically agrees to reimburse lenders for any reduced returns with respect to the loans due to any change in capital requirements and, in the case of loans in which the interest rate is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), for certain other increased costs that the lenders incur in carrying these loans as a result of any change in law, subject in most cases to certain mitigation obligations of the lenders. At December 31, 2010, UAL had $3.3 billion of floating rate debt (consisting of United’s $2.3 billion and Continental’s $1.0 billion of floating rate debt) and $483 million of fixed rate debt (consisting of United’s $233 million and Continental’s $250 million of fixed-rate debt), with remaining terms of up to ten years, that is subject to these increased cost provisions. In several financing transactions involving loans or leases from non-U.S. entities, with remaining terms of up to ten years and an aggregate carrying value of $3.7 billion (consisting of United’s $2.6 billion and Continental’s $1.1 billion of carrying value), the Company bears the risk of any change in tax laws that would subject loan or lease payments thereunder to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes, subject to customary exclusions.

Continental is contingently liable for US Airways’ obligations under a lease agreement between US Airways and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey related to the East End Terminal at LaGuardia. These obligations include the payment of ground rentals to the Port Authority and the payment of other rentals in respect of the full amounts owed on special facilities revenue bonds issued by the Port Authority having an outstanding par amount of $95 million at December 31, 2010, and a final scheduled maturity in 2015. If US Airways defaults on these obligations, Continental would be obligated to cure the default and would have the right to occupy the terminal after US Airways’ interest in the lease had been terminated. See Note 16 for information related to Continental guarantees associated with certain of its airport leases.

Labor Negotiations. As of December 31, 2010, UAL and its subsidiaries had approximately 86,000 active employees, of whom approximately 72% were represented by various U.S. labor organizations. United and Continental had approximately 82% and 60%, respectively, of their active employees represented by various U.S. labor organizations. United has been in negotiations for amended collective bargaining agreements with all of its unions since 2009. Consistent with commitments contained in its current labor contracts, United has filed for mediation assistance in conjunction with four of its six unions-the Air Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”), the Association of Flight Attendants-Communication Workers of America (“AFA”), the International Association of Machinists (“IAM”) and the Aerospace Workers and the Professional Airline Flight Control Association. While the labor contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters also contemplates filing for mediation, the parties have agreed to continue in direct negotiations. The current contract with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers does not stipulate filing for mediation.

In March 2010, Continental reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year labor contract with the union that represents its dispatchers, which was ratified in April 2010. In September 2010, Continental reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the union that represents its aircraft maintenance technicians and related employees, which was ratified in November 2010. Continental negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters covering its fleet service employees in November 2010 which was ratified in December 2010. In January 2011, Continental reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the union that represents its flight attendants. The agreement is scheduled for a ratification vote, the results of which are expected to be announced on or around February 26, 2011.

After the Company’s May 2010 merger announcement, ALPA opted to suspend negotiations at both United and Continental to focus on joint negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement that would apply to the combined company. In July 2010, United and Continental reached agreement with ALPA on a Transition and Process Agreement that provides a framework for conducting pilot operations for the two employee groups until the parties reach agreement on a joint collective bargaining agreement and the carriers obtain a single operating certificate. In August 2010, United and Continental began joint negotiations with ALPA and those negotiations are presently ongoing. In December 2010, ALPA and the Company jointly applied to the NMB for mediation assistance for the pilots and flight instructors.

 

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In January 2011, the IAM filed an application seeking single-carrier findings by the NMB for purposes of union representation covering fleet service employees at Continental and ramp service employees at United. Also in January 2011, the AFA announced that it had filed a similar request with the NMB for purposes of union representation for United and Continental flight attendants. The Company anticipates that other applications will be filed by various unions covering smaller groups of employees. If the NMB determines that United and Continental are considered a single carrier, the relevant employees may vote with respect to union representation. Until elections occur, the incumbent unions will continue to represent those employee groups who are currently represented.

The outcome of these negotiations may materially impact the Company’s future financial results. However, it is too early in the process to assess the timing or magnitude of the impact, if any.

NOTE 18—STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS—SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):

 

    UAL     United     Continental
Successor
          Continental
Predecessor
 

2010

                             

Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:

           

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

  $ 600      $ 489      $ 111          $ 210   

Income taxes

    (16     (16     —              1   

Non-cash transactions:

           

Redemption of Continental’s 5% Convertible Notes with UAL common stock

  $ 175      $ —        $ 175          $ —     

Property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt and capital leases

    98        —          98            465   

Restricted cash collateral returned on derivative contracts

    (45     (45     —              —     

Interest paid in kind on UAL 6% Senior Notes

    35        35        —              —     
 

2009

                             

Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:

           

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

  $ 411      $ 411            $ 326   

Income taxes

    (11     (11           1   

Non-cash transactions:

           

Property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt and capital leases

  $ 183      $ 183            $ 402   

Capital lease assets and obligations recorded due to lease amendment

    250        250              —     

Restricted cash received as collateral on derivative contracts

    49        49              —     

Interest paid in kind on UAL 6% Senior Notes

    33        33              —     

Current operating payables reclassified to long-term debt due to supplier agreement

    49        49              —     
 

2008

                             

Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:

           

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

  $ 412      $ 412            $ 365   

Income taxes

    3        3              5   

Non-cash transactions:

           

Conversion of mandatorily convertible preferred stock to UAL common stock

  $ 374      $ 374            $ —     

Property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt and capital leases

    281        281              1,014   

Reduction of debt in exchange for sale of frequent flyer miles

    —          —                (38

Interest paid in kind on UAL 6% Senior Notes

    31        31              —     

Receivable from unsettled stock sales as of December 31, 2008

    15        15              —     

 

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NOTE 19—ADVANCED PURCHASE OF MILES

United

In September 2008, UAL and United amended certain terms of its agreement with their co-branded credit card partner (the “Amendment”). In connection with the Amendment, United sold $500 million of pre-purchased miles to its co-branded credit card partner and extended the term of the agreement to December 31, 2017. As part of the Amendment, the co-branded credit card partner cannot use certain of the pre-purchased miles for issuance to its cardholders prior to 2011; accordingly, the portion of miles that cannot be redeemed within one year is classified as “Advanced purchase of miles” in the non-current liabilities section of UAL’s and United’s financial statements. The Amendment specifies the maximum amount of the pre-purchased miles that the co-branded credit card partner can award to its cardholders each year from 2011 to 2017.

United has the right, but is not required, to repurchase the pre-purchased miles from its co-branded credit card partner during the term of the agreement. The Amendment contains termination penalties that may require United to make certain payments and repurchase outstanding pre-purchased miles in cases such as United’s insolvency, bankruptcy false representations or other material breaches.

The Amendment requires that our co-branded credit card partner make annual guaranteed payments to United between 2008 and 2017. Between 2008 and 2012, our co-branded credit card partner’s annual guaranteed payment is satisfied through the purchase of a specified minimum number of miles. Afterwards, our co-branded credit card partner’s annual guaranteed payment is satisfied through awarding pre-purchased miles, purchasing miles and through other contractual payments. Between 2008 and 2012, our co-branded credit card partner is allowed to carry forward those miles purchased subject to the annual guarantee that have not been awarded to its cardholders. Any miles carried forward subject to this provision will result in a net increase to our “Advance purchase of miles” deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with the Amendment, United received a payment of $100 million in exchange for the extension of the license previously granted to its co-branded credit card partner to be the exclusive issuer of Mileage Plus Visa cards through 2017. This amount is reflected as Mileage Plus deferred revenue in the UAL and United financial statements and is being recorded as other operating revenue over the period the fees are earned.

As part of the Amendment, United granted its co-branded credit card partner a first lien in specified Mileage Plus assets and a second lien on those assets that are provided as collateral under our Amended Credit Facility. See Note 14 for additional information regarding these assets. The Amendment may be terminated by either party upon the occurrence of certain events as defined, including but not limited to a change in law that has a material adverse impact, insolvency of one of the parties, or failure of the parties to perform their obligations. The security interest is released if United repurchases the full balance of the pre-purchased miles or United achieves a certain fixed charge coverage ratio. As described in Note 3, a modification of this contract, which may be necessary, in light of the Merger, would require the application of new accounting guidance, which may result in materially different revenue recognition.

Continental also has an advanced purchase of miles agreement with the same credit card partner. However, the United and Continental agreements have different terms, which required different accounting treatment. Continental’s agreement has certain repayment provisions (not present in United’s agreement) which requires Continental to account for the advanced purchase of miles as debt. See Note 14 for additional information.

NOTE 20—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

United and Continental

United and Continental participate in extensive code sharing, frequent flyer reciprocity and other cooperative activities. The other cooperative activities are considered normal to the daily operations of both airlines. As a result of these other cooperative activities, Continental paid United $18 million and United paid

 

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Continental $8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. There were no material intercompany receivables or payables between United and Continental as of December 31, 2010. These payments do not include interline billings, which are common among airlines for transportation-related services.

United

During 2009, UAL contributed cash of $559 million to United consisting of the net proceeds that UAL generated from UAL equity and debt issuances in 2009. In 2008, United contributed cash of $257 million to UAL for use in UAL’s payment of its January 2008 special distribution to its common stockholders. In addition, during 2008, UAL contributed cash and other assets to United totaling $173 million, the majority of which related to proceeds UAL had generated from the sale of its common stock.

NOTE 21—MERGER-RELATED COSTS AND SPECIAL CHARGES

For the years ended December 31, merger-related costs and special charges consisted of the following (in millions):

 

2010

   UAL     United     Continental
Successor
            Continental
Predecessor
 

Merger costs:

              

Merger-related costs

   $ 144      $ 114      $ 30            $ 10   

Salary and severance related

     249        111        138              —     

Integration-related costs

     171        138        33              19   
                                      
     564        363        201              29   

Aircraft impairments

     136        136        —                6   

Intangible asset impairment

     29        29        —                —     

Other

     4        4        —                12   
                                      
     733        532        201              47   

Goodwill impairment credit

     (64     (64     —                —     
                                      

Total

   $ 669      $ 468      $ 201            $ 47   
                                      
 

2009

                                

Intangible asset impairments

   $ 150      $ 150              $ 12   

Aircraft impairments

     93        93                89   

Pension settlement charges (Note 9)

     —          —                  29   

Municipal bond litigation

     27        27                —     

Lease termination and other

     104        104                15   
                                

Total

   $ 374      $ 374              $ 145   
                                
 

2008

                                

Goodwill impairment

   $ 2,277      $ 2,277              $ —     

Intangible asset impairments

     64        64                —     

Pre-delivery advance deposits including related capitalized interest

     105        105                —     

Aircraft, spare engines and parts, and other impairments

     145        145                40   
                                

Other impairments

     314        314                40   

Pension settlement charges (Note 9)

     —          —                  52   

Severance

     —          —                  34   

Route impairment

     —          —                  18   

Lease termination and other

     25        25                37   
                                

Total other impairments and other charges

     339        339                181   
                                

Total

   $ 2,616      $ 2,616              $ 181   
                                

 

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UAL, United and Continental

Merger-related costs

Merger-related costs include charges related to the planning and execution of the Merger, including costs for items such as financial advisor, legal and other advisory fees. Salary and severance related costs are primarily associated with administrative headcount reductions and compensation costs related to the Merger. Integration-related costs include costs to terminate certain service contracts that will not be used by the combined company, costs to write-off system assets that are no longer used or planned to be used by the combined company, and payments to third-party consultants to assist with integration planning and organization design. See Note 1 for additional information related to merger-related costs.

UAL and United

Aircraft impairments

The aircraft impairments summarized in the table above for 2010, 2009 and 2008 relate to United’s nonoperating Boeing 737 and Boeing 747 aircraft which declined in value, as older less fuel efficient models became less valuable with increasing fuel costs. The carrying values of these nonoperating aircraft were reduced to estimated fair values. During the first quarter of 2010, the Company also estimated that certain of its aircraft-related assets were fully impaired resulting in a charge of $16 million. In addition, the Company reviewed its Boeing 737 fleet for impairment in 2008. See Note 12 for additional information related to the use of fair values in impairment testing.

Pre-delivery advance deposit impairment

Due to the unfavorable economic and industry factors described above, the Company determined in 2008 that it was required to perform an impairment test of its $105 million of pre-delivery aircraft deposits and related capitalized interest. United determined that these aircraft deposits were completely impaired and wrote off their full carrying value as management determined that it is highly unlikely it will take these future aircraft deliveries and, therefore, United would be required to forfeit the deposits, which are not transferable based on existing contract terms.

Intangible asset impairments

During 2010, the U.S. and Brazilian governments reached an open skies aviation agreement that removed the restriction on the number of flights into Sao Paulo by October 2015. As a result of these changes, United recorded a $29 million non-cash charge to write-down its indefinite-lived route asset in Brazil. In 2009, United recorded $150 million impairment of its tradenames, which was primarily due to a significant decrease in expected future cash flows due to poor economic conditions. In 2008, United recorded a total $64 million impairment of tradename and code sharing agreements, which was primarily due to decreases in expected revenue. These impairments were based on estimated fair values, which were primarily developed using income methodologies, as described in Note 12.

Goodwill impairment and credit

For purposes of testing goodwill in 2008, the Company estimated the fair value of its assets and liabilities utilizing several fair value measurement techniques, including two market estimates and one income estimate, using relevant data available through and as of May 31, 2008.

Taking into consideration an equal weighting of the two market estimates and the income estimate, which has been the Company’s practice when performing annual goodwill impairment tests, the indicated fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities was less than its carrying value. Therefore, the Company performed

 

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additional goodwill impairment testing and determined that goodwill was completely impaired. An impairment charge was recorded in the second quarter of 2008 to write-off the full value of goodwill.

During 2010, UAL determined that it overstated its deferred tax liabilities by approximately $64 million when it applied fresh start accounting upon its exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2006. Under applicable standards in 2008, this error would have been corrected with a decrease to goodwill, which would have resulted in a decrease in the amount of UAL’s 2008 goodwill impairment charge. Therefore, UAL corrected this overstatement in the fourth quarter of 2010 by reducing its deferred tax liabilities and recorded it as goodwill impairment credit in its consolidated statement of operations. The adjustment was not made to prior periods as UAL does not believe the correction is material to the current or any prior period. As the goodwill from fresh start accounting was pushed down to United, the above disclosure also applies to United.

Municipal bond litigation

United’s other charges in 2009 included a $27 million expense related to a bankruptcy matter that was finalized in 2009 as the final settlement was greater than United’s estimated obligation.

Lease termination and other

During 2009 and 2008, United incurred $104 million and $25 million, respectively, primarily for aircraft lease termination charges related to its operational plans to significantly reduce operating fleet during 2008 and 2009.

Continental Predecessor

2010

During 2010, Continental Predecessor incurred aircraft-related charges of $6 million related to Boeing 737-500 aircraft and other special charges of $12 million which primarily related to an increase in Continental’s reserve for unused facilities due to a reduction in expected sublease income for a maintenance hangar in Denver.

2009

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Continental recorded a $31 million impairment charge on the Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 fleets related to its decision in June 2008 to retire all of its Boeing 737-300 aircraft and a significant portion of its Boeing 737-500 aircraft by early 2010. Continental recorded an initial impairment charge in 2008 for each of these fleet types. The additional write-down in 2009 reflects the further reduction in the fair value of these fleet types due to the economic conditions at that time. In both periods, Continental determined that indicators of impairment were present for these fleets. Fleet assets include owned aircraft, improvements on leased aircraft, rotable spare parts, spare engines, and simulators. Based on the evaluations, Continental determined that the carrying amounts of these fleets were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value. Continental estimated the fair values based on current market quotes and their expected proceeds from the sale of these assets.

In addition, Continental recorded $39 million of other charges for its mainline fleet, primarily related to the grounding and sale of Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft and the write-off of certain obsolete spare parts. The 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft fleets and spare parts experienced further declines in fair values during the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily as the result of additional 737 aircraft being grounded by other airlines. During 2009, Continental sold eight 737-500 aircraft to foreign buyers. Its gain on these sales was not material.

In December 2009, Continental agreed with ExpressJet to amend their capacity purchase agreement to permit ExpressJet to fly eight ERJ-145 aircraft for another carrier. These eight aircraft are subleased from

 

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Continental and were previously flown for them under capacity purchase agreements. Continental recorded a $13 million charge based on the difference between the sublease rental and the contracted rental payments on those aircraft during the two and one-half year average initial term of the related sublease agreement.

In July 2009, Continental entered into agreements to sublease five temporarily grounded ERJ-135 aircraft to Chautauqua beginning in the third quarter of 2009. These aircraft are not operated for Continental. The subleases have terms of five years, but may be canceled by the lessee under certain conditions after an initial term of two years. Continental recorded a $6 million charge for the difference between the sublease rental income and the contracted rental payments on those aircraft during the initial term of the agreement. Continental has also temporarily grounded 25 leased 37-seat ERJ-135 aircraft. The leases on these 30 ERJ-135 aircraft expire in 2016 through 2018.

In 2009, Continental recorded a $12 million non-cash charge to write off intangible route assets related to certain Mexican and Central American locations as a result of its annual impairment analysis. Continental determined that these routes had no fair value since they are subject to “open skies” agreements and there are no other barriers to flying to these locations.

Other special charges in 2009 related primarily to an adjustment to Continental Predecessor’s reserve for unused facilities due to reductions in expected sublease income for a maintenance hangar in Denver.

2008

For the year ended December 31, 2008, aircraft-related charges of $40 million include non-cash impairments on owned Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft and related assets. Aircraft-related charges in 2008 also include charges for future lease costs on permanently grounded 737-300 aircraft and gains on the sale of ten Boeing 737-500 aircraft.

In conjunction with the 2008 capacity reductions, Continental Predecessor incurred $34 million for severance and continuing medical coverage for employees accepting early retirement packages or company-offered leaves of absence during 2008. Approximately 3,000 positions were eliminated as a result of the capacity reductions, the majority of which were implemented in September 2008.

Continental also recorded an $18 million non-cash charge in 2008 to write off an intangible route asset as a result of its decision to move all of its flights between New York Liberty and London from London Gatwick Airport to London Heathrow Airport.

In addition, Continental recorded non-cash settlement charges totaling $52 million related to lump sum distributions from its pilot-only defined benefit pension plan to pilots who retired, as discussed in Note 9.

Other special charges in 2008 relate primarily to contract settlements with regional carriers and adjustments to reserves for unused facilities.

Non-Operating Charges

In 2008, Continental recorded an expense of $125 million related to changes in the fair value of fuel derivative contracts with Lehman Brothers that were deemed ineffective after Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy and a gain of $26 million related to the receipt of a put right covering certain of its student loan-related auction rate securities. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments included a loss of $60 million in 2008 to reflect the decline in the value of Continental’s student loan-related auction rate securities. Additionally, in May 2008, Continental sold all of its remaining shares of Copa Holdings, S.A. (“Copa”) Class A common stock for net proceeds of $149 million and recognized a gain of $78 million.

 

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Accrual Activity

Activity related to the accruals for severance and medical costs and future lease payments on permanently grounded aircraft and unused facilities is as follows (in millions):

 

     Severance/
Medical Costs
    Permanently
Grounded
Aircraft
    Unused
Facilities
 

UAL (a)

      

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ —        $  —        $  —     

Accrual

     106        20        —     

Payments

     (25     (4     —     
                        

Balance At December 31, 2008

     81        16        —     

Accrual

     33        87        —     

Payments

     (69     (20     —     
                        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     45        83        —     

Liability assumed due to Merger, October 1, 2010

     3        —          33   

Accrual

     155        (3     —     

Payments

     (101     (39     (26
                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 102      $ 41      $ 7   
                        

United (a)

      

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 45      $ 83      $ —     

Accrual

     74        (3     —     

Payments

     (77     (39     —     
                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 42      $ 41      $ —     
                        

Continental

      

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ —        $ —        $ 8   

Accrual

     34        14        14   

Payments

     (6     (4     (2
                        

Balance At December 31, 2008

     28        10        20   

Accrual

     5        1        10   

Payments

     (19     (9     (4
                        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     14        2        26   

Accrual (b)

     84        (1     9   

Payments (b)

     (38     (1     (28
                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 60      $ —        $ 7   
                        

 

(a) United amounts for 2009 and 2008 are the same as the UAL amounts disclosed above.
(b) Continental accrual and payment amounts for 2010 represent both Predecessor and Successor periods. Total accrual and payments in the Predecessor period were $11 million and $17 million, respectively. Total accrual and payments in the Successor period were $81 million and $50 million, respectively.

The Company’s accrual and payment activity in 2010 is primarily related to severance and other compensation expense associated with the Merger. The expected total salary-related expense is reflected in the 2010 accrual and is expected to be paid by 2011. The UAL and United accrual activity in 2009 and 2008 primarily relates to the UAL and United operational plans that included a fleet retirement of 100 aircraft and headcount reduction to match the decrease in operations. Substantially all of the expense associated with these plans was expensed and paid in 2008 and 2009, except for minor amounts of healthcare coverage to separated employees and future rent on permanently grounded aircraft.

 

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In addition to the accruals activity presented above, UAL and United recorded accruals related to UAL Corporation’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2006. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, this bankruptcy-related reserve had a balance of $96 million and $98 million, respectively. During 2009, the restructuring accruals were finalized with payments of $58 million, expense accrual adjustments of $29 million, and reclassifications of $67 million. These reclassifications primarily relate to lease settlements that are being amortized over amended lease terms.

Due to extreme fuel price volatility, tight credit markets, the uncertain economic environment, as well as other uncertainties, the Company can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge will not occur in a future period. The Company will continue to monitor circumstances and events in future periods to determine whether additional asset impairment testing is warranted.

NOTE 22—SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

 

UAL

   Quarter Ended  

(In millions, except per share amounts)

   March 31     June 30      September 30     December 31  

2010

         

Operating revenues

   $ 4,241      $ 5,161       $ 5,394      $ 8,433   

Income (loss) from operations

     69        434         535        (82

Net income (loss)

     (82     273         387        (325

Basic earnings (loss) per share

     (0.49     1.62         2.30        (1.01

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     (0.49     1.29         1.75        (1.01

2009

         

Operating revenues

   $ 3,691      $ 4,018       $ 4,433      $ 4,193   

Income (loss) from operations

     (282     107         88        (74

Net income (loss)

     (382     28         (57     (240

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

     (2.64     0.19         (0.39     (1.44

UAL’s quarterly financial data is subject to seasonal fluctuations and historically its second and third quarter financial results, which reflect higher travel demand, are better than its first and fourth quarter financial results. UAL’s quarterly results were impacted by the following significant items:

 

 

UAL

   Quarter Ended  

(In millions)

   March 31     June 30     September 30     December 31  

2010

        

Operating earnings:

        

Merger-related costs

   $ —        $ 28      $ 44      $ 493   

Asset impairments

     17        73        22        53   

Lease termination and other special items

     1        5        (3     —     

Goodwill impairment credit

     —          —          —          (64
                                

Total merger-related costs and special charges in operating income (loss)

   $ 18      $ 106      $ 63      $ 482   
                                

Non-cash fuel hedge mark-to-market (gains) losses

   $ (31   $ 37      $ 12      $ 14   

Frequent flyer accounting change (Note 2(h))

   $ 64      $ 75      $ 65      $ 45   

2009

        

Operating earnings:

        

Asset impairments

   $ 110      $ 40      $ 19      $ 74   

LAX municipal bond litigation

     —          27        —          —     

Lease termination and other special items

     9        21        24        50   
                                

Total special charges in operating income (loss)

   $ 119      $ 88      $ 43      $ 124   
                                

Fuel hedge mark-to-market:

        

Non-cash MTM fuel hedge gains

   $ (191   $ (305   $ (25   $ (65

Non-operating non-cash MTM fuel hedge gains

     (72     (135     (34     (38

See Note 21 for further discussion of these items.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

UAL, United and Continental each maintain controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by UAL, United and Continental to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The management of UAL, United and Continental, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation to conclude with reasonable assurance that UAL’s, United’s and Continental’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed and operating effectively to report the information each company is required to disclose in the reports they file with the SEC on a timely basis. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of UAL, United and Continental have concluded that as of December 31, 2010, disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting during the Quarter Ended December 31, 2010

Except as set forth below, during the three months ended December 31, 2010, there was no change in UAL’s, United’s or Continental’s internal control over financial reporting during their most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, their internal control over financial reporting.

On October 1, 2010, UAL and Continental completed the Merger transaction. We are currently integrating policies, processes, people, technology and operations for the combined company. Management will continue to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting as we execute Merger integration activities.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

We have audited United Continental Holdings, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 22, 2011

 

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United Air Lines, Inc. Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

February 22, 2011

To the Stockholder of United Air Lines, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

The management of United Air Lines, Inc. (“United”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). United’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including United’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, United conducted an evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, management used the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, United’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that its internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2010.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of United’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by United’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to final rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit United to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Continental Airlines, Inc. Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

February 22, 2011

To the Stockholder of Continental Airlines, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

The management of Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Continental”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Continental’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including Continental’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Continental conducted an evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, management used the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, Continental’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that its internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2010.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of Continental’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by Continental’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to final rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit Continental to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

2008 Incentive Compensation Plan and Incentive Plan 2010

On February 17, 2011, the Board of Directors of UAL (the “Board”) approved merger-related amendments to certain UAL Corporation and Continental Predecessor incentive plans. The UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan was amended to change the name of such plan to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Incentive Plan”) and to reflect the listing of UAL’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. The Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010 was amended to change the name of such plan to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010 (the “Incentive Plan 2010”), to change the sponsor of such plan to UAL and to change the shares subject to such plan from those of Continental to shares of UAL common stock. The number of shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan 2010 and various other share limitations under such plan were also adjusted based on the exchange ratio that applied in connection with the Merger.

Annual Incentive Program

On February 17, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) adopted the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program (the “AIP”), effective January 1, 2011, and the form of Annual Incentive Award Notice to be used to make awards under the AIP to officers of UAL or any subsidiary of UAL. The AIP is an annual cash incentive plan adopted under the Incentive Plan 2010. In order for a payment to be made under the AIP with respect to a fiscal year, (i) the Company’s pre-tax income for the fiscal year must meet or exceed the entry level pre-tax income established by the Compensation Committee for such fiscal year and (ii) a payment must have been made (or will be made) under the Company’s broad-based profit sharing plan for such fiscal year. The amount of an annual incentive payment under the AIP is equal to a percentage of the participant’s annual base salary, which percentage varies based on the level of pre-tax income achieved by the Company for the fiscal year. Payments earned under the AIP for a fiscal year will be made to participants in a lump-sum by March 15 of the year following the end of such fiscal year.

Generally, except as otherwise provided in a participant’s employment or transition agreement, a participant in the AIP must remain continuously employed from the date the participant received an award for a fiscal year through the last day of such fiscal year in order to receive a payment with respect to the award. However, if a participant’s employment is terminated by reason of death or disability, then, except as otherwise provided in the participant’s employment agreement, such participant’s award for the fiscal year during which such termination occurs will be paid on a pro-rated basis (based on the number of days of participation in the AIP during that fiscal year and assuming achievement of the target level of pre-tax income) within 30 days following the participant’s death or disability.

If a change of control of UAL occurs during a fiscal year, then a pro-rata portion (based on the number of days of participation in the AIP for such fiscal year through the date of the change of control and assuming achievement of a change of control level of pre-tax income pre-established by the Compensation Committee for such fiscal year) of the participants’ payments under the AIP for such fiscal year will be paid to each participant on or before March 15 of the year following the end of such fiscal year.

In general, and subject to limited exceptions set forth in the AIP, the Compensation Committee has the right to reduce or eliminate a payment under the AIP for a fiscal year that would otherwise be payable if the Compensation Committee determines that such reduction or elimination is appropriate based on UAL’s level of unrestricted cash and cash available under unused credit lines as of the end of such fiscal year; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform manner to all participants who are otherwise entitled to receive a payment under the AIP with respect to such fiscal year.

Performance-Based RSU Program and Long-Term Relative Performance Program

On February 17, 2011, the Compensation Committee adopted the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based RSU Program (the “RSU Program”) and the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term

 

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Relative Performance Program (the “RPP,” and, together with the RSU Program, the “Long-Term Programs”), each effective January 1, 2011, and the forms of Performance-Based RSU Award Notice and Long-Term Relative Performance Award Notice to be used to make grants to officers of UAL or a subsidiary under the RSU Program and the RPP, respectively. The RSU Program was adopted under the 2008 Incentive Plan and the RPP was adopted under the Incentive Plan 2010.

Each restricted stock unit (“RSU”) under the RSU Program represents the right to receive a cash payment at the end of a three-year performance period based on the then fair market value of UAL common stock (which fair market value is determined based on an average closing price over 20 trading days at the end of the period) provided that UAL’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”) meets or exceeds the entry level ROIC set by the Compensation Committee. The number of RSUs that become vested under the RSU Program increases as the Company’s ROIC for the performance period exceeds the entry level ROIC. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, establish a maximum payment amount with respect to each RSU that becomes vested with respect to a performance period. Payments earned under the RSU Program for a performance period will be made to participants in a lump sum by March 15 of the year following the end of the three-year performance period.

Awards under the RPP are paid in cash at the end of a three-year performance period if the Company achieves a minimum level of performance with regard to its cumulative pre-tax margin (which is generally equal to the Company’s pre-tax income over the performance period divided by its revenues over such period) as compared to the cumulative pre-tax margin achieved by the Company’s peer group (which is generally equal to the peer companies’ aggregate pre-tax income over the performance period divided by the peer companies’ aggregate revenues over such period). The amount of the payment under the RPP is generally based on a percentage of a participant’s annual base salary, which percentage varies in relation to the Company’s performance compared to its peer group. The RPP provides that the Company’s peer group for this purpose initially includes AMR Corporation, Delta Air Lines Inc., US Airways Group, Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., JetBlue Airways Corporation, and Alaska Air Group, Inc.; provided, however, that the peer group is subject to potential change in accordance with the terms of the RPP. Payments earned under the RPP for a performance period will be made to participants in a lump sum by March 15 of the year following the end of the three-year performance period.

Generally, except as otherwise provided in a participant’s employment agreement, a participant in a Long-Term Program must remain continuously employed from the date the participant received an award for a performance period through the last day of such performance period in order to receive a payment with respect to the award. However, if a participant retires during the performance period, then the participant will receive a pro-rata payment of the award (based on the number of days of participation in the Long-Term Program through the date of retirement) if and when actively employed participants receive payments based on the Company’s actual performance results. Further, if a participant dies or becomes disabled during a performance period then, except as otherwise provided in the participant’s employment agreement, a pro-rata portion of the award (based on the number of days of participation in the Long-Term Program during the performance period and assuming achievement of the target level of performance) will be paid as soon as possible following the participant’s death or disability.

In the event a change of control of the Company occurs during a performance period, the performance goal under the Long-Term Program for such performance period will be deemed to be achieved at the change of control level (as pre-established by the Compensation Committee for such performance period) and, except as otherwise provided in a participant’s employment agreement, those participants who remain employed by the Company or a subsidiary until the end of the performance period will receive full payment of the award at that level. Retirement eligible participants will receive pro-rated payments after each year during the performance period. Except as otherwise provided in a participant’s employment agreement, any participant who experiences a qualifying event (which is generally a termination of employment under circumstances entitling the participant to a cash severance payment) or who terminates employment by reason of death, disability or retirement

 

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following a change of control and before the end of the performance period during which the change of control occurs will receive a pro-rata payment of the award (based on the number of days of participation in the Long-Term Program during such performance period) no later than March 15 of the year following the year during which such event occurred.

In general, and subject to limited exceptions set forth in the Long-Term Programs, the Compensation Committee has the right to reduce or eliminate a payment under a Long-Term Program that would otherwise be payable if the Compensation Committee determines that such reduction or elimination is appropriate based on the Company’s level of unrestricted cash and cash available under unused credit lines as of the end of the performance period; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform manner to all participants who are otherwise entitled to receive a payment under the Long-Term Program with respect to that performance period.

Restricted Share Awards

On February 17, 2011, the Compensation Committee approved a form of Restricted Share Award Notice that will be used to grant restricted shares under the 2008 Incentive Plan. These restricted shares will vest over time, subject to the employee’s continued employment with the Company or its subsidiaries from the date of grant through each vesting date (except as otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee or as provided in the 2008 Incentive Plan or the employee’s employment agreement). The Restricted Share Award Notice shall provide the specific vesting schedule for each grant of restricted shares.

Notwithstanding the vesting schedule that will be included in a Restricted Share Award Notice, if the employee remains continuously employed by the Company or an affiliate from the date of grant until the date upon which a qualifying event (which is generally a termination of employment within two years following a change of control of the Company under circumstances entitling the employee to a cash severance payment) occurs, then on the date of such qualifying event the employee’s rights with respect to all restricted shares that are not then vested will become vested and all restrictions on such restricted shares will lapse. Further, if the employee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or disability, then, except as otherwise provided in the employee’s employment agreement, all restricted shares that are not then vested will fully vest. The holder of restricted shares will be eligible to receive any dividends or other distributions paid or distributed with respect to the restricted shares at the time the restricted shares vest, if at all.

Merger Performance Incentive Awards

On February 17, 2011, the Compensation Committee approved the form of Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice to be used to make grants of restricted stock units (the “Merger Incentive RSUs”) under the 2008 Incentive Plan. These awards will represent a one-time grant of restricted stock units intended to provide incentives related to the achievement of performance goals arising out of the integration of the operations of United and Continental.

Each Merger Incentive RSU represents the right to receive a cash payment upon achievement of the related performance goal based on the then fair market value of a share of UAL’s common stock (which fair market value is determined based on an average closing price over 20 trading days immediately preceding the time of achievement of such goal). Vesting of a portion of the Merger Incentive RSUs is based on achievement of certain milestones that have been set by the Compensation Committee (including integration of customer loyalty programs, integration of reservation systems, ratification of new joint collective bargaining agreements, and obtaining a single operating certificate from the FAA). Vesting of the remainder of the Merger Incentive RSUs is based on achievement of revenue and cost synergies over a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2013. As a general matter, each tranche of the Merger Incentive RSUs will vest and will be paid in cash to the recipients following the achievement of the performance goal for such tranche; provided that the tranche relating to the achievement of revenue and cost synergies will vest and be paid after the three-year

 

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performance period depending on the synergies achieved during such period. The number of Merger Incentive RSUs that become vested depends on the timing and/or level of achievement of the related performance goals. In no event will the payment with respect to a vested Merger Incentive RSU exceed a maximum amount to be established by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant.

Generally, except as otherwise provided in a recipient’s employment agreement, a recipient of Merger Incentive RSUs must remain continuously employed from the date of receipt of such award through the relevant vesting date for a tranche in order to receive payment with respect to the award for that tranche. If a recipient dies or becomes disabled during a performance period for a tranche of Merger Incentive RSUs, then, except as otherwise provided in the recipient’s employment agreement, the recipient will become vested and receive payment with respect to a pro-rata portion of the Merger Incentive RSUs included in such tranche (assuming targeted level of performance) as determined in accordance with the Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice. In the event a change of control of UAL occurs during the relevant performance period for a tranche of the Merger Incentive RSUs, a pro-rated portion of the Merger Incentive RSUs included in such tranche will vest (assuming targeted level of performance) and be paid out as determined in accordance with the Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice.

In general, and subject to limited exceptions set forth in the Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice, the Compensation Committee has the right to reduce or eliminate a payment under the Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice that would otherwise be payable if the Compensation Committee determines that such reduction or elimination is appropriate based on UAL’s level of unrestricted cash and cash available under unused credit lines as of the time of achievement of the performance goal; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform manner to all participants who are otherwise entitled to receive payments under corresponding provisions of their respective Merger Performance Incentive Award Notices.

PBGC

After the May 2010 announcement of the Merger agreement, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”) requested certain information from Continental to assess the Merger’s impact on Continental’s qualified defined benefit programs (the “PBGC Information Request”). Subsequently, shortly before the closing of the Merger, the PBGC took the position that the Merger would constitute a “Fundamental Change” under the indenture (the “PBGC Indenture”) governing UAL’s 6% Senior Notes due 2031 held by PBGC (the “6% Senior Notes”), which would require UAL to offer to redeem the $597 million outstanding principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes at par, payable in cash or shares of UAL common stock. UAL strongly believes, based on the language of the PBGC Indenture, market practice and relevant statutes and case law, that the Merger did not constitute a “Fundamental Change” under the PBGC Indenture and that the PBGC’s position is without merit. In the unlikely event that the PBGC were to prevail in its position that the Merger constituted a “Fundamental Change”, the redemption of the 6% Senior Notes could require the prepayment of amounts outstanding under United’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013, which aggregated $2.2 billion principal amount as of December 31, 2010. UAL believes that, if such redemption were required, UAL has adequate liquidity to satisfy such obligations and that new financings could be arranged substantially replacing the amounts prepaid, although potentially on not as favorable terms.

On September 30, 2010, the PBGC, UAL and Continental entered into a standstill agreement providing that, on or before January 31, 2011, they will not initiate any court or administrative proceeding regarding Continental’s qualified defined benefit programs or the 6% Senior Notes, in each case as they relate to the consummation of the Merger, or to assert in any court or administrative proceeding that the Merger did or did not constitute a “fundamental change” under the PBGC Indenture. In addition, the PBGC and Continental agreed on a schedule for providing the information requested by the PBGC relating to Continental’s qualified defined

 

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benefit programs. The parties also agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve their disagreements with respect to the PBGC Indenture and the production of information by Continental. Continental provided to the PBGC the information that the PBGC requested and, although the standstill agreement has expired, the parties continue to try to resolve these matters. UAL cannot predict any further action that may be taken by the PBGC. Although there can be no assurance as to any particular outcome, UAL believes that these matters will be resolved in a manner that will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Certain information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Information regarding the executive officers of UAL is presented below.

Information required by this item with respect to United and Continental is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF UAL

The executive officers of UAL are listed below, along with their ages, tenure as officer and business background for at least the last five years.

Michael P. Bonds. Age 48. Mr. Bonds has been Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations of UAL, United and Continental since October 2010. From June 2005 to September 2010, Mr. Bonds served as Senior Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations of Continental. Mr. Bonds joined Continental in 1995.

James E. Compton. Age 55. Mr. Compton has been Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of UAL, United and Continental since October 2010. From January 2010 to September 2010, Mr. Compton served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Continental. From August 2004 to December 2009, Mr. Compton served as Executive Vice President—Marketing of Continental. Mr. Compton joined Continental in 1995.

Jeffrey T. Foland. Age 40. Mr. Foland has been Executive Vice President of UAL, United and Continental and President of Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC since October 2010. From January 2009 to September 2010, Mr. Foland served as Senior Vice President Worldwide Sales and Marketing of United. From September 2006 to January 2009, Mr. Foland served as Senior Vice President Worldwide Sales of United. From January 2005 to September 2006, Mr. Foland served as Vice President Sales America of United. Mr. Foland joined UAL in 2005.

Irene E. Foxhall. Age 59. Ms. Foxhall has been Executive Vice President Communications and Government Affairs of UAL, United and Continental since October 2010. From January 2010 to September 2010, Ms. Foxhall served as Senior Vice President Communications and Government Affairs of Continental. From October 2008 to December 2009, Ms. Foxhall served as Senior Vice President—Global Communications and Public Affairs of Continental. From September 2007 to October 2008, Ms. Foxhall served as Senior Vice President International and State Affairs of Continental. From September 2005 to September 2007, Ms. Foxhall served as Vice President International and State Affairs of Continental. Ms. Foxhall joined Continental in 1995.

R. Keith Halbert. Age 51. Mr. Halbert has been Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of UAL, United and Continental since October 2010. From December 2007 to September 2010, Mr. Halbert served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of United. From January 2004 to November 2007, Mr. Halbert served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Electronic Data Systems. Mr. Halbert joined UAL in 2007.

 

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Brett J. Hart. Age 41. Mr. Hart has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of UAL, United and Continental since December 2010. From June 2009 to December 2010, Mr. Hart served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Sara Lee Corporation. From March 2005 to May 2009, Mr. Hart served as Deputy General Counsel and Chief Global Compliance Officer of Sara Lee Corporation. Mr. Hart joined UAL in 2010.

Peter D. McDonald. Age 59. Mr. McDonald has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of UAL, United and Continental since October 2010. From May 2008 to September 2010, Mr. McDonald served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of UAL and United. From May 2004 to May 2008, Mr. McDonald served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UAL and United. Mr. McDonald joined UAL in 1969.

Zane C. Rowe. Age 40. Mr. Rowe has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UAL, United and Continental since October 2010. From August 2008 to September 2010, Mr. Rowe served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Continental. From September 2006 to August 2008, Mr. Rowe served as Senior Vice President—Network Strategy of Continental. From August 2005 to September 2006, Mr. Rowe served as Vice President—Network Strategy of Continental. From September 2003 to August 2005, Mr. Rowe served as Vice President—Financial Planning and Analysis of Continental. Mr. Rowe joined Continental in 1993.

Jeffery A. Smisek. Age 56. Mr. Smisek has been President and Chief Executive Officer of UAL and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of United and Continental since October 2010. From January 2010 to September 2010, Mr. Smisek served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental. From September 2008 to December 2009, Mr. Smisek served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Continental. From December 2004 to September 2008, Mr. Smisek served as President of Continental. Mr. Smisek joined Continental in 1995.

There are no family relationships among the executive officers or the directors of UAL. The executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors each year and hold office until the organization meeting of the respective Board of Directors in the next subsequent year and until his or her successor is chosen or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Information required by this item with respect to United and Continental is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Information required by this item with respect to United and Continental is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

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Information required by this item with respect to United and Continental is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The Audit Committee of the UAL Board of Directors adopted a policy on pre-approval of services of independent accountants in October 2002. As a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL, United’s audit services were determined by UAL. The policy provides that the Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided to UAL and its subsidiaries and affiliates by its auditors. The process by which this is carried out is as follows:

For recurring services, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves UAL’s independent registered public accounting firm’s annual audit services and employee benefit plan audits in conjunction with the Committee’s annual appointment of the outside auditors. The materials include a description of the services along with related fees. The Committee also reviews and pre-approves other classes of recurring services along with fee thresholds for pre-approved services. In the event that the pre-approval fee thresholds are met and additional services are required prior to the next scheduled Committee meeting, pre-approvals of additional services follow the process described below.

Any requests for audit, audit-related, tax and other services not contemplated with the recurring services approval described above must be submitted to the Audit Committee for specific pre-approval and cannot commence until such approval has been granted. Normally, pre-approval is provided at regularly scheduled meetings. However, the authority to grant specific pre-approval between meetings, as necessary, has been delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Chairman must update the Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting of any services that were granted specific pre-approval.

On a periodic basis, the Audit Committee reviews the status of services and fees incurred year-to-date and a list of newly pre-approved services since its last regularly scheduled meeting. The Company’s Audit Committee has considered whether the 2010 non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP are compatible with maintaining auditor independence.

All of the services in 2010 and 2009 under the Audit Related, Tax and All Other Fees categories above have been approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(c) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act.

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by external auditors in 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

      UAL      United      UAL &
United
     Continental  

Service (a)

   2010 (b)      2010      2009      2010      2009  

Audit Fees

   $ 4,028       $ 3,062       $ 3,051       $ 2,976       $ 2,454   

Audit-Related Fees

     325         226         492         241         85   

Tax Fees

     463         369         244         375         279   

All Other Fees

     11         3         34         34         33   
                                            

Total

   $ 4,827       $ 3,660       $ 3,821       $ 3,626       $ 2,851   
                                            

 

(a) Ernst & Young LLP was the independent registered public accounting firm for UAL, United, and Continental except for the 2009 annual audits of UAL and United financial statements which were performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
(b) Includes an allocation of fees billed to Continental by Ernst & Young LLP after the Merger.

 

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AUDIT FEES

For 2010, audit fees consist primarily of the audit and quarterly reviews of the consolidated financial statements (including an audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting), including audits covering United Continental Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (United and Continental). Audit fees also include attestation services required by statute or regulation, comfort letters, consents, assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC, work performed by tax professionals in connection with the audit and quarterly reviews, merger-related technical accounting consultations, purchase accounting audit procedures, the consolidation of Continental in 2010, and accounting and financial reporting consultations and research work necessary to comply with generally accepted auditing standards. For 2009, audit fees include the services described above, except for merger-related technical accounting consultations, purchase accounting audit procedures and procedures related to the consolidation of Continental Airlines, Inc.

AUDIT RELATED FEES

In 2010, fees for audit-related services consisted of audits for employee benefit plans, carve-out audits, and due diligence and assistance with merger-related activity prior to the closing of the Merger. Audit-related services also include audits of subsidiaries that are not required to be audited by governmental or regulatory bodies.

In 2009, United’s audit-related fees billed in 2009 consisted of audits for employee benefit plans and carve-out audits.

In 2009, Continental’s audit-related fees consist primarily of services related to potential airline industry consolidation and the audits of subsidiaries that are not required to be audited by governmental or regulatory bodies.

TAX FEES

Tax fees include professional services provided for preparation of tax returns of certain expatriate employees, personal tax compliance and advice, preparation of federal, foreign and state tax returns, review of tax returns prepared by the Company, assistance in assembling data to respond to governmental reviews of past tax filings, and merger-related tax advice (2010 only), exclusive of tax services rendered in connection with the audit.

ALL OTHER FEES

Fees for all other services billed in 2010 consist of a subscription to Ernst & Young LLP’s on-line accounting research tool. For United, fees for other services billed in 2009 consisted of the preparation of employee payroll tax filings. For Continental, fees for other services in 2009 include agreed upon procedures work on system security controls over real-time traffic data used by Continental.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES.

 

(a)(1) Financial Statements. The financial statements required by this item are listed in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data herein.

 

(2) Financial Statement Schedules. The financial statement schedule required by this item is listed below and included in this report after the signature page hereto.

 

     Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

     All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(b) Exhibits. The exhibits required by this item are listed in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes the exhibits filed with this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by this reference. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement is denoted with a “†” in the Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

(Registrants)

By  

/s/    ZANE C. ROWE        

  Zane C. Rowe
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 22, 2011

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Capacity

/s/    JEFFERY A. SMISEK        

   President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jeffery A. Smisek    (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    ZANE C. ROWE        

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Zane C. Rowe    (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/    CHRIS KENNY        

   Vice President and Controller
Chris Kenny    (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/    GLENN F. TILTON        

   Chairman of the Board of Directors
Glenn F. Tilton   

/s/    KIRBYJON H. CALDWELL        

   Director
Kirbyjon H. Caldwell   

/s/    STEPHEN R. CANALE        

   Director
Stephen R. Canale   

/s/    CAROLYN CORVI          

   Director
Carolyn Corvi   

/s/    W. JAMES FARRELL        

   Director
W. James Farrell   

/s/    JANE C. GARVEY        

   Director
Jane C. Garvey   

/s/    WALTER ISAACSON        

   Director
Walter Isaacson   

 

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Signature

  

Capacity

/s/    HENRY L. MEYER III        

   Director
Henry L. Meyer III   

/s/    WENDY J. MORSE        

   Director
Wendy J. Morse   

/s/    OSCAR MUNOZ        

   Director
Oscar Munoz   

/s/    JAMES J. O’CONNOR        

   Director
James J. O’Connor   

/s/    LAURENCE E. SIMMONS        

   Director
Laurence E. Simmons   

/s/    DAVID J. VITALE        

   Director
David J. Vitale   

/s/    JOHN H. WALKER        

   Director
John H. Walker   

/s/    CHARLES A. YAMARONE        

   Director
Charles A. Yamarone   

Date: February 22, 2011

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of United Air Lines, Inc. and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Capacity

/s/    JEFFERY A. SMISEK        

  

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Jeffery A. Smisek   

/s/    ZANE C. ROWE        

  

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer and Director

(Principal Financial Officer)

Zane C. Rowe   
  

/s/    CHRIS KENNY        

  

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Chris Kenny   

/s/    JAMES E. COMPTON        

   Director
James E. Compton   

/s/    PETER D. MCDONALD        

   Director
Peter D. McDonald   

Date: February 22, 2011

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Continental Airlines, Inc. and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Capacity

/s/    JEFFERY A. SMISEK        

   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Jeffery A. Smisek    (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    ZANE C. ROWE        

  

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer and Director

(Principal Financial Officer)

Zane C. Rowe   
  

/s/    CHRIS KENNY        

  

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Chris Kenny   

/s/    JAMES E. COMPTON        

   Director
James E. Compton   

/s/    PETER D. MCDONALD        

   Director
Peter D. McDonald   

Date: February 22, 2011

 

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Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

(In millions)

Description

  Balance at
Beginning of
Period
    Assumed in
Merger/
Acquisition
Accounting
Adjustment
    Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
    Deductions
(a)
    Balance at
End of
Period
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts—UAL:

         

2010

  $ 14      $ —        $ 4      $ 12      $ 6   

2009

    24        —          31        41        14   

2008

    27        —          25        28        24   

Allowance for doubtful accounts—United:

         

2010

  $ 14        —        $ 3      $ 12      $ 5   

2009

    24        —          31        41        14   

2008

    27        —          25        28        24   

Allowance for doubtful accounts—Continental:

         

Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010 (Successor Company)

  $ 5      $ (5   $ 1      $ —        $ 1   

Jan. 1 to Sep. 30, 2010 (Predecessor Company)

    7        —          1        3        5   

2009 (Predecessor Company)

    7        —          7        7        7   

2008 (Predecessor Company)

    7        —          9        9        7   

Obsolescence allowance—spare parts—UAL:

         

2010

  $ 61      $ —        $ 215      $ 212      $ 64   

2009

    48        —          55        42        61   

2008

    25        —          26        3        48   

Obsolescence allowance—spare parts—United:

         

2010

  $ 61      $ —        $ 212      $ 212      $ 61   

2009

    48        —          55        42        61   

2008

    25        —          26        3        48   

Obsolescence allowance—spare parts—Continental:

         

Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010 (Successor Company)

  $ 121      $ (121   $ 3      $ —        $ 3   

Jan. 1 to Sep. 30, 2010 (Predecessor Company)

    113        —          9        1        121   

2009 (Predecessor Company)

    102        —          12        1        113   

2008 (Predecessor Company)

    80        —          23        1        102   

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets—UAL:

         

2010

  $ 3,060      $ 1,487      $ 90      $ 466      $ 4,171   

2009

    2,886        —          190        16        3,060   

2008

    1,743        —          1,143        —          2,886   

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets—United:

         

2010

  $ 2,977      $ —        $ 30      $ 383      $ 2,624   

2009

    2,812        —          182        17        2,977   

2008

    1,685        —          1,127        —          2,812   

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets—Continental:

         

Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010 (Successor Company)

  $ 362      $ 1,125      $ 2      $ 105      $ 1,384   

Jan. 1 to Sep. 30, 2010 (Predecessor Company)

    563        —          —          201        362   

2009 (Predecessor Company)

    788        —          (225     —          563   

2008 (Predecessor Company)

    192        —          596        —          788   

 

(a) Deduction from reserve for purpose for which reserve was created.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

      Plan of Merger

*2.1

  

UAL

United

Continental

   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 2, 2010, by and among UAL Corporation, Continental Airlines, Inc. and JT Merger Sub Inc. (schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K) (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed May 4, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
      Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

*3.1

   UAL    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*3.2

   UAL    Amended and Restated Bylaws of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*3.3

   United    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to United’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-11355, and incorporated herein by reference)

*3.4

   United    Amended and Restated Bylaws of United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to United’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-11355, and incorporated herein by reference)

*3.5

   Continental    Amended and Restated Certification of Incorporation of Continental (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*3.6

   Continental    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Continental (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
      Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures

*4.1

  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation, certain subsidiaries of United Air Lines, Inc. and UAL Corporation, as named therein, the Lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, et al. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed February 5, 2007, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

4.2

  

UAL

United

   Letter agreement, dated as of February 9, 2007, by and among United Airlines, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank and Citicorp USA, Inc., to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation, certain subsidiaries of United Air Lines, Inc. and UAL Corporation, as named therein, the Lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, et al.

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*4.3

  

UAL

United

   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2007, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation and certain subsidiaries of United Air Lines, Inc. and UAL Corporation as named therein, the Lenders named therein, JP Morgan Chase Bank, et al. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed December 7, 2007, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.4

  

UAL

United

   Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2008, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation and certain subsidiaries of United Air Lines, Inc. and UAL Corporation as named therein, the Lenders named therein, JP Morgan Chase Bank, et al. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2008, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

4.5

  

UAL

United

   Letter agreement, dated as of September 23, 2009, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank and Citicorp USA, Inc., to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation, certain subsidiaries of United Air Lines, Inc. and UAL Corporation, as named therein, the Lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, et al.

*4.6

  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of February 1, 2006, by and among UAL Corporation as Issuer, United Air Lines, Inc. as Guarantor, and the Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee, providing for issuance of 6% Senior Notes due 2031 and 8% Contingent Senior Notes (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.7

  

UAL

United

   ORD Indenture, dated as of February 1, 2006, by and among UAL Corporation as Issuer, United Air Lines, Inc. as Guarantor, and the Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee, providing for issuance of 5% Senior Convertible Notes due 2021 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.8

  

UAL

United

   First Supplement to ORD Indenture, dated as of February 16, 2006, by and among UAL Corporation, United Air Lines, Inc. as Guarantor, and the Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed February 21, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.9

  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of July 25, 2006, by and among UAL Corporation as Issuer, United Air Lines, Inc. as Guarantor and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, providing for issuance of 4.50% Senior Limited-Subordination Convertible Notes due 2021 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed July 27, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.10

  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of July 2, 2009, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., as Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, N.A., as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, N.A., as Collateral Agent, providing for issuance of 12.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.15 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*4.11

  

UAL

United

   A Mortgage and Security Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2009, by and among United Air Lines, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, N.A., the Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.16 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.12

  

UAL

United

   B Mortgage and Security Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2009, by and among United Air Lines, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, N.A., the Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.17 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.13

  

UAL

United

   C Mortgage and Security Agreement dated as of July 2, 2009, by and among United Air Lines, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, N.A., the Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.18 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.14

  

UAL

United

   Form of Note representing all 12.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.15

  

UAL

United

   Guarantee, dated as of July 2, 2009 from UAL Corporation of 12.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.8 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.16

  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of October 7, 2009, by and between UAL Corporation, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, providing for issuance of 6% Senior Convertible Notes due 2029 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated October 7, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.17

  

UAL

United

   Form of Note representing all 6.0% Senior Convertible Notes due 2029 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated October 7, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.18

  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of January 15, 2010, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., each of the Guarantors party thereto, The Bank of New York Mellon, N.A., as Trustee, and Wilmington Trust FSB, as Collateral Trustee, providing for the issuance of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.19

  

UAL

United

   Form of Note representing all 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.20

  

UAL

United

   Form of Guarantee of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.21

  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of January 15, 2010, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., each of the Guarantors party thereto, The Bank of New York Mellon, N.A., as Trustee, and Wilmington Trust FSB, as Collateral Trustee, providing for the issuance of 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*4.22

  

UAL

United

   Form of Note representing all 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.23

  

UAL

United

   Form of Guarantee of 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed January 15, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.24

  

UAL

United

   Priority Lien Security Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2010, by and among United Air Lines, Inc. and Wilmington Trust FSB, as collateral trustee, relating to United Air Lines, Inc.’s 9.875% Senior Secured Notes (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated April 19, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.25

  

UAL

United

   Junior Lien Security Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2010, by and among United Air Lines, Inc. and Wilmington Trust FSB, as collateral trustee, relating to United Air Lines, Inc.’s 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated April 19, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.26

   Continental    Indenture, dated as of June 10, 2003, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.). as trustee, relating to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 5% Notes due 2023 (filed as Exhibit 4.11 to Continental’s S-3 dated September 8, 2003, Commission file number 1-0323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.27

  

UAL

Continental

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among Continental Airlines, Inc., United Continental Holdings, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, with respect to the Indenture, dated as of June 10, 2003, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as trustee, relating to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 5% Notes due 2023 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.28

   Continental    Indenture, dated as of November 10, 2000, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2030 (filed as Exhibit to 4.9 to Continental’s S-3dated February 7, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.29

  

UAL

Continental

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among Continental Airlines, Inc., United Continental Holdings, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, with respect to the Indenture, dated as of November 10, 2000, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2030 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.30

   Continental    Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1997, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as trustee related to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015 (filed as Exhibit to 4.1 to Continental’s S-3/A filed July 18, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*4.31

  

UAL

Continental

   Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among Continental Airlines, Inc., United Continental Holdings, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, with respect to the Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1997, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as trustee related to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.32

   Continental    Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 27, 1993, by and among Continental and Continental as warrant agent (filed as Exhibit 4.7 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed April 16, 1993, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.33

   Continental    Indenture, dated as of August 8, 2010, among Continental, Air Micronesia, Inc., Continental Micronesia, Inc., The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, and Wilmington Trust FSB, as collateral trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed August 20, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323)

*4.34

   Continental    Form of 6.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed August 20, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.35

   Continental    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 13, 2006, among Continental and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, with respect to the Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1997, between the Continental and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed November 14, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*4.36

   Continental    Form of 8.75% Notes due 2011 of Continental (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed November 14, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
      Material Contracts

†10.1

   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Success Sharing Program—Profit Sharing Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2011

*†10.2

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2002, by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation and Glenn F. Tilton (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.3

   UAL    Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 8, 2002 to the Employment Agreement dated September 5, 2002 by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation and Glenn F. Tilton (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.4

   UAL    Amendment No. 2 dated as of February 17, 2003 to the Employment Agreement dated September 5, 2002 by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation and Glenn F. Tilton (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

191


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*†10.5

   UAL    Amendment No. 3 dated as of September 29, 2006 to the Employment Agreement dated September 5, 2002 by and among UAL Corporation, United Air Lines, Inc. and Glenn F. Tilton (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.6

   UAL    Amendment No. 4 dated as of September 25, 2008 to the Employment Agreement dated September 5, 2002 by and among United Air Lines, Inc., UAL Corporation and Glenn F. Tilton (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, Commission file no. 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.7

   UAL    Letter Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2010, by and among UAL Corporation, United Air Lines Inc. and Glenn F. Tilton (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form S-4 dated June 25, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.8

   UAL    Form of Management Retention Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form S-4 dated June 25, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

†10.9

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Michael P. Bonds

†10.10

   UAL    SERP Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Michael P. Bonds

†10.11

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and James E. Compton

†10.12

   UAL    SERP Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and James E. Compton

†10.13

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Jeffrey T. Foland

†10.14

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Irene E. Foxhall

†10.15

   UAL    SERP Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Irene E. Foxhall

†10.16

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Keith R. Halbert

†10.17

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Brett J. Hart

†10.18

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Peter D. McDonald

†10.19

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Zane C. Rowe

†10.20

   UAL    SERP Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Zane C. Rowe

†10.21

   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Jeffery A. Smisek

 

192


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*†10.22

   UAL    Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, dated April 23, 2009, by and among Continental Airlines, Inc. and Jeffery A. Smisek (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

†10.23

   UAL    Description of Benefits for Officers of United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc., and Continental Airlines, Inc.

†10.24

   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy

*†10.25

   UAL    UAL Corporation 2009 Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to United’s Air Lines, Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-11355, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.26

   UAL    UAL Corporation 2006 Management Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.27

   UAL    Amendment to Outstanding Awards granted under the UAL Corporation 2006 Management Equity Incentive Plan, effective May 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.28

   UAL    Amendment No. 1 to the UAL Corporation 2006 Management Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.29

   UAL    UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Appendix A to UAL Corporation’s Definitive Proxy filed on April 25, 2008, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference) (now named the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan)

†10.30

   UAL    Amendment No. 1 to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (changing the name to United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan)

†10.31

   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan)

*†10.32

   UAL    Form of Stock Option Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.33

   UAL    Form of Restricted Share Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.34

   UAL    Form of Cash Incentive Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

193


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*†10.35

   UAL    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.36

   UAL    Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.37

   UAL    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

†10.38

   UAL    Form of Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan

†10.39

   UAL    Form of Restricted Share Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan

†10.40

   UAL    Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program

†10.41

   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated February 17, 2011 (previously named the Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010)

†10.42

   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010)

†10.43

   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010)

†10.44

   UAL    Form of Annual Incentive Program Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program

†10.45

   UAL    Form of Long-Term Relative Performance Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program

†10.46

   UAL    Description of Benefits for United Continental Holdings, Inc. Board of Directors

*†10.47

   UAL    UAL Corporation 2006 Directors Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.48

   UAL    Amendment No. 1 to the UAL Corporation 2006 Directors Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.49

   UAL    Amendment No. 2 to the UAL Corporation 2006 Directors Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.50

   UAL    Form of Share Unit Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

194


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*†10.51

   UAL    Letter Agreement, dated April 28, 1994, by and among UAL Corporation and James J. O’Connor (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to UAL’s Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

†10.52

   UAL    Letter Agreement, dated October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc. and Glenn F. Tilton

*†10.53

   UAL    Form of Outside Director Stock Option Grant pursuant to the 1998 Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.12(c) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.54

   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2000, as amended and restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.55

   UAL    Amendment to Incentive Plan 2000, dated as of March 12, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.56

   UAL    Second Amendment to Incentive Plan 2000, dated as of June 6, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.57

   UAL    Third Amendment to Incentive Plan 2000, dated as of September 14, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.58

   UAL    Form of Outside Director Stock Option Agreement pursuant to Incentive Plan 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.59

   UAL    Form of Outside Director Stock Option Grant pursuant to Incentive Plan 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.60

   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. Long-Term Incentive and RSU Program, as amended and restated February 18, 2009 (adopted pursuant to Incentive Plan 2000) (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.61

   UAL    Form of Award Notice pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Long-Term Incentive and RSU Program (Profit Based RSU Awards under Incentive Plan 2000) (filed as Exhibit 10.14(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.62

   UAL    Form of Award Notice pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Long-Term Incentive and RSU Program (NLTIP Award under Incentive Plan 2000) (filed as Exhibit 10.16(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.63

   UAL    Form of Non-Employee Director Option Grant Document pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated through February 17, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

195


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*†10.64

   UAL    Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated through February 17, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Continental’s Form 8-K filed June 9, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.65

   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. Annual Executive Incentive Program (adopted pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated through February 17, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.66

   UAL    Form of Award Notice pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Annual Executive Incentive Program (adopted pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated through February 17, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.13(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.67

   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. Long-Term Incentive and RSU Program, as amended and restated through March 11, 2010 (adopted pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated February 17, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.68

   UAL    Form of Award Notice pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Long-Term Incentive and RSU Program, as amended and restated through March 11, 2010 (Profit Based RSU Award under Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated February 17, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.14(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.69

   UAL    Form of Award Notice pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Long-Term Incentive and RSU Program, as amended and restated through March 11, 2010 (LTIP Award under Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated February 17, 2010) ) (filed as Exhibit 10.14(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.70

   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. 2005 Broad Based Employee Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*†10.71

   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. 2005 Pilot Supplemental Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.72

  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement Number 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.73

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 3427-02 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

196


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*10.74

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 3427-05 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.75

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 3427-07 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.76

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0759 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.77

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0760 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.78

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0762 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.79

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0777 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, between The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.80

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0778 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.81

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0779 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.82

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0780 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.83

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0781 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.84

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0783 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

197


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.85

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0784 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.86

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0785 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.87

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0787 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.88

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0788 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.89

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0790 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.90

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0792 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.91

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0794 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.92

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-ELP-0795 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*10.93

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-IRS-0182 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.23 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.94

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-IRS-0183 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.95

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-IRS-0185 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

198


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.96

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-NIW-2015 to Purchase Agreement No. 3427, dated February 19, 2010, by and among The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.97

  

UAL

United

   Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.98

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 1 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.99

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 2 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.100

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 3 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.101

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 4 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.102

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 5 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.103

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.104

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 7 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.105

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 8 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.106

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 9 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

199


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.107

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 10 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.108

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 11 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.109

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 12 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.110

  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 13 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.40 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.111

  

UAL

United

   Amendment No. 1 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 25, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.112

  

UAL

Continental

   Purchase Agreement No. 1951, including exhibits and side letters thereto, dated July 23, 1996, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.113

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 10, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.114

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 5, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323 and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.115

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 3, including exhibit and side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 17, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(c) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.116

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 4, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 10, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(d) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.117

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 5, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 10, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

200


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.118

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 6, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 30, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.119

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 7, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 12, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.24(g) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.120

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 8, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 7, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.24(h) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.121

  

UAL

Continental

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-GOC-131R1 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 26, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.122

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 9, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated February 18, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.123

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 10, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 19, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4(a) to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.124

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 11, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 14, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4(a) to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.125

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 12, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 2, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Continentals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.126

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 13 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 13, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.25(n) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.127

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 14 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 13, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.25(o) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.128

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 15, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated January 13, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

201


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.129

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 16, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 17, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.130

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 17, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated May 16, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.131

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 18, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated September 11, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.132

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 19, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 31, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.20(t) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.133

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 20, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 21, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.20(u) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.134

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 21, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 30, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.135

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 22, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated May 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.136

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 23, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 29, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.137

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 24, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 31, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.138

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 25, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 31, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.22(z) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.139

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 26, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 29, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

202


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.140

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 27, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 6, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.141

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 28, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated April 1, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.142

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 29, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 19, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.143

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 30 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 4, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.23(ae) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.144

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 31 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 20, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.145

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 32, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 29, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(ag) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.146

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 33, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 29, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(ah) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.147

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 34 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 22, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.148

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 35 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 30, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.149

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 36 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 28, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.150

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 37 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 30, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.151

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 38 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 6, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

203


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.152

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 39 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 3, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.153

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 40 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 5, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.23(ao) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.154

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 41 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 1, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.155

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 42 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 12, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.156

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 43 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 18, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.157

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 44 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 7, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(as) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.158

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 45 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated February 20, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.159

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 46 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 25, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.160

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 47 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 30, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(av) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.161

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 48 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated January 29, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.162

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 49 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated May 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.163

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 50 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 23, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

204


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.164

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 51 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 5, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.165

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 52 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 31, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.166

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 53 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 23, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.22(bb) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.167

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 54 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.168

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 55 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 31, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.169

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 56 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 12, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.170

  

UAL

Continental

   Aircraft General Terms Agreement, dated October 10, 1997, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.171

  

UAL

Continental

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-GOC-136, dated October 10, 1997, by and between Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.15(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.172

  

UAL

Continental

   Purchase Agreement No. 2061, including exhibits and side letters, dated October 10, 1997, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.173

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated December 18, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.17(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.174

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 2, including side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated July 30, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.27(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.175

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 3, including side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated September 25, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.27(c) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

205


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.176

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 4, including side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated February 3, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.177

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 5, including side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated March 26, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.5(a) to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.178

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 6 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated June 25, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.179

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 7, including side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated October 31, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.23(g) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.180

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 8, including side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated June 29, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.181

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 9 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated June 25, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.182

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 10 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated November 4, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.26(j) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.183

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 11 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated July 28, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.184

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 12 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated March 17, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.185

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 13 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated December 3, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.23(m) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.186

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 14 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated February 20, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.187

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 15 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated October 15, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

206


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.188

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 16 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated May 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.189

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 17 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated August 31, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.190

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 18 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated December 23, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.24(r) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.191

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 19 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated March 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.192

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 20 to Purchase Agreement No. 2061, dated August 12, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.193

  

UAL

Continental

   Letter Agreement 6-1162-CHL-048, dated February 8, 2002, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.194

  

UAL

Continental

   Purchase Agreement No. 2484, including exhibits and side letters, dated December 29, 2004, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.195

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated June 30, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.196

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 2, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated January 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.27(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.197

  

UAL

Continental

  

Supplemental Agreement No. 3 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated May 3, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Commission file

number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.198

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 4 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated July 14, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.199

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 5 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated March 12, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

207


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

*^10.200

  

UAL

Continental

   Supplemental Agreement No. 6 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated October 22, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.25(f) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*^10.201

  

UAL

Continental

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 11, dated August 8, 2005, by and among Continental and General Electric Company (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

*10.202

  

UAL

Continental

   Agreement, dated May 7, 2003, by and among Continental and the United States of America, acting through the Transportation Security Administration (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
      Letters from Experts
     

*16

  

UAL

United

   Letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP, dated July 28, 2009, regarding the change in certifying accountant (filed as Exhibit 16.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated July 28, 2009, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

*18

  

UAL

United

   Letter from Ernst & Young LLP, dated April 27, 2010, regarding the change in accounting principle (filed as Exhibit 18 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
      List of Subsidiaries

21

  

UAL

United Continental

   List of United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc. Subsidiaries
      Consents of Experts and Counsel

23.1

   UAL    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Deloitte & Touche LLP) for United Continental Holdings, Inc.

23.2

   UAL    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) for United Continental Holdings, Inc.

23.3

   United    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Deloitte & Touche LLP) for United Air Lines, Inc.

23.4

   United    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) for United Air Lines, Inc.

23.5

   Continental    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) for Continental Airlines, Inc.
      Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

31.1

   UAL    Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

 

208


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Registrant(s)

  

Exhibit

31.2

   UAL    Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

31.3

   United    Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of United Air Lines, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

31.4

   United    Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of United Air Lines, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

31.5

   Continental    Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of Continental Airlines, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

31.6

   Continental    Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of Continental Airlines, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
      Section 1350 Certifications

32.1

   UAL    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

32.2

   United    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of United Air Lines, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

32.3

   Continental    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Continental Airlines, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

 

* Previously filed
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10), United and Continental are permitted to omit certain compensation-related exhibits from this index and therefore only UAL is identified as the registrant for purposes of those items.
^ Confidential portion of this exhibit has been omitted and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

209

Letter agreement

Exhibit 4.2

United Air Lines, Inc.

1200 Algonquin Road

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

February 9, 2007

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

270 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention: Matthew Massie

Citicorp USA, Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

19th Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: James J. McCarthy

 

  Re: Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term

Loan and Guaranty Agreement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement dated as of February 2, 2007 among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Administrative Agent, Co-Collateral Agent and Paying Agent, Citicorp USA, Inc., as Co-Administrative Agent and Co-Collateral Agent, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as Syndication Agent and the Lenders named therein (the “Credit Agreement”). All terms used herein that are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the same meanings herein.

Section 2.06(b) of the Credit Agreement provides that each Eurodollar Loan that is a Tranche A Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum that is equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate for relevant Interest Periods plus a margin of 2.00%. Section 2.20 of the Credit Agreement provides that the Borrower shall pay Letter of Credit Fees at the rate of two and one-quarter percent (2.25%) per annum on the daily average L/C Exposure.

It was the understanding of the Borrower and the Agents that Letter of Credit Fees would be calculated at a rate per annum that is equal to the margin in excess of the Adjusted LIBO Rate for Tranche A Loans. When the Tranche A margin in Section 2.06(b) of the


Credit Agreement was reduced from 2.25% to 2.00% (a change that was implemented very shortly before closing), the corresponding change that should have been made in Section 2.20, to reduce Letter of Credit Fees from 2.25% to 2.00%, was inadvertently not made.

Section 10.08(d) of the Credit Agreement permits the Agents and the Borrower to amend Loan Document provisions to correct what the Agents and the Borrower jointly identify as an “obvious error” or an “error or omission of a technical or immaterial nature”. The Borrower hereby requests the Agents to (i) acknowledge that the higher Fees in Section 2.20, when compared to the rate in Section 2.06(b), is an obvious error, (ii) agree that clause (a) of Section 2.20 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as of February 2, 2007 by deleting the words “two and one-quarter percent (2.25%)” appearing therein and inserting in lieu thereof the words “two percent (2.00%)” and (iii) agree that present page 53 of the Credit Agreement will be replaced with the attached copy of page 53 (the only change on which is the reduction of the L/C Fee as described in the preceding clause (ii)).

The Borrower understands that the above amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5) Business Days’ notice thereof and that the Agents will post this letter and the changed page referred to above to the public and private Intralinks site in use for the Credit Agreement.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, kindly sign and return a copy of this letter to the Borrower.

This letter agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different parties hereto on different counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one instrument, and shall become effective. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by telecopy or electronic .pdf copy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing in this letter agreement shall be deemed to be an amendment or modification of any other term or provision of the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

Very truly yours,
UNITED AIR LINES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Frederic F. Brace

  Name:   Frederic F. Brace
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO:

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
By:  

/s/ Matthew H. Massie

  Name:   Matthew H. Massie
  Title:   Managing Director
CITICORP USA, INC.
By:  

/s/ James J. McCarthy

  Name:   James J. McCarthy
  Title:   Managing Director & Vice President
Letter agreement

Exhibit 4.5

United Air Lines, Inc.

77 W. Wacker Dr.

Chicago, IL 60601

September 23, 2009

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

270 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention: Matthew Massie

Citicorp USA, Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

19th Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: James J. McCarthy

 

  Re:

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term

Loan and Guaranty Agreement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement dated as of February 2, 2007 among United Air Lines, Inc. (the “Borrower”), UAL Corporation (the “Parent”), the direct and indirect subsidiaries of Parent party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMCB”), as Co-Administrative Agent, Co-Collateral Agent and Paying Agent, Citicorp USA, Inc. (“CITI”, and each of JPMCB and CITI as co-administrative agents, an “Agent” and together, the “Agents”), as Co-Administrative Agent and Co-Collateral Agent, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as Syndication Agent and the Lenders named therein (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). All terms used herein that are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the same meanings herein.

Section 6.08 of the Credit Agreement provides that neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor may declare, pay or make any distributions, dividends or payments in respect of its Equity Interests except as permitted therein. While other exceptions include references to “dividends, distributions and payments” to conform to the underlying


prohibition, clauses (c), (d) and (g) only reference “dividends”. It is the understanding of the Borrower and the Agents that a reference to “distributions and other payments” should have been used in the exceptions given the underlying restriction.

Section 10.08(d) of the Credit Agreement permits the Agents and the Borrower to amend Loan Document provisions to correct what the Agents and the Borrower jointly identify as an “obvious error” or an “error or omission of a technical or immaterial nature”. The Borrower hereby requests the Agents to (i) acknowledge that the omission of “distributions or other payments” in each of clauses (c), (d) and (g) of Section 6.08 is an omission of a technical or immaterial nature, (ii) agree that clause (c) of Section 6.08 is hereby amended and restated, as of February 2, 2007, as follows “any Subsidiary may pay dividends, distributions or other payments to any other holder of its equity on a pro-rata basis;”, (iii) agree that clauses (d) and (g) of Section 6.08 are hereby amended as of February 2, 2007 by adding “, distributions or other payments” after each reference to “dividends” therein and (iv) agree that present pages 84 and 85 of the Credit Agreement will be replaced with the attached copy of pages 84 and 85 (the only change on which is the change as described in the preceding clauses (ii) and (iii)).

The Borrower understands that the above amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5) Business Days’ notice thereof and that the Agents will post this letter and the changed page referred to above to the public and private Intralinks site in use for the Credit Agreement.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, kindly sign and return a copy of this letter to the Borrower.

This letter agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different parties hereto on different counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one instrument, and shall become effective. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by telecopy or electronic .pdf copy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing in this letter agreement shall be deemed to be an amendment or modification of any other term or provision of the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

Very truly yours,

UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Stephen Lieberman

 

Name:

 

Stephen Lieberman

 

Title:

 

Vice President - Treasurer

Technical Amendment Letter Agreement


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO:

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

By:

 

/s/ Matthew H. Massie

 

Name:

 

Matthew H. Massie

 

Title:

 

Managing Director

CITICORP USA, INC.

By:

 

/s/ James J. McCarthy

 

Name:

 

James J. McCarthy

 

Title:

 

Managing Director & Vice President

Technical Amendment Letter Agreement

Success Sharing Program

Exhibit 10.1

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

PROFIT SHARING PLAN

General

Purpose. United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) sponsors this United Continental Holdings, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of certain employees of United Air Lines, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc., and other participating Affiliates.

Collective Bargaining. As it relates to Qualified Employees who are in the class or craft of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Employer pursuant to which the Employer has agreed to provide such Qualified Employees with participation in a profit sharing bonus plan, this Plan is maintained pursuant to such agreement.

Cash Bonus Plan. The Plan is a cash bonus plan and is not intended to be (and will be not construed and administered as) an employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA. The Plan is intended to be a discretionary cash bonus plan and payments under the Plan will not constitute a part of an employee’s regular rate of pay for any purpose; provided, however, all Awards will be paid to Qualified Employees in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable collective bargaining agreements. Except to the extent specifically provided under a particular pension, insurance, profit sharing, retirement, welfare or other employee benefit plan or arrangement maintained or contributed to by the Company or an Affiliate, the payments to an employee under the Plan will not be treated as “salary,” “wages,” or “cash compensation” to the employee for the purpose of computing benefits to which the employee may be entitled under any such plan or arrangement.

Effective Date. The Plan commenced on January 1, 2006 as the UAL Corporation Success Sharing Program – Profit Sharing Plan and is hereby amended and restated effective January 1, 2011.

Term. The provisions of the Plan shall continue indefinitely subject to termination by the Company, or, as it relates to any Qualified Employees who are in the class or craft of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Employer pursuant to which the Employer has agreed to provide such Qualified Employees with participation in a profit sharing bonus plan, subject to termination pursuant to the terms of such collective bargaining agreement.

Definitions. Unless otherwise specified, the capitalized terms under the Plan have the meanings given below:

Affiliate. “Affiliate” means any entity, corporate or otherwise, in which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns or controls a greater than 80% interest.

 

UCH PSP

    January 1, 2011


Annual Plan Threshold. “Annual Plan Threshold” means, as applicable, the amount referenced in Section III.A or Appendix B which Pre-Tax Profit must exceed in order to trigger the payment of Awards for an Award Year.

Award. “Award” means the dollar value of the award payable to a Qualified Employee for an Award Year as determined under the Plan.

Award Year. “Award Year” means the Plan Year for which a profit sharing Award, if any, is determined under the Plan.

Board. “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Bonus Pool. “Bonus Pool” means the aggregate amount available for distribution as profit sharing Awards as determined under Section III.A, or, if applicable, Appendix B.

Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (including, when the context requires, all regulations, interpretations and rulings issued thereunder).

Committee. “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee appointed by the Board to exercise the powers and perform the duties assigned to the Compensation Committee under this Plan.

Company. “Company” means United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Disability. “Disability” means the Qualified Employee has been determined to be disabled under the Employer’s long-term disability plan in which such Qualified Employee participates, under the union-sponsored long-term disability plan in which such Qualified Employee participates, or by the Company pursuant to Plan Rules.

Domestic Employee. “Domestic Employee” means any regular full-time or regular part-time U.S. employee of an Employer, and also includes, with respect to an applicable Participating Employee Group, (1) any internationally based flight attendant covered by the collective bargaining agreement between United Air Lines, Inc. and the Association of Flight Attendants, (2) any employee of Continental Micronesia, Inc. based in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and (3) any employee designated by the Employer as an expatriate.

Employer. “Employer” means United Air Lines, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc., Continental Micronesia, Inc., Mileage Plus, Inc., and any other Affiliate which is designated by the Company from time to time as participating in the Plan.

ERISA. “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as from time to time amended, including any related regulations.

Furlough. “Furlough” means a Qualified Employee’s termination of employment with the Employer in connection with which such Qualified Employee has reemployment rights, or, in the case of a Qualified Employee who is in a class or craft of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Employer pursuant to which the

 

UCH PSP

  2   January 1, 2011


Employer has agreed to provide such Qualified Employees with participation in a profit sharing bonus plan, such other employment action as may be defined as a “furlough” in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

International Employee. “International Employee” means any regular full-time or regular part-time employee of an Employer whose regular work is in a location outside of the United States, but does not include, with respect to an applicable Participating Employee Group, (1) any internationally based flight attendant covered by the collective bargaining agreement between United Air Lines, Inc. and AFA, (2) any employee of Continental Micronesia, Inc. based in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or (3) any employee designated by the Company as an expatriate. In addition, any full-time or regular part-time employee who is not classified by an Employer as a “U.S. employee” shall be considered an International Employee.

Management and Administrative Employee Group. “Management and Administrative Employee Group” means those Domestic Employees of the Employer (i) who are classified by the Employer as management and administrative employees (on other than a temporary reclassification basis), (ii) whose employment is for an indefinite period, and (iii) who are employed in an Employer established job classification not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Officer. “Officer” means (i) an “officer” of the Company as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Rule 16a-1(f)”), or (ii) a designated senior officer of the subsidiaries of the Company, including any officer of United Air Lines, Inc. or Continental Airlines, Inc. who is an “officer” of the Company under Rule 16a-1(f) or who reports directly to the Chairman or the CEO.

Participating Employee Group. Each of the following is considered a “Participating Employee Group”:

 

  1.

the Management and Administrative Employee Group;

 

  2.

each class or craft of U.S. employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement between an Employer and a union and who are not members of the Management and Administrative Employee Group but who nevertheless generally receive the same benefits as the Management and Administrative Employee Group; and

 

  3. each class or craft of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement between an Employer and a union which expressly provides for coverage under a profit sharing bonus plan such as the Plan,

but the following are excluded from such definition: (i) each class or craft of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement between an Employer and a union which does not expressly provide for coverage under a profit sharing bonus plan such as the Plan and (ii) International Employees.

 

UCH PSP

  3   January 1, 2011


Plan. “Plan” means the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan as set forth herein. The Plan is an amendment and restatement of the UAL Corporation Success Sharing Program – Profit Sharing Plan.

Plan Rules. “Plan Rules” means rules, procedures, policies or practices established by the Company (or the Committee) with respect to the administration of the Plan, which need not be reflected in a written instrument and may be changed at any time without notice.

Plan Year. “Plan Year” means the 12-month period that corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year.

Pre-Tax Profit. “Pre-Tax Profit” means the Company’s consolidated net income as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, but excluding as determined by the Committee: (i) consolidated federal, state and local income tax expense (or credit); (ii) unusual, special, or non-recurring charges, (iii) charges with respect to the grant, exercise or vesting of equity, securities or options granted to employees of the Company or any Affiliate, and (iv) expense associated with the profit sharing contributions.

Qualified Employee. “Qualified Employee” means a Domestic Employee of an Employer who, in accordance with the Employer’s personnel policies, has completed a year of service as of December 31 of the Award Year and satisfies the eligibility requirements of Section II.A.

Retirement. “Retirement” means the Employee has retired in accordance with the Employer’s employment policies and regulations.

Wages. “Wages” has the meaning provided in Section III.C.

Participation.

Eligibility. A Qualified Employee is entitled to receive payment of an Award for an Award Year if he or she is employed through the end of the Award Year and following the Award Year and through the payment date, except as follows:

 

  a.

All Qualified Employees are entitled to payment of an Award if their employment is involuntarily terminated (including Furlough), other than for Cause, during the Award Year or after the Award Year and prior to the payment date.

 

  b.

All Qualified Employees are entitled to payment of an Award if their termination of employment during an Award Year or after the end of the Award Year and prior to the payment date, is on account of death, Disability or Retirement.

 

  c.

All Qualified Employees are entitled to payment if their termination of employment is voluntary and occurs after the end of the Award Year and prior to the payment date.

 

UCH PSP

  4   January 1, 2011


Employee Classifications. The classification by an Employer of an individual as an employee of an Employer within the meaning of the Plan, or as a person who is not an employee of an Employer or as being within a particular employee classification will be conclusive for all purposes of this Plan. For purposes of this Plan, a temporary reclassification or special assignment will be disregarded for purposes of determining a Qualified Employee’s classification. No reclassification of an individual as an employee of an Employer, whether by judicial or administrative action or otherwise, will be effective to qualify the individual as a Qualified Employee under this Plan except as the Company agrees, and no reclassification will be given retroactive effect, except as the Company agrees.

Profit Sharing Awards.

Bonus Pool. After the end of each Award Year, if the Company’s Pre-Tax Profit for that year exceeds the Annual Plan Threshold of ten million dollars ($10,000,000), a Bonus Pool will be established in an aggregate amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the Company’s Pre-Tax Profit for the specified Award Year.

Allocation of Bonus Pool.

 

  1.

Determination of Each Participating Employee Group’s Share. Once the Bonus Pool is determined for an Award Year, each Participating Employee Group is entitled to a share of the Bonus Pool equal to the ratio of the total Wages of all Qualified Employees in such Participating Employee Group to the total Wages of all Qualified Employees of the Employers for the Award Year.

 

  2. Determination of Each Qualifying Employee’s Award. With respect to each Qualified Employee in a Participating Employee Group, such Qualified Employee is entitled to an Award equal to the portion of the Participating Employee Group’s share of the Bonus Pool (determined in Section III.B.1 above) that is equal to the ratio of his or her Wages to the total Wages of all Qualified Employees within that Participating Employee Group for the Award Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subsection 2, Awards from a Participating Employee Group’s share of the Bonus Pool determined under Section III.B.1 shall be allocated to Qualified Employees within such Participating Employee Group in accordance with the terms of any collective bargaining agreement between the applicable Employer and the applicable union representing that Participating Employee Group.

Wages. Wages for a Plan Year will be determined as follows:

 

  1.

Compensation Included. “Wages” will only include compensation paid (or payable) during a Plan Year to a Qualified Employee for the period he or she is a Qualified Employee and shall include the items listed in Paragraph A-1 of Appendix A. Wages will include compensation not paid as a result of an earnings

 

UCH PSP

  5   January 1, 2011


 

reduction election made by the Qualified Employee under a Code Sec. 125 cafeteria plan or under any qualified cash or deferred arrangement under Code Sec. 401(k).

 

  2. Exclusions. “Wages” will not include the items of compensation or other payments listed in Paragraph A-2 of Appendix A.

 

  3. Reemployment. In the event a Qualified Employee terminates employment and is reemployed by an Employer, such employee’s Wages will include amounts paid during the applicable Plan Year, both prior to the termination and following such reemployment.

 

  4. Determination of Wages. Subject to the provisions of Appendix A, the Company’s Executive Vice President – Human Resources and Labor Relations will determine, in his or her discretion (subject to a contrary requirement under any applicable collective bargaining agreement determination under any applicable collective bargaining agreement grievance procedure in the case of an employee who is in the class or craft of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement), whether an item of compensation is included or excluded from the definition of “Wages.”

Time of Payment. Award payments will be made following determination of the Company’s Pre-Tax Profit for the fiscal year, but not later than March 15 or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, vary the time for making the payments provided herein, provided such modification does not cause the payments to become subject to the tax under Section 409A of the Code. Nothing herein shall be construed to grant to any Qualified Employee who is entitled to payment of an Award or to any person claiming under or through such Qualified Employee the right to elect a modification of the time for receiving payments hereunder.

Payment Methods. Each Qualified Employee entitled to an Award will receive payment of the Award in cash, subject to such employee’s right, if any, to elect to defer receipt of a portion of such cash payment as may be permitted under any Employer-sponsored 401(k) plan in which the Qualified Employee is eligible to participate. Payment is subject to any applicable withholding taxes and other amounts the Company reasonably determines it is obligated to withhold or deduct pursuant to federal, state or local laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

The Committee shall have the right, in its reasonable discretion, to vary the form of payment of Awards payable to Officers by payment in shares of the Company’s common stock. In the event the Company reasonably anticipates that the Company’s deduction with respect to a payment otherwise would be limited or eliminated by application of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may enter into an agreement with an Officer to provide payment of an Award on a deferred basis through a bookkeeping account, the value of which may be

 

UCH PSP

  6   January 1, 2011


determined by reference to the Company’s common stock, provided such written deferred payment arrangement complies with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, including the requirement that the payment be made either at the earliest date at which the Company reasonably anticipates the payment of the amount will not be limited or eliminated by application of Section 162(m) of the Code or the calendar year in which the officer separates from service with the Company and all affiliates.

 

  2. Payment of Awards for any employee group shall be made as a profit sharing contribution to the applicable Employer-sponsored 401(k) plan if required under the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement or, in the case of the Management and Administrative Employee Group, if so determined by the Company.

Mileage Plus, Inc. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards for Qualified Employees who are in the class or craft of employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the IAM 141 and Mileage Plus, Inc. are determined in accordance with Appendix B.

Plan Administration.

Plan Administration. The Company or its delegate has the authority and responsibility to manage and control the general administration of the Plan, except as to matters expressly reserved in the Plan to the Committee. Determinations, decisions and actions of the Company or, if applicable, the Committee, in connection with the construction, interpretation, administration, or application of the Plan will be final, conclusive, and binding upon any person, including any employee of any Employer, any Qualified Employee and any person claiming under or through the Qualified Employee. No employee of an Employer, any member of the Board, any delegate of the Board, or any member of the Committee will be liable for any determination, decision, or action made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award made under the Plan.

Committee. The Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to administer Awards payable to Officers.

Amendment or Termination.

Authority to Amend or Terminate Plan. The Plan may at any time be amended, modified, suspended or terminated, as the Company in its sole discretion determines. Such amendment, modification, or termination of the Plan will not require any notice or the consent, ratification, or approval of any party, including any Qualified Employee who is then eligible to participate in the Plan.

Authority to Amend Awards. The Committee in its sole discretion may reduce or eliminate an Award payable to any member of the Management and Administrative Employee Group classified by the Company as a management employee. In addition, the Company may reduce any Award other than an Award payable to an Officer, prior to the payment of the Award, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate to comply with laws, including

 

UCH PSP

  7   January 1, 2011


applicable securities laws, local laws outside the United States and the pooling of interests requirements in connection with a merger, provided that nothing in this Section V.B affects the rights of any employee to an Award required under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement.

Miscellaneous.

No Contract of Employment, etc. Neither this Plan nor any award under the Plan constitutes a contract of employment and participation in the Plan will not give any employee the right to be retained in the service of the Company or any Affiliate or to continue in any position or at any level of compensation. Nothing contained in the Plan will prohibit or interfere with the Company’s or an Affiliate’s right to assign projects, tasks and responsibilities to any employee or to alter the nature of the Company’s or an Affiliate’s rights with respect to the employee’s employment relationship, including the right to terminate any employee at any time, with or without prior notice, and for any reason within the constraints of existing law.

Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation, administration and effect of the Plan and any rules, regulations and actions relating to the Plan will be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Illinois, notwithstanding the conflicts of law principles of any jurisdiction.

Conflict. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Plan Rules or Plan administration, the Employer’s obligations to any employees covered by collective bargaining agreements shall be governed by the applicable terms of such agreements, and any conflict between the terms of the Plan, the Plan Rules or Plan administration and the applicable collective bargaining agreements with respect to such employees shall be resolved in favor of the Employer’s obligations under the applicable collective bargaining agreements.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this amendment and restatement of the Plan to be executed on its behalf, effective as of January 1, 2011.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

    Michael P. Bonds

    Executive Vice President

    Human Resources and Labor Relations

 

UCH PSP

  8   January 1, 2011


Exhibit 10.1

Appendix A

Wages

A-1. Inclusions. For purposes of Section III.C.1. the following items are included in the definition of Wages:

 

   

base pay

 

   

overtime pay

 

   

holiday pay

 

   

longevity pay

 

   

sick pay

 

   

lead/purser/service director pay

 

   

high skill premium/longevity pay

 

   

language premium

 

   

international and night flying premium pay

 

   

pay for time taken as vacation

 

   

payment for accrued vacation not taken as vacation when paid on account of (i) a leave or (ii) a termination of employment due to a reduction in force or for a military leave

 

   

shift differential pay

 

   

back pay to the extent such pay is otherwise categorized as Wages related to the applicable Plan Year (other than judicial or administrative awards of grievance pay or back pay (including settlements thereof))

 

   

delayed activation pay

 

   

bypass pay

 

   

check pilot premium pay

 

   

double town salary expense

 

   

senior/junior manning pay

 

   

operational integrity pay

 

   

temporary reclass pay

 

   

Hawaiian override

A-2. Exclusions. For purposes of Section III.C.2. the following items are excluded in the definition of Wages:

 

   

deferred compensation (other than pursuant to Code Sec. 125 or 401(k))

 

   

moving expense and similar allowances

 

   

performance incentive awards, profit sharing awards or sales incentive awards

 

   

expense reimbursements and per diems

 

   

severance, termination pay and related payments

 

   

payment for accrued vacation time not taken as vacation when paid on account of termination of employment, other than on account of a reduction in force or for a military leave

 

   

disability and workers compensation payments

 

   

duty-free commissions

 

   

recognition lump sums

 

UCH PSP

  Appendix A-1   January 1, 2011


   

flight expense

 

   

retropay created by execution of a collective bargaining agreement, unless the collective bargaining agreement requires inclusion

 

   

reimbursable cleaning

 

   

Employer contributions to employee benefit plans

 

   

solely for purposes of making an award payment under this Plan, judicial or administrative awards for grievance pay or back pay (including settlements thereof)

 

   

imputed income for employee or dependent life insurance coverage

 

   

imputed income from pass service charges

 

   

taxable travel

 

   

imputed income from domestic partner benefits

 

   

cash payments made pursuant to any agreement, program, arrangement or plan designed to compensate an employee for amounts that may not be credited or allocated to the employee under a qualified retirement plan due to limitations imposed by tax laws

 

   

taxable fringe benefits, including taxable reimbursement of insurance premiums

 

   

expatriate allowances

 

   

hiring bonuses or other special payments relating to the initiation of employment

 

   

amounts realized with respect to restricted stock, non-qualified stock options or stock appreciation rights

 

   

lost luggage advance

 

   

interest payments

 

   

taxable distributions of the Company’s common stock or notes (including cash in lieu of such stock or notes) made in connection with UAL Corporation’s confirmed plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code

 

   

payments made to employees domiciled outside of the United States that are in lieu of Employer contributions to a retirement plan

 

   

any amount counted as wages under this Plan or any other profit sharing plan for a prior Award Year.

A-3. Special Crediting Rule. For purposes of allocating Wages earned by a Qualified Employee for services rendered during a Plan Year but received following termination of employment, such Wages will be treated as received on the Qualified Employee’s last day of employment with the Employer.

 

UCH PSP

  Appendix A-2   January 1, 2011


September 3, 2003

Appendix B

Special Award Provisions

B-1 Purpose and Application. The purpose of this Appendix B to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan is to modify and supplement the provisions of the Plan as they relate to Qualified Employees who are in the class or craft of employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the IAM 141 and Mileage Plus, Inc.

B-2 Annual Plan Threshold. For purposes of this Appendix B, the Annual Plan Threshold means 10% of the Company’s Net UAL Revenue for the specified Award Year, where “Net UAL Revenue” means the Company’s consolidated Operating Revenues less “Regional affiliates” expense, both as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and reported in regulatory filings.

B-3 Bonus Pool. For purposes of this Appendix B, after the end of each Award Year, to the extent that the Company’s Pre-Tax Profit exceeds the specified Annual Plan Threshold under Section B-2 for that Year, a separate Bonus Pool will be established in an aggregate amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the Company’s Pre-Tax Profit that is in excess of the Annual Plan Threshold for that Award Year, but not in excess of an amount equal to eight percent (8%) of the aggregate Wages (as defined in Appendix A) of all Qualified Employees eligible to receive payment of an Award for such Award Year under this Appendix B. The IAM Mileage Plus Employee Group will be allocated 0.078625% of the separate Bonus Pool, and the Qualified Employees in the IAM Mileage Plus Employee Group will receive an allocation of the separate Bonus Pool as determined by the IAM 141.

 

UCH PSP

  Appendix B-1   January 1, 2011
Employement Agreement - Michael P. Bonds

Exhibit 10.9

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and MICHAEL P. BONDS (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Company and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Company (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007, (as amended, the “Existing Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement in their entirety, effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations of UCH, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall


be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least 90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, whether a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if Employee will no longer serve as an officer of UCH or Company) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $625,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its

 

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similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 125% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

(iii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

 

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(iv) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. For purposes of the awards Employee holds as of the Effective Date (the “Outstanding Awards”) under Company’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Programs (the “LTIP/RSU Programs”), any termination of Employee’s employment during the term of this Agreement that constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. In addition, if UCH and Company provide written notice to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended, then, for purposes of the Outstanding Awards, any termination of Employee’s employment occurring after the expiration of the term of this Agreement and prior to the full payment or lapse of such awards (other than (a) for Cause (as defined herein), (b) by Employee under circumstances that do not constitute a Good Reason Termination (as defined herein), or (c) by reason of death or Disability (as defined herein)), shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the LTIP/RSU Programs or Company’s annual incentive program in effect for 2010, Employee agrees that payments with respect to Employee’s Outstanding Awards and Employee’s 2010 annual incentive award shall be based on Employee’s annual base salary and position as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date and without regard to any change in such annual base salary or position that occurs on or after the Effective Date. The provisions of this paragraph 4.4 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement and shall not affect Employee’s rights under the LTIP/RSU Programs upon death, disability or retirement.

4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand.

 

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Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

4.8 Parachute Payments.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except as provided in paragraph 4.8(ii), if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if any payment, distribution or provision of a benefit by Company to or for the benefit of Employee, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable or provided or to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code in connection with the change of control of the Company effected by the Merger, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), Company shall pay to Employee on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the Excise Tax is remitted by or on behalf of Employee (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which the Excise Tax is remitted) an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Employee of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any income taxes and Excise Taxes imposed on any Gross-up Payment, Employee retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment (taking into account any similar gross-up payments to Employee under any stock incentive or other benefit plan or program of Company) equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Company and Employee shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up Payment is required and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment. Employee shall notify Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require Company to make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by Company and Employee) within 10 business days after the receipt of such claim. Company shall notify Employee in writing at least 10 business days prior to the due date of any response required with respect to such claim if it plans to contest the claim. If Company decides to contest such claim, Employee shall cooperate fully with Company in such action; provided, however, Company shall bear and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of Company’s action. If, as a result of Company’s action with respect to a claim, Employee receives a refund of any amount paid by Company with respect to such claim, Employee shall promptly pay such refund to Company. If Company fails to timely notify Employee whether it will contest such claim or Company determines not to contest such claim, then Company shall immediately pay to Employee the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously paid to Employee.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

 

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(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

 

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(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

 

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(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

(xiv) “Severance Period” shall mean the period determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 33 months; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 24 months;

(xv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(xvi) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

 

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5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Employee:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in (i) the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, and (ii) the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated as of the Effective Date, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

 

Jeffery A. Smisek, President and

 

Chief Executive Officer

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

 

Jeffery A. Smisek, President and

 

Chief Executive Officer

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

Michael P. Bonds

 

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or (iv) its obligations under the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated October 1, 2010 (the “SERP Agreement”). UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or under the SERP Agreement are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

A-1


Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

A-2

SERP Agreement - Michael P. Bonds

Exhibit 10.10

SERP AGREEMENT

THIS SERP AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. (“Holdings”), CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC. (“Continental” and, together with Holdings, “Company”), and MICHAEL P. BONDS (“Executive”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Continental and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007 (as amended, the “Prior Employment Agreement”), which provided for, among other things, a supplemental executive retirement plan benefit for Executive; and

WHEREAS, Company and Executive are entering into a new Employment Agreement of even date herewith (the “New Employment Agreement”) that will supersede the Prior Employment Agreement and will not include provisions relating to Executive’s supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided for in the Prior Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided to Executive in the Prior Employment Agreement shall continue to be provided to Executive, shall be frozen as provided in this Agreement and shall be set forth in this Agreement rather than the New Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede in its entirety the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit, effective as of the Effective Date; and

WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Continental and the Human Resources Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of UAL Corporation have authorized the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:

SECTION 1: SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

1.1 Base Benefit. Company agrees to pay Executive the deferred compensation benefits set forth in this Section 1 as a supplemental retirement plan (the “Plan”). The base retirement benefit under the Plan (the “Base Benefit”) shall be an annual amount (that is payable as a monthly straight life annuity) equal to the product of (a) 2.5% times (b) the number of Executive’s credited years of service (as defined below) under the Plan (but not in excess of 24 years) times (c) Executive’s final average compensation (as defined below). For purposes hereof, Executive’s credited years of service under the Plan shall be equal to the number of years (including partial years) beginning June 16, 2005, through the earlier of December 31, 2010 or the end of Executive’s period of employment with Company (such earlier date being referred to


herein as the “Freeze Date”), calculated as set forth in the Continental Retirement Plan (the “CARP”) with respect to credited service (“Actual Years of Service”). For purposes hereof, Executive’s final average compensation shall be equal to the greater of (A) $260,100 or (B) the average of the five highest annual cash compensation amounts paid to Executive by Continental during the consecutive ten calendar years immediately preceding the Freeze Date. For purposes hereof, cash compensation shall include base salary plus cash bonuses (including any amounts deferred (other than Stay Bonus amounts described below) pursuant to any deferred compensation plan of Continental), but shall exclude (i) any Stay Bonus paid to Executive pursuant to that certain Stay Bonus Agreement between Continental and Executive dated as of April 14, 1998, (ii) any payments received by Executive under Continental’s Officer Retention and Incentive Award Program, (iii) any proceeds to Executive from any awards under any option, stock incentive or similar plan of Continental (including RSUs awarded under Continental’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Program), and (iv) any cash bonus paid under a long term incentive plan or program adopted by Continental. Executive shall be vested immediately with respect to benefits due under the Plan. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Executive incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning assigned to such term in the New Employment Agreement for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.

1.2 Offset for CARP or Other Benefit. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Base Benefit shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent (as defined below) of the pension benefit, if any, accrued as of the Freeze Date and paid or payable to Executive from the CARP or from any other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan provided to Executive by Company. In making such reduction, the Base Benefit and the benefit accrued under the CARP or any such other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan shall be determined under the provisions of each plan as if payable in the form of a monthly straight life annuity beginning on the Retirement Date (as defined below); provided, however, that the benefit accrued under the CARP shall also be determined based on the early commencement factor applicable under the CARP as of the Freeze Date to an individual receiving a distribution under the CARP on such date and whose age as of such date is equal to the greater of age 60 or Executive’s actual age as of the Freeze Date. The net benefit payable under this Plan shall then be actuarially adjusted based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 for the actual time of payment.

1.3 Normal Retirement Benefits. Executive’s benefit under the Plan shall be paid only in a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent, based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7, of the Base Benefit for the life of Executive paying equal monthly installments beginning on the Retirement Date (the “Normal Retirement Benefit”). The Normal Retirement Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within five business days following the Retirement Date or, if later and if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date. If the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, then payment of the Normal Retirement Benefit (with interest on such benefit from the Retirement Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in Section 1.7) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date. For purposes hereof:

 

2


(a) “Beneficiary” is defined as (1) Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, or (2) Executive’s estate, if Executive is not married on the date of Executive’s death; (b) “Retirement Date” is defined as the first day of the month coincident with or next following the later of (1) the date on which Executive attains (or in the event of Executive’s earlier death, would have attained) age 60 or (2) the date of Executive’s retirement from employment with Company; and (c) “Section 409A Payment Date” is defined as the earlier of (1) the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the date of termination of Executive’s employment with Company.

1.4 Early Retirement Benefits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.3, if Executive’s employment with Company is terminated, for a reason other than death, on or after the date Executive attains age 55 or is credited with 10 Actual Years of Service and prior to the Retirement Date, then Company shall pay Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit on or within five business days following the first day of the month coinciding with or next following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Earliest ERB Payment Date”) or, if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date (an “Early Retirement Benefit”); provided, however, that the amount of the benefit shall be reduced to the extent necessary to cause the value of such Early Retirement Benefit (determined as if payment would be made on the Earliest ERB Payment Date) to be the actuarial equivalent of the value of the Normal Retirement Benefit (based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 and adjusted for such time of payment). If payment of the Early Retirement Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as provided in the preceding sentence, then payment of the Early Retirement Benefit (with interest on such benefit from the Earliest ERB Payment Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death after the Earliest ERB Payment Date, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date.

1.5 Death Benefit. Except (a) as provided in Section 1.3 if the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, (b) as provided in Section 1.4 if the payment of the Early Retirement Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and (c) as provided in the remaining provisions of this Section 1.5, no benefits shall be paid under the Plan if Executive dies prior to the date Executive’s benefit is paid pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable. In the event of Executive’s death prior to payment of Executive’s benefit pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4 (other than under the circumstances described in clauses (a) or (b) of the preceding sentence, in which case the benefits described in Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable, shall be paid in full), Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, will receive a death benefit payable only as a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent of a single life annuity consisting of monthly payments for the life of such surviving spouse determined as follows: (a) if Executive dies on or before reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive terminated employment on the earlier of Executive’s actual date of termination of employment or Executive’s date of death, survived until the Retirement Date, been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning immediately at the Retirement Date, and died on the day after the Retirement Date; or (b) if Executive dies after reaching the Retirement

 

3


Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning on the day prior to Executive’s death. Such benefit shall be paid on or within 10 business days following the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date of Executive’s death; provided, however, that if Executive dies prior to reaching age 60, then the amount of such benefit shall be reduced based on the principles used for the reductions described in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 1.4.

1.6 Unfunded Benefit. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded, unsecured plan of deferred compensation. Further, it is the intention of Company that the Plan be unfunded for purposes of the Code and Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by Company to make benefit payments in the future. Plan benefits hereunder provided are to be paid out of Company’s general assets, and Executive shall have the status of, and shall have no better status than, a general unsecured creditor of Company. Executive understands that Executive must rely upon the general credit of Company for payment of benefits under the Plan. Company has not and will not in the future set aside assets for security or enter into any other arrangement which will cause the obligation created to be other than a general corporate obligation of Company or will cause Executive to be more than a general creditor of Company.

1.7 Actuarial Equivalent. For purposes of the Plan, the terms “actuarial equivalent” or “actuarially equivalent” when used with respect to a specified benefit shall mean the amount of benefit of the referenced different type or payable at the referenced different age that can be provided at the same cost as such specified benefit, as computed by the Actuary (as defined below) and certified to Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, to Executive’s spouse) by the Actuary. The actuarial assumptions used under the Plan to determine equivalencies between different forms and times of payment shall be the same as the actuarial assumptions then used in determining lump sum benefits payable under the CARP; provided, however, that with respect to the discount rate used to calculate benefits under the Plan, the discount rate shall be the Aa Corporate Bond Rate. The term “Actuary” shall mean the individual actuary or actuarial firm selected by Company to service its pension plans generally or if no such individual or firm has been selected, an individual actuary or actuarial firm appointed by Company and reasonably satisfactory to Executive and/or Executive’s spouse. The term “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the date Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) is to receive the lump sum payment (determined without regard to any delay in such payment that may be required by reason of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code), as determined by the Actuary (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by the Actuary). Upon request, Company shall cause the Actuary to compute the Aa Corporate Bond Rate for a specified period and the amount of the applicable lump sum payment for Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) and shall deliver such information to Executive or such spouse.

1.8 Medicare Payroll Taxes. Company shall indemnify Executive on a fully grossed-up, after-tax basis for any Medicare payroll taxes (plus any income taxes on such indemnity

 

4


payments) incurred by Executive in connection with the accrual and/or payment of benefits under the Plan. Any payment by Company to Executive pursuant to this Section 1.8 shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted).

SECTION 2: MISCELLANEOUS

2.1 Interest and Indemnification. If any payment to Executive provided for in this Agreement is not made by Company when due, Company shall pay to Executive interest on the amount payable from the date that such payment should have been made until such payment is made, which interest shall be calculated at 3% plus the prime rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto) at its principal office in Houston, Texas (but not in excess of the highest lawful rate), and such interest rate shall change when and as any such change in such prime or base rate shall be announced by such bank. If Executive shall obtain any money judgment or otherwise prevail with respect to any litigation brought by Executive or Company to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, Company, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, hereby indemnifies Executive for Executive’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred in such litigation and hereby agrees (i) to pay in full all such fees and disbursements and (ii) to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive from the earliest date that payment to Executive should have been made under this Agreement until such judgment shall have been paid in full, which interest shall be calculated at the rate set forth in the preceding sentence. Any reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and disbursements required under this Section 2.1 shall be made by Company upon or as soon as practicable following receipt of supporting documentation reasonably satisfactory to Company (but in any event not later than the close of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the fee, disbursement, cost or expense is incurred by Executive); provided, however, that, upon Executive’s termination of employment with Company, in no event shall any additional reimbursement be made prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment to the extent such payment delay is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code; provided that interest at the rate specified above in this Section 2.1 shall be paid to Executive with respect to any time period that reimbursement is so delayed and such interest shall be paid at the same time as the reimbursement. In no event shall any reimbursement be made to Executive for such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses incurred after the later of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date that is ten years after the date of Executive’s termination of employment with Company.

2.2 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company to:  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

 

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

 

Chicago, Illinois 60601

 

Attention: General Counsel

 

5


If to Executive to:  

At the most recent address

 

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

2.3 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

2.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

2.5 Withholding of Taxes. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

2.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

2.7 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company and any successor of Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right, benefit or obligation of any party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other parties. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement benefiting Executive’s estate or Executive’s surviving spouse shall be enforceable by them.

2.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to the Plan. Effective as of the Effective Date, the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the Plan shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party thereto shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

[Signatures begin on following page.]

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

 

Jeffery A. Smisek

 

President and CEO

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

 

Jeffery A. Smisek

 

President and CEO

“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

Michael P. Bonds

 

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Employement Agreement - James E. Compton

Exhibit 10.11

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and JAMES E. COMPTON (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Company and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Company (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 15, 2007 (as amended, the “Existing Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement in their entirety, effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of UCH, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall


be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least 90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, whether a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if Employee will no longer serve as an officer of UCH or Company) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $750,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its

 

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similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 135% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement. Employee shall be provided with the automobile benefit described on Appendix A.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

(iii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

 

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(iv) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. For purposes of the awards Employee holds as of the Effective Date (the “Outstanding Awards”) under Company’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Programs (the “LTIP/RSU Programs”), any termination of Employee’s employment during the term of this Agreement that constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. In addition, if UCH and Company provide written notice to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended, then, for purposes of the Outstanding Awards, any termination of Employee’s employment occurring after the expiration of the term of this Agreement and prior to the full payment or lapse of such awards (other than (a) for Cause (as defined herein), (b) by Employee under circumstances that do not constitute a Good Reason Termination (as defined herein), or (c) by reason of death or Disability (as defined herein)), shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination, a Good Reason Termination, a termination after the expiration of the term of this Agreement that is treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs as provided in the preceding sentence, or any termination of employment by reason of death or Disability (whether before or after the expiration of the term of this Agreement), Company shall pay to Employee, within five business days after the date of such termination, all Payment Amounts with respect to Outstanding Awards for which a potential payment under the LTIP/RSU Programs exist as of the date of such termination, as if Employee had remained employed by Company in Employee’s current position through the date that would entitle Employee to the maximum payment for the Outstanding Awards. Capitalized terms used in this paragraph that are not defined elsewhere in this Agreement have the meaning ascribed thereto in the LTIP/RSU Programs as in effect on the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the LTIP/RSU Programs or Company’s annual incentive program in effect for 2010, Employee agrees that payments with respect to Employee’s Outstanding Awards and Employee’s 2010 annual incentive award shall be based on Employee’s annual base salary and position as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date and without regard to any change in such annual base salary or position that occurs on or after the Effective Date. The provisions of this paragraph 4.4 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement and shall not affect Employee’s rights under the LTIP/RSU Programs upon death, disability or retirement.

 

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4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

4.8 Parachute Payments.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except as provided in paragraph 4.8(ii), if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed

 

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by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if any payment, distribution or provision of a benefit by Company to or for the benefit of Employee, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable or provided or to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code in connection with the change of control of the Company effected by the Merger, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), Company shall pay to Employee on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the Excise Tax is remitted by or on behalf of Employee (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which the Excise Tax is remitted) an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Employee of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any income taxes and Excise Taxes imposed on any Gross-up Payment, Employee retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment (taking into account any similar gross-up payments to Employee under any stock incentive or other benefit plan or program of Company) equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Company and Employee shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up Payment is required and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment. Employee shall notify Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require Company to make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by Company and Employee) within 10 business days after the receipt of such claim. Company shall notify Employee in writing at least 10 business days prior to the due date of any response required with respect to such claim if it plans to contest the claim. If Company decides to contest such claim, Employee shall cooperate fully with Company in such action; provided, however, Company shall bear and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of Company’s action. If, as a result of Company’s action with respect to a claim, Employee receives a refund of any amount paid by Company with respect to such claim, Employee shall promptly pay such refund to Company. If Company fails to timely notify Employee whether it will contest such claim or Company determines not to contest such claim, then Company shall immediately pay to Employee the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously paid to Employee.

 

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4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits

 

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provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy. Employee’s Flight Benefits include “Grandfathered Flight Benefits” as such term is defined in the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

 

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(xiv) “Severance Period” shall mean the period determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 33 months; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 24 months;

(xv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xvi) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is

 

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proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

 

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5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

 

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

 

Chicago, Illinois 60601

 

Attention: General Counsel

If to Employee:  

At the most recent address

 

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

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7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in (i) the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, and (ii) the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated as of the Effective Date, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

 

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7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ James E. Compton

James E. Compton

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or (iv) its obligations under the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated October 1, 2010 (the “SERP Agreement”). UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or under the SERP Agreement are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

A-1


Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

A-2


Appendix A

Automobile Benefit

Company shall provide an automobile (including replacements thereof) of Employee’s choice for Employee’s use on terms at least as favorable to Employee as provided immediately prior to the Effective Date. If the automobile is leased, then, except as provided in the following sentence, Company shall allow Employee, at Employee’s option, to acquire title to such leased automobile at the completion of the lease term by Employee paying at such time the residual payment then owing under the lease. If Employee’s employment terminates for any reason other than Cause, then, in addition to any payments and benefits that may be provided to Employee pursuant to Article 4 of the Agreement:

(1) if the automobile is owned by Company, Company shall (A) transfer title to the automobile to Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable), without cost to Employee (or Employee’s estate), on the Section 409A Payment Date, and (B) to the extent the aggregate value of the use of the automobile and any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to Employee during the period following Employee’s termination of employment and preceding the Section 409A Payment Date have an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which Employee’s termination of employment occurs, Employee shall pay to Company, on a monthly basis until the end of such period, the fair market value of the use of the automobile for such month, and Company shall reimburse Employee or Employee’s estate (as applicable) (with interest thereon at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) for any such payments not later than the fifth day following the date upon which title to the automobile is so transferred; or

(2) if the automobile is leased by Company, Company shall (A) transfer title to the automobile to Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable), without cost to Employee (or Employee’s estate), at the conclusion of the lease term (but in no event prior to the Section 409A Payment Date), and (B) continue to make all payments under the lease and permit Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable) to use the automobile during the remainder of such lease term or, if later, until the automobile is so transferred to Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable); provided, however, that to the extent the aggregate value of the use of the automobile and any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to Employee during the period following Employee’s termination of employment and preceding the Section 409A Payment Date have an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which such termination occurs, Employee shall pay to Company, on a monthly basis until the end of such period, the fair market value of the use of the automobile (but in no event less than the payment required under the lease) for such month, and Company shall reimburse Employee or Employee’s estate (as applicable) (with interest thereon at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) for any such payments not later than the fifth day following the end of such period.

 

A-3

SERP Agreement - James E. Compton

Exhibit 10.12

SERP AGREEMENT

THIS SERP AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. (“Holdings”), CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC. (“Continental” and, together with Holdings, “Company”), and JAMES COMPTON (“Executive”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Continental and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 15, 2007 (as amended, the “Prior Employment Agreement”), which provided for, among other things, a supplemental executive retirement plan benefit for Executive; and

WHEREAS, Company and Executive are entering into a new Employment Agreement of even date herewith (the “New Employment Agreement”) that will supersede the Prior Employment Agreement and will not include provisions relating to Executive’s supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided for in the Prior Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided to Executive in the Prior Employment Agreement shall continue to be provided to Executive, shall be frozen as of December 31, 2010 and shall be set forth in this Agreement rather than the New Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede in its entirety the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit, effective as of the Effective Date; and

WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Continental and the Human Resources Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of UAL Corporation have authorized the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:

SECTION 1: SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

1.1 Base Benefit. Company agrees to pay Executive the deferred compensation benefits set forth in this Section 1 as a supplemental retirement plan (the “Plan”). The base retirement benefit under the Plan (the “Base Benefit”) shall be an annual amount (that is payable as a monthly straight life annuity) equal to the product of (a) 2.5% times (b) the number of Executive’s credited years of service (as defined below) under the Plan (but not in excess of 26 years) times (c) Executive’s final average compensation (as defined below). For purposes hereof, Executive’s credited years of service under the Plan shall be equal to the sum of (1) the number of years (including partial years) beginning January 1, 2001, through the earlier of December 31, 2010 or the end of Executive’s period of employment with Company (such earlier


date being referred to herein as the “Freeze Date”), calculated as set forth in the Continental Retirement Plan (the “CARP”) with respect to credited service (“Actual Years of Service”), and (2) an additional one year of service for each one year of service credited to Executive pursuant to clause (1) of this sentence for the period beginning on January 1, 2001 and ending on December 31, 2006. For purposes hereof, Executive’s final average compensation shall be equal to the greater of (A) $450,000 or (B) the average of the five highest annual cash compensation amounts paid to Executive by Continental during the consecutive ten calendar years immediately preceding the Freeze Date. For purposes hereof, cash compensation shall include base salary plus cash bonuses (including any amounts deferred (other than Stay Bonus amounts described below) pursuant to any deferred compensation plan of Continental), but shall exclude (i) any Stay Bonus paid to Executive pursuant to that certain Stay Bonus Agreement between Continental and Executive dated as of April 14, 1998, (ii) any payments received by Executive under Continental’s Officer Retention and Incentive Award Program, (iii) any proceeds to Executive from any awards under any option, stock incentive or similar plan of Continental (including RSUs awarded under Continental’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Program), and (iv) any cash bonus paid under a long term incentive plan or program adopted by Continental. Executive shall be vested immediately with respect to benefits due under the Plan. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Executive incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning assigned to such term in the New Employment Agreement for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.

1.2 Offset for CARP or Other Benefit. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Base Benefit shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent (as defined below) of the pension benefit, if any, accrued as of the Freeze Date and paid or payable to Executive from the CARP or from any other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan provided to Executive by Continental. In making such reduction, the Base Benefit and the benefit accrued under the CARP or any such other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan shall be determined under the provisions of each plan as if payable in the form of a monthly straight life annuity beginning on the Retirement Date (as defined below); provided, however, that the benefit accrued under the CARP shall also be determined based on the early commencement factor applicable under the CARP as of the Freeze Date to an individual receiving a distribution under the CARP on such date and whose age as of such date is equal to the greater of age 60 or Executive's actual age as of the Freeze Date. The net benefit payable under this Plan shall then be actuarially adjusted based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 for the actual time of payment.

1.3 Normal Retirement Benefits. Executive’s benefit under the Plan shall be paid only in a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent, based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7, of the Base Benefit for the life of Executive paying equal monthly installments beginning on the Retirement Date (the “Normal Retirement Benefit”). The portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit equal to the Grandfathered Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within five business days following the Retirement Date. The portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within five business days following the Retirement Date or, if later and if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date. If the

 

2


Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, then payment of the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit (with interest on such portion of the benefit from the Retirement Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in Section 1.7) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date. For purposes hereof: (a) “Beneficiary” is defined as (1) Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, or (2) Executive’s estate, if Executive is not married on the date of Executive’s death; (b) “Grandfathered Benefit” is defined in Section 1.9; (c) “Retirement Date” is defined as the first day of the month coincident with or next following the later of (1) the date on which Executive attains (or in the event of Executive’s earlier death, would have attained) age 60 or (2) the date of Executive’s retirement from employment with Company; and (d) “Section 409A Payment Date” is defined as the earlier of (1) the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the date of termination of Executive’s employment with Company.

1.4 Early Retirement Benefits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.3, if Executive’s employment with Company is terminated, for a reason other than death, on or after the date Executive attains age 55 or is credited with 10 Actual Years of Service and prior to the Retirement Date, then Company shall pay Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit on or within five business days following the first day of the month coinciding with or next following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Earliest ERB Payment Date”) or, if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, Company shall pay Executive the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit equal to the Grandfathered Benefit on or within five business days following the Earliest ERB Payment Date and Company shall pay Executive the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date (an “Early Retirement Benefit”); provided, however, that the amount of the benefit shall be reduced to the extent necessary to cause the value of such Early Retirement Benefit (determined as if payment would be made on the Earliest ERB Payment Date) to be the actuarial equivalent of the value of the Normal Retirement Benefit (based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 and adjusted for such time of payment). If payment of the portion of the Early Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as provided in the preceding sentence, then payment of such portion of the Early Retirement Benefit (with interest on such portion of the benefit from the Earliest ERB Payment Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death after the Earliest ERB Payment Date, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date.

1.5 Death Benefit. Except (a) as provided in Section 1.3 with respect to the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit if the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, (b) as provided in Section 1.4 if the payment of the portion of the Early Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and (c) as provided in the remaining provisions of this Section 1.5, no benefits shall be paid under the Plan if Executive dies prior to the date Executive’s benefit is paid pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable. In the event of Executive’s death prior to payment of

 

3


Executive’s benefit pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4 (other than under the circumstances and with respect to the portion of the benefit described in clauses (a) or (b) of the preceding sentence, in which case the benefits described in Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable, shall be paid in full), Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, will receive a death benefit payable only as a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent of a single life annuity consisting of monthly payments for the life of such surviving spouse determined as follows: (a) if Executive dies on or before reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive terminated employment on the earlier of Executive’s actual date of termination of employment or Executive’s date of death, survived until the Retirement Date, been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning immediately at the Retirement Date, and died on the day after the Retirement Date; or (b) if Executive dies after reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning on the day prior to Executive’s death. Such benefit shall be paid on or within 10 business days following the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date of Executive’s death; provided, however, that if Executive dies prior to reaching age 60, then the amount of such benefit shall be reduced based on the principles used for the reductions described in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 1.4.

1.6 Unfunded Benefit. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded, unsecured plan of deferred compensation. Further, it is the intention of Company that the Plan be unfunded for purposes of the Code and Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by Company to make benefit payments in the future. Plan benefits hereunder provided are to be paid out of Company’s general assets, and Executive shall have the status of, and shall have no better status than, a general unsecured creditor of Company. Executive understands that Executive must rely upon the general credit of Company for payment of benefits under the Plan. Company has not and will not in the future set aside assets for security or enter into any other arrangement which will cause the obligation created to be other than a general corporate obligation of Company or will cause Executive to be more than a general creditor of Company.

1.7 Actuarial Equivalent. For purposes of the Plan, the terms “actuarial equivalent” or “actuarially equivalent” when used with respect to a specified benefit shall mean the amount of benefit of the referenced different type or payable at the referenced different age that can be provided at the same cost as such specified benefit, as computed by the Actuary (as defined below) and certified to Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, to Executive’s spouse) by the Actuary. The actuarial assumptions used under the Plan to determine equivalencies between different forms and times of payment shall be the same as the actuarial assumptions then used in determining lump sum benefits payable under the CARP; provided, however, that with respect to the discount rate used to calculate benefits under the Plan, the discount rate shall be the Aa Corporate Bond Rate. The term “Actuary” shall mean the individual actuary or actuarial firm selected by Company to service its pension plans generally or if no such individual or firm has been selected, an individual actuary or actuarial firm appointed by Company and reasonably satisfactory to Executive and/or Executive’s spouse. The term “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on

 

4


the last day of the second month preceding the date Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) is to receive the lump sum payment (determined without regard to any delay in such payment that may be required by reason of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code), as determined by the Actuary (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by the Actuary). Upon request, Company shall cause the Actuary to compute the Aa Corporate Bond Rate for a specified period and the amount of the applicable lump sum payment for Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) and shall deliver such information to Executive or such spouse.

1.8 Medicare Payroll Taxes. Company shall indemnify Executive on a fully grossed-up, after-tax basis for any Medicare payroll taxes (plus any income taxes on such indemnity payments) incurred by Executive in connection with the accrual and/or payment of benefits under the Plan. Any payment by Company to Executive pursuant to this Section 1.8 shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted).

1.9 Section 409A Grandfathered Benefit. For purposes hereof, “Grandfathered Benefit” means the present value of the amount to which Executive would have been entitled under the Plan (based on the terms of the Plan set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement with Continental as in effect on October 3, 2004) if Executive had voluntarily terminated employment with Continental without cause on December 31, 2004, and received a payment of the benefits available from the Plan on the earliest possible date allowed under the Plan to receive a payment of benefits following such termination of employment; provided, however, that (a) for any taxable year of Executive after 2004, the Grandfathered Benefit shall increase to equal the present value of the benefit Executive actually becomes entitled to, in the form and at the time actually paid, determined under the terms of the Plan set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement with Continental as in effect on October 3, 2004, without regard to (1) any services rendered by Executive after December 31, 2004, or (2) any other events affecting the amount of or the entitlement to benefits, and (b) in no event shall the Grandfathered Benefit be greater than the maximum grandfathered benefit permitted with respect to the Plan determined under the provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and the administrative guidance thereunder that is applicable to the determination of amounts deferred under a nonaccount balance plan prior to January 1, 2005, and the earnings thereon, including Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-6(a)(3)(i) and (iv)). For purposes of making any present value calculations required in accordance with this Section 1.9 as of December 31, 2004, or any other date the benefit is valued for purposes of determining the Grandfathered Benefit, the actuarial assumptions and methods that were used under the Plan as of December 31, 2004, pursuant to the terms of Executive’s Employment Agreement with Continental as in effect on such date shall be used. Specifically, such actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2004 were the 1994 Group Annuity Mortality Table (as prescribed in Section 417(e) of the Code as of that date) and 5.76% (the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds, published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding December 31, 2004).

 

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SECTION 2: MISCELLANEOUS

2.1 Interest and Indemnification. If any payment to Executive provided for in this Agreement is not made by Company when due, Company shall pay to Executive interest on the amount payable from the date that such payment should have been made until such payment is made, which interest shall be calculated at 3% plus the prime rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto) at its principal office in Houston, Texas (but not in excess of the highest lawful rate), and such interest rate shall change when and as any such change in such prime or base rate shall be announced by such bank. If Executive shall obtain any money judgment or otherwise prevail with respect to any litigation brought by Executive or Company to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, Company, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, hereby indemnifies Executive for Executive’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred in such litigation and hereby agrees (i) to pay in full all such fees and disbursements and (ii) to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive from the earliest date that payment to Executive should have been made under this Agreement until such judgment shall have been paid in full, which interest shall be calculated at the rate set forth in the preceding sentence. Any reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and disbursements required under this Section 2.1 shall be made by Company upon or as soon as practicable following receipt of supporting documentation reasonably satisfactory to Company (but in any event not later than the close of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the fee, disbursement, cost or expense is incurred by Executive); provided, however, that, upon Executive’s termination of employment with Company, in no event shall any additional reimbursement be made prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment to the extent such payment delay is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code; provided that interest at the rate specified above in this Section 2.1 shall be paid to Executive with respect to any time period that reimbursement is so delayed and such interest shall be paid at the same time as the reimbursement. In no event shall any reimbursement be made to Executive for such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses incurred after the later of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date that is ten years after the date of Executive’s termination of employment with Company.

2.2 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company to:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Executive to:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

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2.3 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

2.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

2.5 Withholding of Taxes. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

2.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

2.7 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company and any successor of Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right, benefit or obligation of any party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other parties. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement benefiting Executive’s estate or Executive’s surviving spouse shall be enforceable by them.

2.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to the Plan. Effective as of the Effective Date, the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the Plan shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party thereto shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

[Signatures begin on following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ James Compton

James Compton

 

8

Employement Agreement - Jeffrey T. Foland

Exhibit 10.13

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED AIR LINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and JEFFREY T. FOLAND (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Continental Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Continental”) and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Continental (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Continental will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, UAL, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Management Retention Agreement dated as of May 2, 2010 (as amended, the “Existing Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement in its entirety, effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President of UCH and President of Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least


90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $550,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 125% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

 

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3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

(iii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

(iv) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date; provided, however, that any portion of the Termination Payment that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be paid at the earliest date that is permitted in accordance with the schedule set forth in Company’s Executive Severance Plan, as in effect on

 

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May 2, 2010. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. Upon Employee’s termination which constitutes an Involuntary Termination or if such termination is a Good Reason Termination, prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, all outstanding long-term incentive awards as of the effective date of the Merger shall become fully vested and exercisable.

4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

 

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4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

4.8 Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

 

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(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

 

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(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

 

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(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

(xiv) “Severance Period” shall mean the period determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 33 months; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 24 months;

(xv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xvi) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described

 

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in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

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5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to

 

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award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:    United Continental Holdings, Inc.
   77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD
   Chicago, Illinois 60601
   Attention: General Counsel
If to Employee:    At the most recent address
   on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

 

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7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED AIR LINES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Jeffrey T. Foland

Jeffrey T. Foland

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and United Air Lines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

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Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

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Employement Agreement - Irene E. Foxhall

Exhibit 10.14

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and IRENE E. FOXHALL (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Company and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Company (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007, (as amended, the “Existing Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement in their entirety, effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President Communications and Government Affairs of UCH, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall


be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least 90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, whether a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if Employee will no longer serve as an officer of UCH or Company) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $650,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its

 

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similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 125% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement), provide Employee (and Employee’s eligible dependents) with Continuation Coverage (as defined in paragraph 4.9) until the later of (a) Employee or (b) Employee’s spouse becoming eligible for Medicare coverage under applicable law (the “Continuation Coverage Period”). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

 

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(ii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

(iii) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause, whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. For purposes of the awards Employee holds as of the Effective Date (the “Outstanding Awards”) under Company’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Programs (the “LTIP/RSU Programs”), any termination of Employee’s employment during the term of this Agreement that constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. In addition, if UCH and Company provide written notice to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended, then, for purposes of the Outstanding Awards, any termination of Employee’s employment occurring after the expiration of the term of this Agreement and prior to the full payment or lapse of such awards (other than (a) for Cause (as defined herein), (b) by Employee under circumstances that do not constitute a Good Reason Termination (as defined herein), or (c) by reason of death or Disability (as defined herein)), shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the LTIP/RSU Programs or Company’s annual incentive program in effect for 2010, Employee agrees that payments with respect to Employee’s Outstanding Awards and Employee’s 2010 annual incentive award shall be based on Employee’s annual base salary and position as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date and without regard to any change in such annual base salary or position that occurs on or after the Effective Date. The provisions of this paragraph 4.4 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement and shall not affect Employee’s rights under the LTIP/RSU Programs upon death, disability or retirement.

4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and

 

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waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

4.8 Parachute Payments.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except as provided in paragraph 4.8(ii), if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if any payment, distribution or provision of a benefit by Company to or for the benefit of Employee, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable or provided or to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code in connection with the change of control of the Company effected by the Merger, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), Company shall pay to Employee on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the Excise Tax is remitted by or on behalf of Employee (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which the Excise Tax is remitted) an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Employee of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any income taxes and Excise Taxes imposed on any Gross-up Payment, Employee retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment (taking into account any similar gross-up payments to Employee under any stock incentive or other benefit plan or program of Company) equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Company and Employee shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up Payment is required and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment. Employee shall notify Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require Company to make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by Company and Employee) within 10 business days after the receipt of such claim. Company shall notify Employee in writing at least 10 business days prior to the due date of any response required with respect to such claim if it plans to contest the claim. If Company decides to contest such claim, Employee shall cooperate fully with Company in such action; provided, however, Company shall bear and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of Company’s action. If, as a result of Company’s action with respect to a claim, Employee receives a refund of any amount paid by Company with respect to such claim, Employee shall promptly pay such refund to Company. If Company fails to timely notify Employee whether it will contest such claim or Company determines not to contest such claim, then Company shall immediately pay to Employee the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously paid to Employee.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

 

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(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Continuation Coverage Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall be suspended during any period that Employee receives similar benefits from a subsequent employer (and shall be reinstated upon Employee ceasing to receive similar benefits and notifying Company thereof) and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an

 

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arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy. Employee’s Flight Benefits include “Grandfathered Flight Benefits” as such term is defined in the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

 

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(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

(xiv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xv) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that

 

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Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

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5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or

 

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validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Employee:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

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7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in (i) the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, and (ii) the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated as of the Effective Date, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Irene E. Foxhall

Irene E. Foxhall

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or (iv) its obligations under the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated October 1, 2010 (the “SERP Agreement”). UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or under the SERP Agreement are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

A-1


Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

A-2

SERP Agreement - Irene E. Foxhall

Exhibit 10.15

SERP AGREEMENT

THIS SERP AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. (“Holdings”), CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC. (“Continental” and, together with Holdings, “Company”), and IRENE E. FOXHALL (“Executive”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Continental and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007 (as amended, the “Prior Employment Agreement”), which provided for, among other things, a supplemental executive retirement plan benefit for Executive; and

WHEREAS, Company and Executive are entering into a new Employment Agreement of even date herewith (the “New Employment Agreement”) that will supersede the Prior Employment Agreement and will not include provisions relating to Executive’s supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided for in the Prior Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided to Executive in the Prior Employment Agreement shall continue to be provided to Executive, shall be frozen as provided in this Agreement and shall be set forth in this Agreement rather than the New Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede in its entirety the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit, effective as of the Effective Date; and

WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Continental and the Human Resources Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of UAL Corporation have authorized the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:

SECTION 1: SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

1.1 Base Benefit. Company agrees to pay Executive the deferred compensation benefits set forth in this Section 1 as a supplemental retirement plan (the “Plan”). The base retirement benefit under the Plan (the “Base Benefit”) shall be an annual amount (that is payable as a monthly straight life annuity) equal to the product of (a) 2.5% times (b) the number of Executive’s credited years of service (as defined below) under the Plan (but not in excess of 24 years) times (c) Executive’s final average compensation (as defined below). For purposes hereof, Executive’s credited years of service under the Plan shall be equal to the number of years (including partial years) beginning September 13, 2007, through the earlier of December 31, 2010 or the end of Executive’s period of employment with Company (such earlier date being


referred to herein as the “Freeze Date”), calculated as set forth in the Continental Retirement Plan (the “CARP”) with respect to credited service (“Actual Years of Service”). For purposes hereof, Executive’s final average compensation shall be equal to the greater of (A) $260,100 or (B) the average of the five highest annual cash compensation amounts paid to Executive by Continental during the consecutive ten calendar years immediately preceding the Freeze Date. For purposes hereof, cash compensation shall include base salary plus cash bonuses (including any amounts deferred (other than Stay Bonus amounts described below) pursuant to any deferred compensation plan of Continental), but shall exclude (i) any Stay Bonus paid to Executive pursuant to that certain Stay Bonus Agreement between Continental and Executive dated as of April 14, 1998, (ii) any payments received by Executive under Continental’s Officer Retention and Incentive Award Program, (iii) any proceeds to Executive from any awards under any option, stock incentive or similar plan of Continental (including RSUs awarded under Continental’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Program), and (iv) any cash bonus paid under a long term incentive plan or program adopted by Continental. Executive shall be vested immediately with respect to benefits due under the Plan. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Executive incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning assigned to such term in the New Employment Agreement for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.

1.2 Offset for CARP or Other Benefit. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Base Benefit shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent (as defined below) of the pension benefit, if any, accrued as of the Freeze Date and paid or payable to Executive from the CARP or from any other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan provided to Executive by Company. In making such reduction, the Base Benefit and the benefit accrued under the CARP or any such other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan shall be determined under the provisions of each plan as if payable in the form of a monthly straight life annuity beginning on the Retirement Date (as defined below); provided, however, that the benefit accrued under the CARP shall also be determined based on the early commencement factor applicable under the CARP as of the Freeze Date to an individual receiving a distribution under the CARP on such date and whose age as of such date is equal to the greater of age 60 or Executive’s actual age as of the Freeze Date. The net benefit payable under this Plan shall then be actuarially adjusted based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 for the actual time of payment.

1.3 Normal Retirement Benefits. Executive’s benefit under the Plan shall be paid only in a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent, based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7, of the Base Benefit for the life of Executive paying equal monthly installments beginning on the Retirement Date (the “Normal Retirement Benefit”). The Normal Retirement Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within five business days following the Retirement Date or, if later and if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date. If the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, then payment of the Normal Retirement Benefit (with interest on such benefit from the Retirement Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in Section 1.7) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date. For purposes hereof:

 

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(a) “Beneficiary” is defined as (1) Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, or (2) Executive’s estate, if Executive is not married on the date of Executive’s death; (b) “Retirement Date” is defined as the first day of the month coincident with or next following the later of (1) the date on which Executive attains (or in the event of Executive’s earlier death, would have attained) age 60 or (2) the date of Executive’s retirement from employment with Company; and (c) “Section 409A Payment Date” is defined as the earlier of (1) the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the date of termination of Executive’s employment with Company.

1.4 Early Retirement Benefits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.3, if Executive’s employment with Company is terminated, for a reason other than death, on or after the date Executive attains age 55 or is credited with 10 Actual Years of Service and prior to the Retirement Date, then Company shall pay Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit on or within five business days following the first day of the month coinciding with or next following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Earliest ERB Payment Date”) or, if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date (an “Early Retirement Benefit”); provided, however, that the amount of the benefit shall be reduced to the extent necessary to cause the value of such Early Retirement Benefit (determined as if payment would be made on the Earliest ERB Payment Date) to be the actuarial equivalent of the value of the Normal Retirement Benefit (based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 and adjusted for such time of payment). If payment of the Early Retirement Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as provided in the preceding sentence, then payment of the Early Retirement Benefit (with interest on such benefit from the Earliest ERB Payment Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death after the Earliest ERB Payment Date, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date.

1.5 Death Benefit. Except (a) as provided in Section 1.3 if the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, (b) as provided in Section 1.4 if the payment of the Early Retirement Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and (c) as provided in the remaining provisions of this Section 1.5, no benefits shall be paid under the Plan if Executive dies prior to the date Executive’s benefit is paid pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable. In the event of Executive’s death prior to payment of Executive’s benefit pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4 (other than under the circumstances described in clauses (a) or (b) of the preceding sentence, in which case the benefits described in Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable, shall be paid in full), Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, will receive a death benefit payable only as a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent of a single life annuity consisting of monthly payments for the life of such surviving spouse determined as follows: (a) if Executive dies on or before reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive terminated employment on the earlier of Executive’s actual date of termination of employment or Executive’s date of death, survived until the Retirement Date, been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning immediately at the Retirement Date, and died on the day after the Retirement Date; or (b) if Executive dies after reaching the Retirement

 

3


Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning on the day prior to Executive’s death. Such benefit shall be paid on or within 10 business days following the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date of Executive’s death; provided, however, that if Executive dies prior to reaching age 60, then the amount of such benefit shall be reduced based on the principles used for the reductions described in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 1.4.

1.6 Unfunded Benefit. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded, unsecured plan of deferred compensation. Further, it is the intention of Company that the Plan be unfunded for purposes of the Code and Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by Company to make benefit payments in the future. Plan benefits hereunder provided are to be paid out of Company’s general assets, and Executive shall have the status of, and shall have no better status than, a general unsecured creditor of Company. Executive understands that Executive must rely upon the general credit of Company for payment of benefits under the Plan. Company has not and will not in the future set aside assets for security or enter into any other arrangement which will cause the obligation created to be other than a general corporate obligation of Company or will cause Executive to be more than a general creditor of Company.

1.7 Actuarial Equivalent. For purposes of the Plan, the terms “actuarial equivalent” or “actuarially equivalent” when used with respect to a specified benefit shall mean the amount of benefit of the referenced different type or payable at the referenced different age that can be provided at the same cost as such specified benefit, as computed by the Actuary (as defined below) and certified to Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, to Executive’s spouse) by the Actuary. The actuarial assumptions used under the Plan to determine equivalencies between different forms and times of payment shall be the same as the actuarial assumptions then used in determining lump sum benefits payable under the CARP; provided, however, that with respect to the discount rate used to calculate benefits under the Plan, the discount rate shall be the Aa Corporate Bond Rate. The term “Actuary” shall mean the individual actuary or actuarial firm selected by Company to service its pension plans generally or if no such individual or firm has been selected, an individual actuary or actuarial firm appointed by Company and reasonably satisfactory to Executive and/or Executive’s spouse. The term “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the date Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) is to receive the lump sum payment (determined without regard to any delay in such payment that may be required by reason of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code), as determined by the Actuary (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by the Actuary). Upon request, Company shall cause the Actuary to compute the Aa Corporate Bond Rate for a specified period and the amount of the applicable lump sum payment for Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) and shall deliver such information to Executive or such spouse.

1.8 Medicare Payroll Taxes. Company shall indemnify Executive on a fully grossed-up, after-tax basis for any Medicare payroll taxes (plus any income taxes on such indemnity

 

4


payments) incurred by Executive in connection with the accrual and/or payment of benefits under the Plan. Any payment by Company to Executive pursuant to this Section 1.8 shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted).

SECTION 2: MISCELLANEOUS

2.1 Interest and Indemnification. If any payment to Executive provided for in this Agreement is not made by Company when due, Company shall pay to Executive interest on the amount payable from the date that such payment should have been made until such payment is made, which interest shall be calculated at 3% plus the prime rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto) at its principal office in Houston, Texas (but not in excess of the highest lawful rate), and such interest rate shall change when and as any such change in such prime or base rate shall be announced by such bank. If Executive shall obtain any money judgment or otherwise prevail with respect to any litigation brought by Executive or Company to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, Company, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, hereby indemnifies Executive for Executive’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred in such litigation and hereby agrees (i) to pay in full all such fees and disbursements and (ii) to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive from the earliest date that payment to Executive should have been made under this Agreement until such judgment shall have been paid in full, which interest shall be calculated at the rate set forth in the preceding sentence. Any reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and disbursements required under this Section 2.1 shall be made by Company upon or as soon as practicable following receipt of supporting documentation reasonably satisfactory to Company (but in any event not later than the close of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the fee, disbursement, cost or expense is incurred by Executive); provided, however, that, upon Executive’s termination of employment with Company, in no event shall any additional reimbursement be made prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment to the extent such payment delay is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code; provided that interest at the rate specified above in this Section 2.1 shall be paid to Executive with respect to any time period that reimbursement is so delayed and such interest shall be paid at the same time as the reimbursement. In no event shall any reimbursement be made to Executive for such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses incurred after the later of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date that is ten years after the date of Executive’s termination of employment with Company.

2.2 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company to:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

 

5


If to Executive to:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

2.3 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

2.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

2.5 Withholding of Taxes. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

2.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

2.7 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company and any successor of Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right, benefit or obligation of any party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other parties. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement benefiting Executive’s estate or Executive’s surviving spouse shall be enforceable by them.

2.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to the Plan. Effective as of the Effective Date, the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the Plan shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party thereto shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

[Signatures begin on following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President
  Human Resources and Labor Relations
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President
  Human Resources and Labor Relations
“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ Irene E. Foxhall

Irene E. Foxhall

 

7

Employement Agreement - Keith R. Halbert

Exhibit 10.16

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED AIR LINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and KEITH R. HALBERT (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Continental Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Continental”) and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Continental (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Continental will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, Employee has been selected to serve as an officer of UCH.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President - Chief Information Officer of UCH, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least 90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not


then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $575,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 125% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as

 

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provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

(iii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

(iv) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date; provided, however, that any portion of the Termination Payment that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be paid at the earliest date that is permitted in accordance with the schedule set forth in Company’s Executive Severance Plan, as in effect on May 2, 2010. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

 

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4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. Upon Employee’s termination which constitutes an Involuntary Termination or if such termination is a Good Reason Termination, prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, all outstanding long-term incentive awards as of the effective date of the Merger shall become fully vested and exercisable.

4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

 

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4.8 Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

 

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(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

 

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(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

 

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(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

(xiv) “Severance Period” shall mean the period determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 33 months; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 24 months;

(xv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xvi) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

 

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ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b)

 

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“Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

 

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ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Employee:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

 

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7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED AIR LINES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

Human Resources and Labor Relations

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

Human Resources and Labor Relations

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Keith R. Halbert

Keith R. Halbert

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and United Air Lines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

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Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

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Employement Agreement - Brett J. Hart

Exhibit 10.17

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED AIR LINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and BRETT J. HART (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of December 15, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions of Employee’s employment by Company effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of UCH, Company and Continental Airlines, Inc., or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least 90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company


Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, whether a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if Employee will no longer serve as an officer of UCH or Company) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $500,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 110% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by Company for similarly situated employees and maintained by UCH or its affiliates for officers of UCH, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9). For the avoidance of doubt, Employee shall not be a participant in the Continental Airlines Retirement Plan (“CARP”). Except as provided in the last sentence of

 

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section 4(iii) of the Officer Travel Policy, Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6 and in addition to payment of amounts described in paragraph 4.1, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9 and subject to the Continuation Coverage definition) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9); and

(iii) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date.

4.3 Flight Benefits. If Employee has remained employed for a period of five years beginning on the Effective Date, then, upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) or any other then applicable release requirements and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

 

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4.4 Incentive Awards. The payment to Employee or vesting of any outstanding incentive awards upon termination shall be governed by the terms of any such award. If Employee voluntarily terminates employment without “Good Reason” before December 31, 2011, then Employee shall pay to Company an amount equal to the cash recruitment incentive paid to Employee in connection with his initial employment by Company multiplied by a fraction equal to (1) the number of days in the period beginning on the Termination Date and ending on December 31, 2011 divided by (2) the number of days in the period beginning on the first day of Employee’s employment with the Company and ending on December 31, 2011.

4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

 

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4.8 Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement, together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the Compensation Committee of the Board of UCH in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

 

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(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall (a) be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income or (b) be provided by Company or its subsidiaries in another manner that is tax neutral to Employee.

(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

 

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(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles; or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the lesser of the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date or the Severance Period.

 

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(xi) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xii) “Severance Multiple” shall be 1.5.

(xiii) “Severance Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 18 months;

(xiv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xv) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is

 

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proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

 

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5.5. Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations

If to Employee:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

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7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. As of the Effective Date, this Agreement, together with the offer letter dated November 8, 2010, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and contains all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. In the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the offer letter, this Agreement shall control. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable,

 

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of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

 

Human Resources and Labor Relations

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

 

Human Resources and Labor Relations

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Brett J. Hart

Brett J. Hart

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and United Air Lines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

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Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

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Employement Agreement - Peter D. McDonald

Exhibit 10.18

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED AIR LINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and PETER D. MCDONALD (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Continental Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Continental”) and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Continental (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Continental will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, UAL, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Management Retention Agreement dated as of May 2, 2010 and that certain Employment Agreement dated as of September 29, 2006 (both as amended and, collectively, the “Existing Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement in its entirety, effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President - Chief Operations Officer of UCH, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least


90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $850,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be equal to 135% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

 

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3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), and retiree medical, but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent (including, notwithstanding Section 4(iii) of the Officer Travel Policy, the provisions of Section 3(vii)(e) of such policy). Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee; and (v) except as otherwise provided herein, any payments or benefits to which Employee is otherwise entitled to as explicitly set forth in any other agreements, benefit plans, practices, arrangements, policies and programs in which Employee participates (other than severance benefits).

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

(iii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

(iv) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

 

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Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date; provided, however, that any portion of the Termination Payment that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be paid at the earliest date that is permitted in accordance with the schedule set forth in Company’s Executive Severance Plan, as in effect on May 2, 2010. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. Upon Employee’s termination which constitutes an Involuntary Termination or if such termination is a Good Reason Termination, prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, all outstanding long-term incentive awards as of the effective date of the Merger shall become fully vested and exercisable.

4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise

 

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described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

4.8 Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments beginning with the Termination Payment, followed by any other cash payments Employee may be entitled to, and continuing, to the extent necessary, with the non-cash payments or benefits beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time. The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

 

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(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

 

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(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement

 

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as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

(xiv) “Severance Period” shall mean the period determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 33 months; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 24 months;

(xv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xvi) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual,

 

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calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1); and provided, further, that the amount determined pursuant to the preceding provisions of this paragraph 4.9(xvi) shall be reduced, but not below zero, by $2,634,082 if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

 

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5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:   

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Employee:

  

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED AIR LINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

  Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Peter D. McDonald

Peter D. McDonald

 

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and United Air Lines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, including, without limitation, retiree medical, (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or (iv) Employee’s rights to be indemnified and/or advanced expenses under UCH’s and Company’s corporate governance documents and to be covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ insurance policies. UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the post-termination obligations under the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards or benefits under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, Employee’s rights to retiree medical, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, are not released.

 

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Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of fifty days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date 50 days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if “group termination” under OWBPA applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

A-2

Employement Agreement - Zane C. Rowe

Exhibit 10.19

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation and the parent company of Company (“UCH”), and ZANE C. ROWE (“Employee”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2010, UAL Corporation (“UAL”), Company and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Company (the “Merger”), and, as a result of which, Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL (which parent company shall be renamed UCH); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007 (as amended, the “Existing Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, Company and Employee are parties to that certain Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, UCH, Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement in their entirety, effective as of the Effective Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, UCH, Company, and Employee agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to continue to be employed by Company, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Employee agrees to serve in the position assigned pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of Employee’s abilities.

1.2 Position. Employee shall serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UCH, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. UCH and Company may assign this Agreement and Employee’s employment to any subsidiary or affiliate of UCH or Company.

ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to employ Employee pursuant to this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 30, 2012 (the “Initial Term”). The term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a successive one-year period as of the last day of the Initial Term


and as of the last day of each successive one-year period of time thereafter while this Agreement is in effect (each such successive term being referred to as an “Extended Term”) unless at least 90 days before the last day of the Initial Term or any such Extended Term either UCH and Company gives written notice to Employee not to extend the Agreement or Employee gives written notice to UCH and Company not to extend the Agreement. Upon expiration of this Agreement due to provision of written notice by UCH and Company to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended (a “Company Caused Expiration”), if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with severance benefits upon certain terminations of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries, then UCH shall cause Employee to be eligible for severance benefits under a severance plan to be implemented prior to the date of any Company Caused Expiration and thereafter maintained by UCH or a subsidiary thereof subject to the terms and conditions of such plan as in effect on the date of termination of Employee’s employment. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

2.2 Right and Notice of Termination. If Company or Employee desires to terminate Employee’s employment at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment, it or Employee may do so by providing written notice to the other party that it or Employee has elected to terminate Employee’s employment and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof.

2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Employee incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, whether a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if Employee will no longer serve as an officer of UCH or Company) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Employee hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code).

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Employee shall receive an annual base salary equal to $750,000 or such other amount as the parties may agree upon from time to time (“Base Salary”). Employee’s annual Base Salary shall not be reduced by Company without Employee’s consent unless the reduction is (i) a result of a generally applicable reduction imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (ii) an amount proportionate to the base salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s payroll practice for similarly situated employees.

3.2 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs. Employee shall be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation program maintained by Company for its similarly situated employees. Employee’s 2011 target opportunity under such program shall be

 

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equal to 135% of Base Salary. Employee shall be eligible to receive grants under the long term incentive plans maintained by UCH or any affiliate of UCH that is eligible to grant awards to Employee (including stock option, restricted stock and other equity compensation plans and any other long-term incentive plans) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UCH (the “UCH Board Committee”).

3.3 Other Benefits. Employee shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans, policies and programs maintained by UCH or its affiliates for similarly situated employees, including the Officer Travel Policy (as defined in paragraph 4.9), but excluding any automobile or life insurance policy except as otherwise provided therein. Company shall not change, amend or discontinue Employee’s Flight Benefits (as defined in paragraph 4.9 or as provided for under paragraph 4.3) without Employee’s prior written consent. Upon a Company Caused Expiration, if Employee is not then a party to an employment or other agreement with UCH or a subsidiary thereof that provides Employee with Flight Benefits, then UCH shall provide Employee with Flight Benefits during the period of Employee’s employment with UCH and its subsidiaries following the expiration of this Agreement (which Flight Benefits shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding change, amendment and discontinuance as provided in the preceding sentence). The provisions of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement. Employee shall be provided with the automobile benefit described on Appendix A.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION

4.1 Effect on Compensation and Accrued Obligations. Upon termination of the employment relationship for any reason, all compensation and all benefits to Employee shall terminate, provided that Company shall pay Employee: (i) the earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9); (ii) any annual, long-term, or other incentive award that relates to a completed fiscal year or performance period, as applicable, and is payable (but not yet paid) on or before the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such award; (iii) a lump-sum payment in respect of accrued but unused vacation days at Employee’s per-business-day Base Salary rate in effect as of the Termination Date; and (iv) any unpaid expense or other reimbursements due to Employee.

4.2 Involuntary Termination and Good Reason Termination. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9) or a Good Reason Termination (as defined in paragraph 4.9), Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, also provide Employee the following:

(i) Continuation Coverage for the Severance Period (as defined in paragraph 4.9) for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents;

(ii) the Termination Payment (as defined in paragraph 4.9);

(iii) a Pro-Rata Annual Bonus (as defined in paragraph 4.9) if the Termination Date occurs prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

 

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(iv) outplacement services provided by an agency selected by Company at Company’s cost and for a period of 12 months beginning on the date that the release described in paragraph 4.5 becomes effective and irrevocable.

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Termination Payment shall be paid in a cash lump-sum on the 60th day following the Termination Date. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, the Pro-Rata Annual Bonus shall be paid in a cash lump sum to Employee on the date Employee’s annual incentive compensation bonus for the year that includes the Termination Date would have been paid if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (but in no event earlier than 60 days after the Date of Termination).

4.3 Flight Benefits. Upon Employee’s termination of employment for any reason other than Cause (as defined in paragraph 4.9), whether occurring before, on or after the date of expiration of this Agreement, Company shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.5 (if such termination occurs prior to the expiration of this Agreement) and paragraph 4.6, provide Employee with Flight Benefits for Employee’s lifetime. The provisions of this paragraph 4.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

4.4 Incentive Awards. For purposes of the awards Employee holds as of the Effective Date (the “Outstanding Awards”) under Company’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Programs (the “LTIP/RSU Programs”), any termination of Employee’s employment during the term of this Agreement that constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. In addition, if UCH and Company provide written notice to Employee that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended, then, for purposes of the Outstanding Awards, any termination of Employee’s employment occurring after the expiration of the term of this Agreement and prior to the full payment or lapse of such awards (other than (a) for Cause (as defined herein), (b) by Employee under circumstances that do not constitute a Good Reason Termination (as defined herein), or (c) by reason of death or Disability (as defined herein)), shall be treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs. Upon Employee’s termination of employment which constitutes an Involuntary Termination, a Good Reason Termination, a termination after the expiration of the term of this Agreement that is treated as a “Qualifying Event” under the LTIP/RSU Programs as provided in the preceding sentence, or any termination of employment by reason of death or Disability (whether before or after the expiration of the term of this Agreement), Company shall pay to Employee, within five business days after the date of such termination, all Payment Amounts with respect to Outstanding Awards for which a potential payment under the LTIP/RSU Programs exist as of the date of such termination, as if Employee had remained employed by Company in Employee’s current position through the date that would entitle Employee to the maximum payment for the Outstanding Awards. Capitalized terms used in this paragraph that are not defined elsewhere in this Agreement have the meaning ascribed thereto in the LTIP/RSU Programs as in effect on the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the LTIP/RSU Programs or Company’s annual incentive program in effect for 2010, Employee agrees that payments with respect to Employee’s Outstanding Awards and Employee’s 2010 annual incentive award shall be based on Employee’s annual base salary and position as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date and without regard to any change in such annual base salary or position that occurs on or after the Effective Date. The provisions of this paragraph 4.4 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement and shall not affect Employee’s rights under the LTIP/RSU Programs upon death, disability or retirement.

 

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4.5 Payment Obligations Absolute. Company’s obligation under this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against Employee or anyone else; provided that Company obligations under this Article 4 (except upon Employee’s death) shall be subject to Employee’s execution, within 50 days after the Termination Date, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, which has become irrevocable. Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Employee. All amounts payable by Company shall be paid without notice or demand. Employee shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.9 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations under this Article 4.

4.6 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date (as defined in paragraph 4.9), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Employee (or Employee’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Employee shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 4.9)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the preceding sentence if another provision of this Agreement or any other plan or program of UCH or any of its affiliates is intended to cause Employee’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

4.7 Liquidated Damages. Company and Employee hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by Employee as liquidated damages. Payment of the compensation and benefits to Employee pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be deemed to satisfy any corresponding payments to which Employee may otherwise be entitled under any and all severance plans and policies maintained by Company or its affiliates.

4.8 Parachute Payments.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except as provided in paragraph 4.8(ii), if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement together with any other payments and benefits which Employee has the right to receive from UCH, Company and their affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by Employee shall be subject to the excise tax imposed

 

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by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Employee. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing the Payments in the reverse order in which the Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the UCH Board Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Employee’s base amount, then Employee shall immediately repay such excess to Company.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if any payment, distribution or provision of a benefit by Company to or for the benefit of Employee, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable or provided or to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code in connection with the change of control of the Company effected by the Merger, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), Company shall pay to Employee on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the Excise Tax is remitted by or on behalf of Employee (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which the Excise Tax is remitted) an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Employee of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any income taxes and Excise Taxes imposed on any Gross-up Payment, Employee retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment (taking into account any similar gross-up payments to Employee under any stock incentive or other benefit plan or program of Company) equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Company and Employee shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up Payment is required and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment. Employee shall notify Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require Company to make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by Company and Employee) within 10 business days after the receipt of such claim. Company shall notify Employee in writing at least 10 business days prior to the due date of any response required with respect to such claim if it plans to contest the claim. If Company decides to contest such claim, Employee shall cooperate fully with Company in such action; provided, however, Company shall bear and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of Company’s action. If, as a result of Company’s action with respect to a claim, Employee receives a refund of any amount paid by Company with respect to such claim, Employee shall promptly pay such refund to Company. If Company fails to timely notify Employee whether it will contest such claim or Company determines not to contest such claim, then Company shall immediately pay to Employee the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously paid to Employee.

4.9 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the Termination Date (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by Company).

 

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(ii) “affiliates” shall mean any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with UCH, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(iii) “Cause” shall mean, for purposes of this Agreement, if Employee’s employment is terminated by Company pursuant to any of the following clauses:

(A) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of, or Employee’s abuse of alcohol or drugs rendering Employee unable to perform, the material duties and services required of Employee pursuant to this Agreement;

(B) Employee’s conviction or plea of nolo contendre for any crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;

(C) Employee’s commission of an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Employee at UCH’s or Company’s expense; or

(D) Employee’s material breach of a material obligation of Employee to UCH or Company under this Agreement or a material violation of the policies of UCH or Company.

(iv) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph, the continued coverage of Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents under the following welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated employees of Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of similar benefits, which may include the provision of benefits under one or more insurance policies): medical, dental, term life insurance (in an amount determined in accordance with Company policy), vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug. Such coverage shall be provided by Company during the Severance Period at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Employee than that applicable to a similarly situated Company employee who has not terminated employment; provided, however, that (1) subject to clause (2) below, the coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of similar benefits) shall terminate upon Employee’s receipt of similar benefits from a subsequent employer and (2) if Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) would have otherwise been entitled to retiree medical coverage under a particular welfare benefit plan had Employee voluntarily retired on the Termination Date, then Employee (and/or Employee’s eligible dependents) shall receive such coverage pursuant to the terms of such plan. Continuation Coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits

 

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provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article 4 to the contrary, Employee (and/or each of Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be entitled upon the expiration of the Severance Period to purchase an additional 18 months of coverage under a group health plan subject to ERISA sections 601 and 608. Such additional coverage will be made available to Employee at COBRA rates. The Continuation Coverage described in this paragraph shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Employee (and each of Employee’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 and 608. The medical, dental, vision care and prescription drug benefits described in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be provided through an arrangement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Employee’s income.

(v) “Disabled” or “Disability” shall mean Employee becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders Employee mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of Employee hereunder on a full-time basis during such period.

(vi) “Flight Benefits” shall mean the flight benefits provided under the Officer Travel Policy.

(vii) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean Employee’s termination of Employee’s employment under this Agreement for any of the following reasons:

(A) a material diminution in Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to Employee as of the Effective Date or as agreed to in writing by the parties;

(B) a material diminution in Employee’s Base Salary, except to the extent such diminution in Base Salary is (1) a result of a generally applicable reduction in base salaries imposed on substantially all of the officers of UCH and its affiliates and (2) is an amount proportionate to the salary reduction for other officers of UCH and its affiliates at substantially the same title or level of Employee;

(C) a relocation of Employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles (other than a relocation to the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area during the Initial Term as a result of the Merger); or

(D) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Employee of a Good Reason Termination shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(w) the conditions described in the preceding sentence giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent;

 

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(x) Employee must provide written notice to Company of such condition and Employee’s intent to terminate employment in accordance with paragraph 7.1 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition;

(y) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by Company; and

(z) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

(viii) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Employee’s employment with Company (other than resulting from an assignment of this Agreement as permitted by paragraph 1.2 hereof) which does not result from Employee’s (A) resignation, (B) death, (C) Cause, (D) retirement under Company’s retirement policy or program generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Company, or (E) Disability.

(ix) “Officer Travel Policy” shall mean the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy, as in effect on October 1, 2010.

(x) “Post-Termination Obligation Period” shall mean the two-year period commencing on the Termination Date.

(xi) “Pro-Rata Annual Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (1) the annual incentive compensation bonus that Employee would have been entitled to receive for the calendar year that includes the Termination Date if Employee’s employment hereunder had continued (such amount to be determined with any subjective or personal performance goals rated at target), multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Employee was employed hereunder during such year and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (provided, however, that if the Termination Date occurs during 2010, then the fraction described in this clause (2) shall be deemed to equal 1.0). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this paragraph applies with respect to an annual bonus that is intended to constitute performance-based compensation within the meaning of, and for purposes of, Section 162(m) of the Code, then this paragraph shall apply with respect to such annual bonus only to the extent the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied as certified by a committee of the Board of Directors of UCH as required under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xii) “Section 409A Payment Date” shall mean the earlier of (1) the date of Employee’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the Termination Date.

(xiii) “Severance Multiple” shall mean an amount determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the Severance Multiple shall be 2.75; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), then the Severance Multiple shall be 2.0.

 

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(xiv) “Severance Period” shall mean the period determined as follows: (1) if the Termination Date occurs within the two-year period following the Effective Date, the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 33 months; and (2) if the Termination Date occurs on any date other than as provided in clause (1), the period commencing on the Termination Date and continuing for 24 months;

(xv) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date (if any) of Employee’s termination of employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(xvi) “Termination Payment” shall mean the Severance Multiple times the sum of (1) Employee’s annual Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Employee’s termination of employment hereunder, and (2) Employee’s bonus pursuant to the annual, calendar-year bonus award for the year of such termination of employment, based on the target level of performance; provided, however, that if it reasonably expected that Employee will be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code for the year in which termination of employment occurs, then the amount described in clause (2) shall be equal to the target percentage under Employee’s annual bonus award for the year prior to the year of termination of employment, multiplied by Employee’s Base Salary described in clause (1).

ARTICLE 5: RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

5.1 Confidentiality Restrictive Covenants. Employee agrees to be bound by the applicable UCH and Company policies regarding confidentiality, solicitation, competition, and disparagement as set forth in UCH’s and Company’s policy manuals and as may be amended from time to time. Employee shall at all times hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to UCH, Company or their subsidiaries and affiliates, except that Employee may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to UCH, Company, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Employee’s employment with Company and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Employee.

The relationship between Employee and UCH and its affiliates is and shall continue to be one in which UCH and its affiliates reposes special trust and confidence in Employee, and one in which Employee has and shall have a fiduciary relationship to UCH and its affiliates. As a result, UCH and its affiliates shall, in the course of Employee’s duties under the Agreement entrust Employee with, and disclose to Employee, Proprietary or Confidential Information. Employee recognizes that Proprietary or Confidential Information has been developed or acquired, or will be developed or acquired, by UCH and its affiliates at great expense, is

 

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proprietary to UCH and its affiliates, and is and shall remain the property of UCH and its affiliates. Employee acknowledges the confidentiality of Proprietary or Confidential Information and acknowledges that Employee could not competently perform Employee’s duties under this Agreement without access to such information. Employee acknowledges that any use of Proprietary or Confidential Information by persons not in the employ of UCH and its affiliates would provide said persons an unfair competitive advantage which they would not have without the use of said Proprietary or Confidential Information and that said advantage would cause UCH and its affiliates irreparable harm. Employee further acknowledges that because of this unfair competitive advantage, and UCH’s and its affiliates’ legitimate business interests, which include their need to protect their goodwill and the Proprietary or Confidential Information, Employee has agreed to the post-employment restrictions in paragraph 5.3.

5.2 Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates to perform services for any entity (other than UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.3 Non-Competition. In return for, among other things, Company’s promise to provide the Proprietary or Confidential Information described herein, during Employee’s employment and the Post-Termination Obligation Period, Employee agrees that Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, take a Competitive Position with a Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Competitor” means any airline or air carrier or any company affiliated, directly or indirectly, with another airline or air carrier, and (b) “Competitive Position” means becoming employed by, a member of the board of directors of, a consultant to, or to otherwise provide services of any nature to, a Competitor directly or indirectly. After the Termination Date, such non-competition obligations shall apply in any State, territory or protectorate of the United States in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH is qualified to do business or in any foreign country in which UCH or an affiliate of UCH has an office, station or branch as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such non-competition obligations shall terminate and be inapplicable if the termination of Employee’s employment with Company constitutes an Involuntary Termination or a Good Reason Termination.

5.4 Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (a) accuses or implies that UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to Employee’s employment (or the termination thereof), the business or operations of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise; or (b) disparages, impugns or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of UCH, Company or their subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing herein will be deemed to preclude Employee from providing truthful testimony or information pursuant to subpoena, court order or similar legal process, or instituting and pursuing legal action.

 

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5.5 Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to UCH or Company by reason of a failure by Employee to perform any of Employee’s obligations under this Article 5. Accordingly, if UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates institutes any action or proceeding to enforce their rights under this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Employee hereby waives the claim or defense that UCH, Company or their affiliates has an adequate remedy at law, and Employee shall not claim that any such remedy at law exists.

5.6 Survival of Article 5. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, except that the provisions of paragraph 5.3 shall survive during Employee’s period of employment and thereafter to the extent provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except for any action or proceeding brought pursuant to paragraph 5.5, the parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the formation, breach, termination or validity thereof, will be settled by binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and each party irrevocably waives any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Illinois. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, A COURT TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EMPLOYEE.

ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company or UCH:   

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

  

Chicago, Illinois 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Employee:   

At the most recent address

  

on file with Company

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

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7.2 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.

7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

7.9 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of UCH and Company and any successor of UCH or Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of UCH or Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and such rights, benefits, and obligations of Employee shall not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned, alienated, or transferred, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company.

7.10 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in (i) the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.3 and any awards under Company’s stock incentive plans or programs, long term incentive programs, annual incentive program, or similar plans or programs, , and (ii) the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated as of the Effective Date, this Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Employee by Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement and the Existing Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

 

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7.11 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Employee’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Employee as an officer of UCH, Company and each affiliate of Company or UCH, an automatic resignation from the board of directors, if applicable, of UCH and Company, and an automatic resignation of Employee from the board of directors of any affiliate of Company or UCH, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company, UCH or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Employee serves as Company’s, UCH’s, or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

Human Resources and Labor Relations

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

Human Resources and Labor Relations

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

 

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Exhibit A

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by Company and Employee)

In consideration of the benefits provided by Company to Employee, Employee hereby releases United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”) and Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Company”) and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, including, without limitation, any and all claims and liabilities relating to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, Company, UCH, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by UCH or Company of (i) its post-employment obligations under that certain Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2010 among Company, UCH, and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) its obligations under its qualified retirements plans in which Employee participates (the “Qualified Plans”), under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the long term incentive programs of UCH and Company (the “Incentive Programs”), or under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, (iii) its obligations under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or (iv) its obligations under the SERP Agreement among Company, UCH and Employee dated October 1, 2010 (the “SERP Agreement”). UCH and Company hereby release Employee from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Employee’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, UCH, Company or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than fraud or intentional malfeasance or claims arising from a breach by Employee of the Employment Agreement or of Employee’s obligations under the Qualified Plans, under Employee’s outstanding grants of stock options or restricted stock, under outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Employee, Company and UCH. Each party agrees that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the Employment Agreement, the CARP, Employee’s outstanding option grants and grants of restricted stock, outstanding awards under the Incentive Programs, or outstanding awards under any other compensation plan or program of UCH or Company, or under existing agreements governing Employee’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, if any, or under the SERP Agreement are not released.

Employee acknowledges that, by Employee’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Employee agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

 

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Employee acknowledges that Employee has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Employee receives Release Agreement]. Employee understands that Employee may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Employee has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Employee may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Employee], to acknowledge Employee’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Employee acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Employee acknowledges that Employee has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Employee (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Employee may revoke Employee’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of the Employment Agreement to Company of Employee’s intention to revoke. However, the payments and other Company obligations under Article 4 of the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

A-2


Appendix A

Automobile Benefit

Company shall provide an automobile (including replacements thereof) of Employee’s choice for Employee’s use on terms at least as favorable to Employee as provided immediately prior to the Effective Date. If the automobile is leased, then, except as provided in the following sentence, Company shall allow Employee, at Employee’s option, to acquire title to such leased automobile at the completion of the lease term by Employee paying at such time the residual payment then owing under the lease. If Employee’s employment terminates for any reason other than Cause, then, in addition to any payments and benefits that may be provided to Employee pursuant to Article 4 of the Agreement:

(1) if the automobile is owned by Company, Company shall (A) transfer title to the automobile to Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable), without cost to Employee (or Employee’s estate), on the Section 409A Payment Date, and (B) to the extent the aggregate value of the use of the automobile and any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to Employee during the period following Employee’s termination of employment and preceding the Section 409A Payment Date have an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which Employee’s termination of employment occurs, Employee shall pay to Company, on a monthly basis until the end of such period, the fair market value of the use of the automobile for such month, and Company shall reimburse Employee or Employee’s estate (as applicable) (with interest thereon at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) for any such payments not later than the fifth day following the date upon which title to the automobile is so transferred; or

(2) if the automobile is leased by Company, Company shall (A) transfer title to the automobile to Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable), without cost to Employee (or Employee’s estate), at the conclusion of the lease term (but in no event prior to the Section 409A Payment Date), and (B) continue to make all payments under the lease and permit Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable) to use the automobile during the remainder of such lease term or, if later, until the automobile is so transferred to Employee (or Employee’s estate, as applicable); provided, however, that to the extent the aggregate value of the use of the automobile and any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to Employee during the period following Employee’s termination of employment and preceding the Section 409A Payment Date have an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which such termination occurs, Employee shall pay to Company, on a monthly basis until the end of such period, the fair market value of the use of the automobile (but in no event less than the payment required under the lease) for such month, and Company shall reimburse Employee or Employee’s estate (as applicable) (with interest thereon at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) for any such payments not later than the fifth day following the end of such period.

 

A-3

SERP Agreement - Zane C. Rowe

Exhibit 10.20

SERP AGREEMENT

THIS SERP AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. (“Holdings”), CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC. (“Continental” and, together with Holdings, “Company”), and ZANE C. ROWE (“Executive”), and is dated and effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Continental and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007, (as amended, the “Prior Employment Agreement”), which provided for, among other things, a supplemental executive retirement plan benefit for Executive; and

WHEREAS, Company and Executive are entering into a new Employment Agreement of even date herewith (the “New Employment Agreement”) that will supersede the Prior Employment Agreement and will not include provisions relating to Executive’s supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided for in the Prior Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit that was provided to Executive in the Prior Employment Agreement shall continue to be provided to Executive, shall be frozen as provided in this Agreement and shall be set forth in this Agreement rather than the New Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede in its entirety the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the supplemental executive retirement plan benefit, effective as of the Effective Date; and

WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Continental and the Human Resources Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of UAL Corporation have authorized the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:

SECTION 1: SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

1.1 Base Benefit. Company agrees to pay Executive the deferred compensation benefits set forth in this Section 1 as a supplemental retirement plan (the “Plan”). The base retirement benefit under the Plan (the “Base Benefit”) shall be an annual amount (that is payable as a monthly straight life annuity) equal to the product of (a) 2.5% times (b) the number of Executive’s credited years of service (as defined below) under the Plan (but not in excess of 24 years) times (c) Executive’s final average compensation (as defined below). For purposes hereof, Executive’s credited years of service under the Plan shall be equal to the number of years (including partial years) beginning September 6, 2006, through the earlier of December 31, 2010, or the end of Executive’s period of employment with Company (such earlier date being referred


to herein as the “Freeze Date”), calculated as set forth in the Continental Retirement Plan (the “CARP”) with respect to credited service (“Actual Years of Service”). For purposes hereof, Executive’s final average compensation shall be equal to the greater of (A) $260,100 or (B) the average of the five highest annual cash compensation amounts paid to Executive by Continental during the consecutive ten calendar years immediately preceding the Freeze Date. For purposes hereof, cash compensation shall include base salary plus cash bonuses (including any amounts deferred pursuant to any deferred compensation plan of Continental), but shall exclude (i) any payments received by Executive under Continental’s Officer Retention and Incentive Award Program, (ii) any proceeds to Executive from any awards under any option, stock incentive or similar plan of Continental (including RSUs awarded under Continental’s Long Term Incentive and RSU Program), and (iii) any cash bonus paid under a long term incentive plan or program adopted by Continental. Executive shall be vested immediately with respect to benefits due under the Plan. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Executive incurs a “separation from service” with Company within the meaning assigned to such term in the New Employment Agreement for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.

1.2 Offset for CARP or Other Benefit. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Base Benefit shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent (as defined below) of the pension benefit, if any, accrued as of the Freeze Date and paid or payable to Executive from the CARP or from any other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan provided to Executive by Company. In making such reduction, the Base Benefit and the benefit accrued under the CARP or any such other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan shall be determined under the provisions of each plan as if payable in the form of a monthly straight life annuity beginning on the Retirement Date (as defined below); provided, however, that the benefit accrued under the CARP shall also be determined based on the early commencement factor applicable under the CARP as of the Freeze Date to an individual receiving a distribution under the CARP on such date and whose age as of such date is equal to the greater of age 60 or Executive’s actual age as of the Freeze Date. The net benefit payable under this Plan shall then be actuarially adjusted based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 for the actual time of payment.

1.3 Normal Retirement Benefits. Executive’s benefit under the Plan shall be paid only in a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent, based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7, of the Base Benefit for the life of Executive paying equal monthly installments beginning on the Retirement Date (the “Normal Retirement Benefit”). The Normal Retirement Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within five business days following the Retirement Date or, if later and if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date. If the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, then payment of the Normal Retirement Benefit (with interest on such benefit from the Retirement Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in Section 1.7) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date. For purposes hereof: (a) “Beneficiary” is defined as (1) Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, or (2) Executive’s estate, if Executive is not married on the date of

 

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Executive’s death; (b) “Retirement Date” is defined as the first day of the month coincident with or next following the later of (1) the date on which Executive attains (or in the event of Executive’s earlier death, would have attained) age 60 or (2) the date of Executive’s retirement from employment with Company; and (c) “Section 409A Payment Date” is defined as the earlier of (1) the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the date of termination of Executive’s employment with Company.

1.4 Early Retirement Benefits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.3, if Executive’s employment with Company is terminated, for a reason other than death, on or after the date Executive attains age 55 or is credited with 10 Actual Years of Service and prior to the Retirement Date, then Company shall pay Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit on or within five business days following the first day of the month coinciding with or next following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Earliest ERB Payment Date”) or, if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date (an “Early Retirement Benefit”); provided, however, that the amount of the benefit shall be reduced to the extent necessary to cause the value of such Early Retirement Benefit (determined as if payment would be made on the Earliest ERB Payment Date) to be the actuarial equivalent of the value of the Normal Retirement Benefit (based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in Section 1.7 and adjusted for such time of payment). If payment of the Early Retirement Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as provided in the preceding sentence, then payment of the Early Retirement Benefit (with interest on such benefit from the Earliest ERB Payment Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) shall be paid by Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death after the Earliest ERB Payment Date, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date.

1.5 Death Benefit. Except (a) as provided in Section 1.3 if the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, (b) as provided in Section 1.4 if the payment of the Early Retirement Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and (c) as provided in the remaining provisions of this Section 1.5, no benefits shall be paid under the Plan if Executive dies prior to the date Executive’s benefit is paid pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable. In the event of Executive’s death prior to payment of Executive’s benefit pursuant to Sections 1.3 or 1.4 (other than under the circumstances described in clauses (a) or (b) of the preceding sentence, in which case the benefits described in Sections 1.3 or 1.4, as applicable, shall be paid in full), Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, will receive a death benefit payable only as a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent of a single life annuity consisting of monthly payments for the life of such surviving spouse determined as follows: (a) if Executive dies on or before reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive terminated employment on the earlier of Executive’s actual date of termination of employment or Executive’s date of death, survived until the Retirement Date, been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning immediately at the Retirement Date, and died on the day after the Retirement Date; or (b) if Executive dies after reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit

 

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beginning on the day prior to Executive’s death. Such benefit shall be paid on or within 10 business days following the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date of Executive’s death; provided, however, that if Executive dies prior to reaching age 60, then the amount of such benefit shall be reduced based on the principles used for the reductions described in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 1.4.

1.6 Unfunded Benefit. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded, unsecured plan of deferred compensation. Further, it is the intention of Company that the Plan be unfunded for purposes of the Code and Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by Company to make benefit payments in the future. Plan benefits hereunder provided are to be paid out of Company’s general assets, and Executive shall have the status of, and shall have no better status than, a general unsecured creditor of Company. Executive understands that Executive must rely upon the general credit of Company for payment of benefits under the Plan. Company has not and will not in the future set aside assets for security or enter into any other arrangement which will cause the obligation created to be other than a general corporate obligation of Company or will cause Executive to be more than a general creditor of Company.

1.7 Actuarial Equivalent. For purposes of the Plan, the terms “actuarial equivalent” or “actuarially equivalent” when used with respect to a specified benefit shall mean the amount of benefit of the referenced different type or payable at the referenced different age that can be provided at the same cost as such specified benefit, as computed by the Actuary (as defined below) and certified to Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, to Executive’s spouse) by the Actuary. The actuarial assumptions used under the Plan to determine equivalencies between different forms and times of payment shall be the same as the actuarial assumptions then used in determining lump sum benefits payable under the CARP; provided, however, that with respect to the discount rate used to calculate benefits under the Plan, the discount rate shall be the Aa Corporate Bond Rate. The term “Actuary” shall mean the individual actuary or actuarial firm selected by Company to service its pension plans generally or if no such individual or firm has been selected, an individual actuary or actuarial firm appointed by Company and reasonably satisfactory to Executive and/or Executive’s spouse. The term “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the date Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) is to receive the lump sum payment (determined without regard to any delay in such payment that may be required by reason of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code), as determined by the Actuary (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by the Actuary). Upon request, Company shall cause the Actuary to compute the Aa Corporate Bond Rate for a specified period and the amount of the applicable lump sum payment for Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) and shall deliver such information to Executive or such spouse.

1.8 Medicare Payroll Taxes. Company shall indemnify Executive on a fully grossed-up, after-tax basis for any Medicare payroll taxes (plus any income taxes on such indemnity payments) incurred by Executive in connection with the accrual and/or payment of benefits under the Plan. Any payment by Company to Executive pursuant to this Section 1.8 shall be

 

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made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted).

SECTION 2: MISCELLANEOUS

2.1 Interest and Indemnification. If any payment to Executive provided for in this Agreement is not made by Company when due, Company shall pay to Executive interest on the amount payable from the date that such payment should have been made until such payment is made, which interest shall be calculated at 3% plus the prime rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto) at its principal office in Houston, Texas (but not in excess of the highest lawful rate), and such interest rate shall change when and as any such change in such prime or base rate shall be announced by such bank. If Executive shall obtain any money judgment or otherwise prevail with respect to any litigation brought by Executive or Company to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, Company, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, hereby indemnifies Executive for Executive’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred in such litigation and hereby agrees (i) to pay in full all such fees and disbursements and (ii) to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive from the earliest date that payment to Executive should have been made under this Agreement until such judgment shall have been paid in full, which interest shall be calculated at the rate set forth in the preceding sentence. Any reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and disbursements required under this Section 2.1 shall be made by Company upon or as soon as practicable following receipt of supporting documentation reasonably satisfactory to Company (but in any event not later than the close of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the fee, disbursement, cost or expense is incurred by Executive); provided, however, that, upon Executive’s termination of employment with Company, in no event shall any additional reimbursement be made prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment to the extent such payment delay is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code; provided that interest at the rate specified above in this Section 2.1 shall be paid to Executive with respect to any time period that reimbursement is so delayed and such interest shall be paid at the same time as the reimbursement. In no event shall any reimbursement be made to Executive for such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses incurred after the later of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date that is ten years after the date of Executive’s termination of employment with Company.

2.2 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Company to:

  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

77 W. Wacker Drive, HDQLD

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Attention: General Counsel

If to Executive to:

  

At the most recent address

on file with Company

 

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or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

2.3 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

2.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

2.5 Withholding of Taxes. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

2.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

2.7 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company and any successor of Company, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Company by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right, benefit or obligation of any party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other parties. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement benefiting Executive’s estate or Executive’s surviving spouse shall be enforceable by them.

2.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to the Plan. Effective as of the Effective Date, the provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement relating to the Plan shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and neither party thereto shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

[Signatures begin on following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

 

Human Resources and Labor Relations

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Michael P. Bonds, Executive Vice President

 

Human Resources and Labor Relations

“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

 

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Employement Agreement - Jeffery A. Smisek

Exhibit 10.21

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and among UAL CORPORATION (to be re-named UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Continental”), UNITED AIR LINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“United”) (the Company, Continental and United are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Employers”), and JEFFERY A. SMISEK (“Executive”), and is dated and effective as of the date (the “Effective Date”) on which occurs the Closing, as such term is defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) among the Company, Continental and JT Merger Sub Inc. dated as of May 2, 2010.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Continental and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement (as amended, the “Existing Agreement”) dated as of October 15, 2007, as amended by that certain Compensation Reduction Agreement between Continental and Executive dated May 30, 2008 (the “2008 Reduction Letter Agreement”), that certain Letter Agreement between Continental and Executive dated September 30, 2009, and that certain Compensation Reduction Letter Agreement between Continental and Executive dated January 4, 2010 (the “2010 Reduction Agreement”) (the 2008 Reduction Agreement and 2010 Reduction Agreement being referred to herein collectively as the “Existing Compensation Reduction Agreements”); and

WHEREAS, Continental and Executive are parties to that certain Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement between Continental and Executive dated as of April 23, 2009 (the “Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement”).

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Employers and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the Existing Agreement in its entirety, except as otherwise provided herein, effective as of the Effective Date; and

WHEREAS, both the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Continental and the Human Resources Subcommittee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), in each case as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date, have reviewed and approved the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Employers, and the Compensation Committee has authorized the execution, delivery and performance by the Employers of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, the Employers and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES

1.1 Employment; Effective Date. The Employers agree to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by the Employers, beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing for the period of time set forth in Article 2 of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For the sake of clarity, in the event the Closing does not occur, this Agreement shall be null and void and of no further force and effect.


1.2 Positions and Authority. Executive shall serve in the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or in such other positions as the parties may agree. The Company shall appoint Executive as a member of the Board as of the Effective Date and, for the full term of Executive’s employment hereunder, cause Executive to be nominated for election as a member of the Board and use its best efforts to secure such election. Executive shall be appointed Chairman of the Board effective upon the later to occur of (a) the date which is the second anniversary of the Closing, or (b) January 1, 2013; provided that if Glenn F. Tilton ceases to serve as non-Executive Chairman of the Board prior to such date, then Executive shall be appointed Chairman of the Board on the date on which Glenn F. Tilton ceases to serve as non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Executive agrees to relinquish his position as Chairman of the Board upon the Board’s written request if such relinquishment would be required by the rules of the exchange(s) on which the Company’s stock is then listed, or by other applicable law.

Except as may be otherwise agreed to by Executive, Executive shall also serve as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the board of directors and President of each airline operating subsidiary of the Company (collectively, the “Airline Operating Subsidiaries”), and as Chairman of the board of directors of Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company. Executive shall cease to serve as President of the Company and the Airline Operating Subsidiaries when an individual other than Executive is appointed by the Board to serve in such capacity (the “New President”). The Company agrees to consult in good faith with Executive prior to appointing the New President. The New President shall report directly to Executive.

Without limiting the general authority associated with the positions described in this paragraph 1.2, neither the Board nor any committee thereof may (i) terminate the employment of any officer who directly reports to Executive (a “Direct Report”) without having consulted in good faith with Executive in advance regarding such termination or (ii) appoint a replacement to any such Direct Report without having consulted in good faith with Executive in advance regarding such replacement; provided, that the foregoing clause (i) shall not apply if such termination would constitute a termination for “cause,” as such term is defined in the applicable Direct Report’s employment agreement or applicable employment or human resources policy maintained by the Company as of the date of such termination.

Neither the Board nor any other officer or representative of the Company shall assign to Executive any duties materially inconsistent with the duties associated with the positions described in this paragraph 1.2. The Company shall not permit the occurrence of acts or conduct on the part of the Company, the Board, or the Company’s officers, representatives or stockholders which prevent Executive from, or substantively hinder Executive in, performing his duties or responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement.

1.3 Duties and Services. Executive agrees to serve in the officer positions referred to in paragraph 1.2 and, if elected, as a director of the Company, and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the duties and services appertaining to such offices as set forth in the Bylaws of the Company in effect on the Effective Date, as well as such additional duties and services appropriate to such offices that the parties may agree upon from time to time.

 

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ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, the Employers agree to employ Executive for the period beginning on the Effective Date and continuing for three (3) years thereafter (the “Initial Term”). Said term of employment shall be extended automatically for successive one-year periods as of the last day of the Initial Term and each anniversary thereof (the “Extended Term”); provided, however, that if, prior to the date which is six months before the last day of the Initial Term or Extended Term, as applicable, the Company or the Executive shall give written notice to the other that no such automatic extension shall occur, then Executive’s employment shall terminate on the last day of the Initial Term or Extended Term, as applicable, determined as of the date on which such notice is given.

2.2 The Employers’ Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.1, the Company, acting pursuant to an express resolution of the Board and on behalf of Continental and United, shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time for any of the following reasons:

(i) upon Executive’s death;

(ii) upon Executive’s becoming incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness or other circumstance that renders him mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of him hereunder on a full-time basis during such period;

(iii) if, in carrying out his duties hereunder, Executive engages in conduct that constitutes willful gross neglect or willful gross misconduct resulting in material economic harm to the Company, which neglect or misconduct, if remediable, remains unremedied for 30 days following written notice of such by the Company to Executive;

(iv) upon the conviction or plea of nolo contendre of Executive for a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude;

(v) upon Executive committing an act of deceit or fraud intended to result in personal and unauthorized enrichment of Executive at the Company’s expense;

(vi) upon Executive’s material breach of a material obligation of Executive under this Agreement which, if correctable, remains uncorrected for 30 days following written notice of such breach by the Company to Executive; or

(vii) for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of the Board.

For purposes of this Agreement, if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company pursuant to clauses (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) above, then such termination shall be for “Cause,” and if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company pursuant to clause (vii) above, then such termination shall be “without Cause.”

 

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2.3 Executive’s Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.1, Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment under this Agreement at any time for any of the following reasons:

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from those applicable to him as of the Effective Date;

(ii) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services, which for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the Employers requiring Executive to be permanently based in a location that is more than 50 miles outside the city limits of both Houston, Texas and Chicago, Illinois;

(iii) a diminution in Executive’s base salary, except as permitted by paragraph 3.1;

(iv) the failure to appoint Executive as Chairman of the Board in accordance with paragraph 1.2 or removal of Executive from such position (other than as permitted by paragraph 1.2);

(v) expiration of the Initial Term or the Extended Term by reason of a notice of non-renewal of this Agreement given by the Company pursuant to paragraph 2.1; or

(vi) a material breach by the Employers of any provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, paragraphs 1.2, 3.2, or 3.8 of this Agreement);

(vii) for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of Executive.

For purposes of this Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Employers will be considered to have been terminated by Executive for “Good Reason” if such termination of employment is by Executive for a reason encompassed by paragraphs 2.3(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi). Further, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 2.3 or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Executive of a termination of employment for Good Reason shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) the condition described in paragraphs 2.3(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) giving rise to Executive’s termination of employment must have arisen without Executive’s written consent; (2) Executive must provide written notice to the Company of such condition in accordance with paragraph 5.2 within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition; (3) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days after receipt of such notice by the Company; and (4) the date of Executive’s termination of employment must occur within two years after the initial existence of the condition specified in such notice.

2.4 Notice of Termination. If the Employers or Executive desire to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment as provided in paragraph 2.1, the Company, on behalf of itself, Continental and United, or the Executive shall do so by giving written notice to the other in accordance with paragraph 5.2 that it or he has elected to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof or rights arising hereunder.

 

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2.5 Certain Determinations under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have terminated employment with the Employers when Executive incurs a “separation from service” with the Employers within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and applicable administrative guidance issued thereunder; provided, however, that whether such a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if Executive will no longer serve as an officer of the Employers) of the average level of bona fide services provided to the Employers in the immediately preceding 36 months. Executive hereby agrees to be bound by the Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as such term is defined in Section 409A of the Code) provided such determination is in accordance with any of the methods permitted under the regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code.

ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Executive shall receive a minimum annual base salary equal to $975,000. Such base salary shall be subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee and may be increased but not decreased from time to time by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion; provided, that Executive’s base salary may be decreased as part of an across-the-board reduction in base salaries of all executives of the Employers so long as the percentage reduction in Executive’s base salary is not greater than the percentage reduction applicable to other executives. Executive’s annual base salary shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard policy regarding payment of compensation to executives but no less frequently than semi-monthly.

The waiver of base salary agreed to by Executive in the Existing Compensation Reduction Agreements shall cease to be effective, as of the Effective Date, with regard to base salary for the calendar year 2011 and for all calendar years following 2011. Executive shall be entitled to receive accrued but unpaid salary under the Existing Agreement in accordance with the terms of the 2010 Reduction Agreement if Continental achieves a profit (as defined in the 2010 Reduction Agreement) for the 2010 calendar year.

3.2 Bonuses; Integration Award; Incentive Grants.

(a) Annual Cash Bonus Programs. Executive shall participate in each annual cash bonus program maintained for senior management of the Company on and after the Effective Date. Executive shall be eligible for an annual cash bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary, based on achievement of applicable performance goals determined by the Compensation Committee. The target amount of Executive’s bonus shall be 150% of base salary. Executive’s bonus may range between 75% and 200% of base salary, depending on achievement of entry, target and stretch goals, with zero to be earned if performance falls below entry goals. Executive’s annual bonus, if payable, shall be paid no later than March 15 of the year following the end of the applicable performance period, provided that Executive remains employed by the Employers as of such payment date, except as otherwise provided in Article 4 below.

 

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The waiver of annual bonus agreed to by Executive in the Existing Compensation Reduction Agreements shall cease to be effective with regard to the annual bonus for the performance period ending in 2011 and for all calendar years following 2011. Executive shall be entitled to an annual bonus for 2010 in accordance with the terms of the 2010 Reduction Agreement if Continental achieves a profit (as defined in the 2010 Reduction Agreement) for the 2010 calendar year; provided, however that Executive agrees that such 2010 annual bonus shall be calculated without regard to any change in Executive’s base salary on or after the Effective Date.

(b) Integration Award. As soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, the Compensation Committee shall grant to the Executive a special integration award (the “Integration Award”) with a target value of $4,000,000, based on achievement of integration goals as determined by the Compensation Committee; provided that, except as otherwise provided in Article 4 below, Executive remains employed by the Employers as of the payment date of such award. Except as provided in this Agreement, the terms of the Integration Award shall be consistent with the terms of the integration awards made to other senior executives of the Company.

(c) Long-Term Incentive Grants.

(i) Annual Grants. No later than February 28, 2011, the Compensation Committee shall grant to Executive a long-term incentive award with a grant date value (at target) of not less than $8,400,000. Thereafter during the period of this Agreement, (A) Executive shall participate in each long-term incentive program maintained for senior management of the Company at a level which is not less than the highest participation level made available to any other senior Company executive and (B) it is the Employers’ intention to provide to Executive, on an annual basis, a long-term incentive award the grant date value of which (at target), when combined with Executive’s base salary and target annual bonus, provides Executive with annualized total compensation at least at the 50% percentile of the range of annualized total compensation provided by the Company’s peer group companies (as determined by the Compensation Committee with respect to its analysis of competitiveness of annualized total compensation provided to the Company’s senior officers) to their respective chief executive officers. (The grants referred to in this subparagraph (i) are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Annual Grants”). Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the terms of the Annual Grants to Executive shall be consistent with the terms of long-term incentive grants made to other senior executives of the Company, it being understood that a greater portion of the Annual Grants to Executive may be performance-based when compared to grants made to other senior executives of the Company.

(ii) Pre-Closing Long-Term Incentive Grants. Except as otherwise provided herein, long-term incentive grants made to Executive by Continental which are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be subject to the terms of the applicable plan, program and/or grant agreement under which the awards were granted, as modified by the

 

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terms of the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive hereby waives the accelerated vesting and payment of Executive’s restricted stock unit and other long-term incentive awards granted under Continental’s Incentive Plan 2000 or Incentive Plan 2010 and applicable programs thereunder (collectively, “Pre-Merger Awards”) which would otherwise occur by reason of Executive’s eligibility for retirement under the terms of such awards. For purposes of clarification, it is understood that (a) the vesting of the Pre-Merger Awards shall be subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Employers to the date on which the Pre-Merger Awards would otherwise vest absent Executive’s retirement eligibility; provided, however, that the Pre-Merger Awards shall be subject to accelerated vesting and payment upon termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to paragraph 2.2(i) or 2.2(ii) of this Agreement, or without Cause or for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3, respectively, of this Agreement), (b) satisfaction of performance-based conditions relating to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is not being waived by Executive and such conditions shall be deemed achieved in accordance with the terms of the plans, programs and grant agreements applicable to the Pre-Merger Awards and (c) with respect to those long-term incentive grants constituting part of the Pre-Merger Awards the payment of which is determined, in whole or in part, by a grantee’s salary at the end of the performance period, Executive acknowledges and agrees that payment will instead be based on Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date.

3.3 Life Insurance. During the period of this Agreement, the Employers shall maintain one or more policies of life insurance on the life of Executive providing an aggregate death benefit in an amount not less than the Termination Payment (as such term is defined in paragraph 4.7(x)). Executive shall have the right to designate the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the death benefit payable pursuant to such policy or policies up to an aggregate death benefit in an amount equal to such Termination Payment, and may transfer ownership of such policy or policies (and any rights of Executive under this paragraph 3.3) to any life insurance trust, family trust or other similar trust. To the extent that the Employers’ purchase of, or payment of premiums with respect to, such policy or policies results in compensation income to Executive, the Employers shall pay to Executive on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the tax with respect to such income is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted) an additional payment (the “Policy Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes imposed on Executive with respect to the Policy Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Policy Payment equal to the taxes imposed upon Executive with respect to such purchase or the payment of such premiums. If for any reason the Employers fail to maintain the full amount of life insurance coverage required pursuant to the preceding provisions of this paragraph 3.3, the Employers shall, in the event of the death of Executive while employed by the Employers, pay Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries within 30 days after the date of Executive’s death an amount equal to the sum of (1) the difference between such Termination Payment and any death benefit payable to Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries under the policy or policies maintained by the Employers and (2) such additional amount as shall be required to hold Executive’s estate, heirs, and such beneficiary or beneficiaries harmless from any additional tax liability resulting from the failure by the Employers to maintain the full amount of such required coverage.

 

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3.4 Vacation and Sick Leave. During each year of his employment, Executive shall be entitled to vacation and sick leave benefits at the maximum level available to any Company executive, determined without regard to the period of service that might otherwise be necessary to entitle Executive to such vacation or sick leave under standard Company policy.

3.5 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

(i) Base Benefit. The Employers agree to pay Executive the deferred compensation benefits set forth in this paragraph 3.5 as a supplemental retirement plan (the “Plan”). The base retirement benefit under the Plan (the “Base Benefit”) shall be an annual amount (that is payable as a monthly straight life annuity) equal to the product of (a) 2.5% times (b) the number of Executive’s credited years of service (as defined below) under the Plan (but not in excess of 30 years) times (c) the Executive’s final average compensation (as defined below). For purposes hereof, Executive’s credited years of service under the Plan shall be equal to the sum of (1) the number of years (including partial years), beginning January 1, 1995 and ending December 31, 2010, of Executive’s employment with the Employers (which shall include all credited years of service with Continental), calculated as set forth in the Continental Retirement Plan (the “CARP”) with respect to credited service (“Actual Years of Service”), and (2) an additional two years of service for each one year of service credited to Executive pursuant to clause (1) of this sentence for the period beginning on January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2004. For purposes hereof, Executive’s final average compensation shall be equal to the greater of (A) $720,000 or (B) the average of the five highest annual cash compensation amounts paid to Executive by Continental and/or the Company during the consecutive ten calendar years through and including calendar year 2010. For purposes hereof, cash compensation shall include base salary plus cash bonuses (including any amounts deferred (other than Stay Bonus amounts described below) pursuant to any deferred compensation plan of Continental or the Company), but shall exclude (i) any Stay Bonus paid to Executive pursuant to that certain Stay Bonus Agreement between Continental and Executive dated as of April 14, 1998, (ii) any Termination Payment paid to Executive under this Agreement, (iii) any payments received by Executive under Continental’s Officer Retention and Incentive Award Program, (iv) any proceeds to Executive from any awards under any option, stock incentive or similar plan of Continental or the Company (including RSUs awarded under Continental’s Incentive Plan 2000, Incentive Plan 2010 or any plans or programs thereunder), and (v) any cash bonus paid under a long term incentive plan or program adopted by Continental or the Company. Executive shall be vested immediately with respect to benefits due under the Plan.

(ii) Offset for CARP or Other Benefit. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Base Benefit shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent (as defined below) of the pension benefit, if any, paid or payable to Executive from the CARP or from any other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan provided to Executive by Continental or the Company. In making such reduction, the Base Benefit and the benefit paid or payable under the CARP or any such other defined benefit nonqualified supplemental retirement plan shall be determined under the provisions of each plan as if payable in the form of a monthly straight life annuity beginning on the Retirement Date (as defined below). The net benefit payable under this Plan shall then be actuarially adjusted based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in paragraph 3.5(vii) for the actual time of payment.

 

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(iii) Normal Retirement Benefits. Executive’s benefit under the Plan shall be paid only in a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent, based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in paragraph 3.5(vii), of the Base Benefit for the life of Executive paying equal monthly installments beginning on the Retirement Date (the “Normal Retirement Benefit”). The portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit equal to the Grandfathered Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within 10 business days following the Retirement Date. The portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit shall be paid to Executive on or within 10 business days following the Retirement Date or, if later and if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date. If the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, then payment of the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit (with interest on such portion of the benefit from the Retirement Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 3.5(vii)) shall be paid by the Employers to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date. For purposes hereof: (a) “Beneficiary” is defined as (1) Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, or (2) Executive’s estate, if Executive is not married on the date of Executive’s death; (b) “Grandfathered Benefit” is defined in paragraph 3.5(ix); (c) “Retirement Date” is defined as the first day of the month coincident with or next following the later of (1) the date on which Executive attains (or in the event of Executive’s earlier death, would have attained) age 60 or (2) the date of Executive’s retirement from employment with the Employers; and (d) “Section 409A Payment Date” is defined as the earlier of (1) the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date which is six months after the date of termination of Executive’s employment with the Employers.

(iv) Early Retirement Benefits. As of the Effective Date, Executive is eligible to retire and receive an Early Retirement Benefit (as defined below). Accordingly, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 3.5(iii), if Executive’s employment with the Employers is terminated prior to the Retirement Date, for a reason other than death, then the Employers shall pay Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit on or within 10 business days following the first day of the month coinciding with or next following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Earliest ERB Payment Date”) or, if required to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, the Employers shall pay Executive the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit equal to the Grandfathered Benefit on or within 10 business days following the Earliest ERB Payment Date and the Employers shall pay Executive the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit on or within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date (an “Early Retirement Benefit”); provided, however, that the amount of the benefit shall be reduced to the extent necessary to cause the value of such Early Retirement Benefit (determined as if payment would be made on the Earliest ERB Payment Date) to be the actuarial equivalent of the value of the Normal Retirement Benefit (based on the actuarial assumptions set forth in paragraph 3.5(vii) and adjusted for such time of payment). If payment of the portion of the Early Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as provided in the preceding sentence, then payment of such portion of the Early Retirement Benefit (with interest on such portion of the benefit from the Earliest ERB Payment Date to the actual date of payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate) shall be paid by the Employers to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death after the Earliest ERB Payment Date, Executive’s Beneficiary) not earlier than but as soon as practicable on, and in any event within five business days after, the Section 409A Payment Date.

 

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(v) Death Benefit. Except (a) as provided in paragraph 3.5(iii) with respect to the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit if the Section 409A Payment Date is after the Retirement Date, (b) as provided in paragraph 3.5(iv) if the payment of the portion of the Early Retirement Benefit in excess of the Grandfathered Benefit must be delayed beyond the Earliest ERB Payment Date to satisfy the provisions of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and (c) as provided in the remaining provisions of this paragraph 3.5(v), no benefits shall be paid under the Plan if Executive dies prior to the date Executive’s benefit is paid pursuant to paragraphs 3.5(iii) or 3.5(iv), as applicable. In the event of Executive’s death prior to payment of Executive’s benefit pursuant to paragraphs 3.5(iii) or 3.5(iv) (other than under the circumstances and with respect to the portion of the benefit described in clauses (a) or (b) of the preceding sentence, in which case the benefits described in paragraphs 3.5(iii) or 3.5(iv), as applicable, shall be paid in full), Executive’s surviving spouse, if Executive is married on the date of Executive’s death, will receive a death benefit payable only as a lump sum payment in an amount that is the actuarial equivalent of a single life annuity consisting of monthly payments for the life of such surviving spouse determined as follows: (a) if Executive dies on or before reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive terminated employment on the earlier of Executive’s actual date of termination of employment or Executive’s date of death, survived until the Retirement Date, been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning immediately at the Retirement Date, and died on the day after the Retirement Date; or (b) if Executive dies after reaching the Retirement Date, the death benefit such spouse would have received had Executive been entitled to elect and elected a joint and 50% survivor annuity and begun to receive Executive’s Plan benefit beginning on the day prior to Executive’s death. Such benefit shall be paid on or within 10 business days following the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date of Executive’s death; provided, however, that if Executive dies prior to reaching age 60, then the amount of such benefit shall be reduced based on the principles used for the reductions described in the proviso to the first sentence of paragraph 3.5(iv).

(vi) Unfunded Benefit. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded, unsecured plan of deferred compensation. Further, it is the intention of the Employers that the Plan be unfunded for purposes of the Code and Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by the Employers to make benefit payments in the future. Plan benefits hereunder provided are to be paid out of the Employers’ general assets, and Executive shall have the status of, and shall have no better status than, a general unsecured creditor of the Employers. Executive understands that he must rely upon the general credit of the Employers for payment of benefits under the Plan. The Employers have not and will not in the future set aside assets for security or enter into any other arrangement which will cause the obligation created to be other than a general corporate obligation of the Employers or will cause Executive to be more than a general creditor of the Employers.

(vii) Actuarial Equivalent. For purposes of the Plan, the terms “actuarial equivalent” or “actuarially equivalent” when used with respect to a specified benefit shall mean the amount of benefit of the referenced different type or payable at the referenced different age that can be

 

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provided at the same cost as such specified benefit, as computed by the Actuary and certified to Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, to Executive’s spouse) by the Actuary. The actuarial assumptions used under the Plan to determine equivalencies between different forms and times of payment shall be the same as the actuarial assumptions then used in determining lump sum benefits payable under the CARP; provided, however, that with respect to the discount rate used to calculate benefits under the Plan, the discount rate shall be the Aa Corporate Bond Rate. The term “Actuary” shall mean the individual actuary or actuarial firm selected by the Company to service its pension plans generally or if no such individual or firm has been selected, an individual actuary or actuarial firm appointed by the Company and reasonably satisfactory to Executive and/or Executive’s spouse. The term “Aa Corporate Bond Rate” shall mean the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding the date Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) is to receive the lump sum payment (determined without regard to any delay in such payment that may be required by reason of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code), as determined by the Actuary (or, if such yield information is no longer so published, then the average of the daily corporate bond yields for a comparable sample of Aa-rated corporate bonds of comparable tenor determined in good faith by the Actuary). Upon request, the Company shall cause the Actuary to compute the Aa Corporate Bond Rate for a specified period and the amount of the applicable lump sum payment for Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s spouse) and shall deliver such information to Executive or such spouse.

(viii) Medicare Payroll Taxes. The Employers shall indemnify Executive on a fully grossed-up, after-tax basis for any Medicare payroll taxes (plus any income taxes on such indemnity payments) incurred by Executive in connection with the accrual and/or payment of benefits under the Plan. Any payment by the Employers to Executive pursuant to this paragraph 3.5(viii) shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted).

(ix) Section 409A Grandfathered Benefit. For purposes hereof, “Grandfathered Benefit” means the present value of the amount to which Executive would have been entitled under the Plan (based on the terms of the Plan set forth in the Existing Agreement as in effect on October 3, 2004) if Executive had voluntarily terminated employment with Continental without cause on December 31, 2004, and received a payment of the benefits available from the Plan on the earliest possible date allowed under the Plan to receive a payment of benefits following such termination of employment; provided, however, that (a) for any taxable year of Executive after 2004, the Grandfathered Benefit shall increase to equal the present value of the benefit Executive actually becomes entitled to, in the form and at the time actually paid, determined under the terms of the Plan set forth in the Existing Agreement as in effect on October 3, 2004, without regard to (1) any services rendered by Executive after December 31, 2004, or (2) any other events affecting the amount of or the entitlement to benefits, and (b) in no event shall the Grandfathered Benefit be greater than the maximum grandfathered benefit permitted with respect to the Plan determined under the provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and the administrative guidance thereunder that is applicable to the determination of amounts deferred under a nonaccount balance plan prior to January 1, 2005, and the earnings thereon, including Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-6(a)(3)(i) and (iv)). For purposes of making any present value

 

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calculations required in accordance with this paragraph 3.5(ix) as of December 31, 2004, or any other date the benefit is valued for purposes of determining the Grandfathered Benefit, the actuarial assumptions and methods that were used under the Plan as of December 31, 2004, pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement between Executive and Continental dated as of August 12, 2004, shall be used. Specifically, such actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2004 were the 1994 Group Annuity Mortality Table (as prescribed in Section 417(e) of the Code as of that date) and 5.76% (the average of the Moody’s daily long-term corporate bond yield averages for Aa-rated corporate bonds, published by Moody’s Investors Service, for the three-month period ending on the last day of the second month preceding December 31, 2004).

3.6 Disability Insurance.

If Executive shall begin to receive long-term disability insurance benefits pursuant to a plan maintained by the Company and if such benefits cease prior to Executive’s attainment of age 65 and while Executive remains disabled, then the Employers shall pay Executive on the date Executive attains age 65 a lump sum, cash payment in an amount equal to the Termination Payment (together with interest thereon at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 3.5(vii), but determined as of the last day of the second month preceding the first day of the month coinciding with or next following the cessation of such long-term disability insurance benefits) for the period beginning on the date of the cessation of such long-term disability insurance benefits and ending on the date of the payment of the Termination Payment). If Executive receives payment of a Termination Payment pursuant to the provisions of Article 4, then the provisions of this paragraph 3.6 shall terminate. If Executive shall be disabled at the time his employment with the Employers terminates and if Executive shall not be entitled to the payment of a Termination Payment pursuant to the provisions of Article 4 upon such termination, then Executive’s right to receive the payment upon the occurrence of the circumstances described in this paragraph 3.6 shall be deemed to have accrued as of the date of such termination and shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

3.7 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive shall be afforded the following benefits as incidences of his employment:

(i) Automobile - The Employers will provide an automobile, at a cost to the Employers consistent with Continental’s policy in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date (including replacements therefor), of Executive’s choice for Executive’s use on terms at least as favorable to Executive as provided in the applicable policy adopted by the Continental Human Resources Committee that was in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date.

(ii) Business and Entertainment Expenses - Subject to the Company’s standard policies and procedures with respect to expense reimbursement as applied to its executive employees generally, the Employers shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of Executive, reasonable and appropriate expenses incurred by Executive for business related purposes, including dues and fees to industry and professional organizations, costs of entertainment and business development, and costs reasonably incurred as a result of Executive’s spouse accompanying Executive on business travel to the extent such business specifically includes spouses. The Employers shall also pay on behalf of Executive the expenses of one athletic club selected by Executive.

 

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(iii) Parking - The Employers shall provide at no expense to Executive (1) one reserved parking space convenient to the Company’s corporate offices in Houston, Texas; (2) two reserved, covered parking spaces at each of (a) George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas and (b) O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, in a location that is the same as or equivalent to that regularly used by the Company’s (or, prior to the Effective Date, Continental’s) senior executives; (3) one reserved, covered parking space convenient to Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois; and (4) one reserved, covered parking space convenient to the United Airlines Building located on West Wacker Drive in Chicago, Illinois.

(iv) Tax, Accounting and Legal Services - The Employers shall either provide directly or reimburse Executive for the reasonable costs incurred for tax, accounting and legal assistance in connection with the preparation of Executive’s income tax, gift tax, trust and other federal, state and local tax filings (including, for this purpose, costs incurred for tax assistance in connection with Executive’s relocation to Chicago). In addition, the Employers shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable legal, consulting and other fees and expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement.

(v) Other Company Benefits - Executive and, to the extent applicable, Executive’s family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter be, available to similarly situated employees of the Employers. Such benefits, plans and programs may include, without limitation, profit sharing plans, thrift plans, annual physical examinations, health insurance or health care plans, life insurance, disability insurance, pension plans, pass privileges on the Company Airlines, Flight Benefits (as such term is defined in paragraph 4.7) and the like. The Employers shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or discontinuing, any such benefit plans or programs, so long as such changes are similarly applicable to executive employees generally; provided, however, that the Employers shall not change, amend or discontinue Executive’s Flight Benefits or Executive’s current disability insurance coverage without his prior written consent.

3.8 Corporate Amenities. During the period of this Agreement, the Employers shall provide Executive with appropriate office space and an assistant at the Company’s Chicago, Illinois headquarters office and at its offices in Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. For so long as reasonably necessary during the period of this Agreement, the Employers shall also provide Executive with appropriate office space and an assistant at the Company’s Houston, Texas corporate office. During the period of this Agreement, the Employers shall take no action that reduces the corporate amenities enjoyed by Executive below the level of corporate amenities enjoyed by any other senior executive of the Company.

 

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3.9 Relocation Benefits. The Employers shall provide Executive with the following relocation benefits in connection with his relocation from Houston, Texas to Chicago, Illinois:

(i) The Employers shall (A) if requested by Executive at any time within 24 months following the Closing, itself or through a relocation assistance company, purchase Executive’s current residence in Houston, Texas (the “Residence”) for a purchase price equal to the value of the Residence as appraised by a reputable appraisal firm acceptable to Executive and the Company, and (B) compensate Executive for any loss incurred upon the sale of the Residence, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s relocation policy implemented in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and applicable to senior executives of the Company and Continental;

(ii) For a period ending on the earliest to occur of (1) the second anniversary of the Effective Date, (2) the relocation of Executive’s family to Chicago, Illinois, and (3) the date of Executive’s purchase of a permanent residence in Chicago, an aggregate housing allowance of up to $15,000 per month shall be provided to Executive for the purpose of securing (A) housing in Houston, Texas following the sale of the Residence and/or (B) temporary housing in Chicago, Illinois; and

(iii) The Employers shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable moving and related expenses incurred in connection with his relocation from Houston, Texas to Chicago, Illinois.

3.10 Indemnification. Executive shall be indemnified by the Employers as provided in Company’s by-laws and Certificate of Incorporation, the Merger Agreement and pursuant to applicable law. The obligations under this paragraph shall survive termination of the Initial Term and Extended Term, as applicable.

3.11 Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. The parties agree that the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms, except that references therein to the “Company” shall hereafter refer to the Company (as defined herein) and references to the employment agreement between Executive and the Company shall hereafter refer to this Agreement, as amended from time to time.

ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION ON COMPENSATION

4.1 Termination for Any Reason during or following Initial or Extended Term. If Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate for any reason during or following the Initial or Extended Term, then all compensation and all benefits to Executive hereunder shall terminate contemporaneously with termination of his employment, except that:

(A) the benefits described in paragraph 3.5 shall continue to be payable,

 

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(B) unless Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, Executive shall be provided Flight Benefits for the remainder of Executive’s lifetime, and the death benefit rights shall be provided as described in paragraphs 4.6 and 4.7,

(C) unless Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, Executive and his eligible dependents shall be provided Continuation Coverage (as such term is defined in paragraph 4.7) until Executive becomes eligible for Medicare coverage under applicable law (but in no event beyond age 65),

(D) Executive shall be paid on the effective date of such termination for his accrued and unused vacation benefits up to a maximum of four weeks,

(E) any amounts reimbursable but unpaid to Executive at the date of such termination shall be reimbursed to Executive pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 3.7 and any amounts owed but unpaid to or in respect of Executive under any plan, policy or program of the Company (other than the Company’s vacation policy, which is addressed in clause (D) above, but including, without limitation, payment of life insurance benefits in the event of Executive’s death, payment of disability benefits (including the continuation of any disability policy and payment of premiums) in the event of Executive’s termination pursuant to paragraph 2.2(ii), and payment of accrued salary) as of the date of termination shall be paid to Executive at the time and to the extent provided by, and in accordance with the terms of, such plan, policy or program and this Agreement, and

(F) unless Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, Executive shall continue to be provided, at no expense to Executive, for the remainder of Executive’s lifetime, the parking spaces referred to in paragraph 3.7(iii)(2).

4.2 Termination without Cause or for Good Reason. If Executive’s employment hereunder shall be terminated by the Company without Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason (and, with respect to the awards referred to in subparagraphs (A), (D), (E) and (F) below, in the case of a termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to paragraph 2.2(i) or 2.2(ii) of this Agreement), then in addition to the payments and benefits described in paragraph 4.1, the Employers shall provide Executive with the following:

The Employers shall:

(A) cause all Pre-Merger Awards then outstanding to become fully vested and payable upon such termination in accordance with the terms of such awards (taking into account the provisions of paragraph 3.2(c)(ii) hereof);

(B) pay Executive on the effective date of such termination a lump sum, cash payment in an amount equal to the Termination Payment (provided, however, that if the payment of the Termination Payment would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code because the timing of such payment is not delayed as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, then such amount shall be paid within five business days after the Section 409A Payment Date);

 

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(C) provide Executive with Outplacement and Related Services (as such term is defined in paragraph 4.7 and for the time periods described therein; provided, however, that to the extent the benefits provided to Executive under clauses (2) and (3) of the definition of Outplacement and Related Services and any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to Executive during the first six-months following Executive’s termination of employment have an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which such termination occurs, Executive shall pay to the Employers, at the time such benefits are provided, the fair market value of such benefits, and the Employers shall reimburse Executive (with interest thereon at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 3.5(vii), but determined as of the last day of the second month preceding the first day of the month coinciding with or next following the date of Executive’s termination of employment)) for any such payment not later than the fifth day following the expiration of such six-month period);

If the payment of the Termination Payment is delayed as provided in paragraph 4.2(B), then interest on such delayed payment for the period beginning on the date of Executive’s termination of employment and ending on the date of the payment of the Termination Payment at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as determined as provided in paragraph 4.2(C)) shall also be paid by the Employers to Executive at the time of the payment of the Termination Payment.

(D) (i) With respect to the Annual Grant described in the first sentence of Section 3.2(c)(i), if such Annual Grant is outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination: (x) the portion of such Annual Grant which is not then vested and which is subject only to time-based vesting shall immediately vest and become immediately payable in full, and (y) the portion of such Annual Grant which is not then vested and which is subject to performance-based vesting shall vest and become payable (without proration) at the same time as payments are made to other participants under the applicable programs, based on actual achievement of performance targets (as if Executive had remained employed through the end of the applicable performance period);

(ii) With respect to all other Annual Grants made outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination: (x) the portion of each such Annual Grant which is not then vested and which is subject only to time-based vesting shall vest and become immediately payable on a pro rata basis, based on the number of full months in the vesting period that had elapsed immediately prior to the date of such termination, and (y) the portion of each such Annual Grant which is not then vested and which is subject to performance-based vesting shall vest and become payable at the same time as payments are made to other participants under the applicable programs, based on actual achievement of performance targets (as if Executive had remained employed through the end of the applicable performance period), subject, however, to pro ration based on the number of full months in the applicable performance period that had elapsed immediately prior to the date of such termination;

(E) The Integration Award, if outstanding at the date of such termination, shall vest and become payable (without proration) at the same time as payments are made to

 

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other participants under the applicable program, based on actual achievement of integration goals (as if Executive had remained employed through the end of the applicable performance period); and

(F) Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus for the year of termination, payable at the same time as annual cash bonuses are paid to senior management, based on actual achievement of performance targets (as if Executive had remained employed through the end of the applicable performance period), subject, however, to pro ration based on the number of days in the applicable performance period that had elapsed prior to the date of termination.

4.3 Section 409A Compliance; Certain Additional Payments by the Employers.

(a) The Employers acknowledge that they (and, prior to the Effective Date, Continental) have controlled the documentation of compensation arrangements for Executive subject to Section 409A of the Code and have been and shall be in control of the administration of each such arrangement, and the Employers hereby represent and warrant that each payment, distribution or provision of a benefit by the Company, United or Continental to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable or provided or to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, is in documentary and operational compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and the Employers covenant that all such payments, distributions and provisions of benefits will continue to be in documentary and operational compliance with Section 409A of the Code, in each case except where any noncompliance would not result in any liability to Executive.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if any payment, distribution or provision of a benefit by the Employers to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable or provided or to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to an excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the Employers shall pay to Executive on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the Excise Tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which the Excise Tax is remitted) an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest of penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any income taxes and Excise Taxes imposed on any Gross-up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment (taking into account any similar gross-up payments to Executive under any stock incentive or other benefit plan or program of the Company) equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments; provided, however that the Employers’ obligation to pay Executive a Gross-up Payment with respect to the Excise Tax shall apply only to Payments in connection the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and shall not apply to Payments in connection with any other transaction described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code (any such other transaction, an “Excluded Transaction”).

(c) In the case of Payments made to Executive in connection with an Excluded Transaction (all such Payments, the “Total Payments”), the cash payments payable pursuant to

 

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paragraph 4.1 or 4.2 that do not constitute deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall first be reduced, all other payments payable pursuant to paragraph 4.1 or 4.2 that do not constitute deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A shall be next reduced, and all other payments payable pursuant to paragraph 4.1 or 4.2 that do constitute deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A shall thereafter be reduced (beginning with those payments last to be paid), to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code but only if (A) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (B) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which Executive would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments).

(d) The Company and Executive shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up Payment is required under subparagraph (b) above and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment, and whether a reduction is required under subparagraph (c) above. Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require the Employers to make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by the Company and Executive) within ten business days after the receipt of such claim. The Company shall notify Executive in writing at least ten business days prior to the due date of any response required with respect to such claim if it plans to contest the claim. If the Company decides to contest such claim, Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company in such action; provided, however, the Employers shall bear and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax, or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of the Company’s action. If, as a result of the Company’s action with respect to a claim, Executive receives a refund of any amount paid by the Employers with respect to such claim, Executive shall promptly pay such refund to the Employers. If the Company fails to timely notify Executive whether it will contest such claim or the Company determines not to contest such claim, then the Employers shall immediately pay to Executive the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously paid to Executive.

4.4 Payment Obligations Absolute. The Employers’ obligation to pay Executive the amounts and to make the arrangements provided in this Article 4 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Employers (including their subsidiaries and affiliates) may have against him or anyone else; provided that all payments and other obligations of the Employers under paragraphs 4.1(B), 4.1(C), 4.1(F) and 4.2 shall be subject to Executive’s execution, within 52 days after the date of Executive’s termination of employment, of a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement, which has become irrevocable. The Company agrees to execute such form of release and waiver concurrently with the execution thereof by Executive. All amounts payable by the Employers shall be paid without notice or demand. Executive shall not be obligated to

 

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seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Article 4, and, except as provided in paragraph 4.7 with respect to Continuation Coverage, the obtaining of any such other employment (or the engagement in any endeavor as an independent contractor, sole proprietor, partner, or joint venturer) shall in no event effect any reduction of the Employers’ obligations to make (or cause to be made) the payments and arrangements required to be made under this Article 4.

4.5 Liquidated Damages. In light of the difficulties in estimating the damages upon termination of this Agreement, the Employers and Executive hereby agree that the payments and benefits, if any, to be received by Executive pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be received by Executive as liquidated damages. Payment of the Termination Payment pursuant to paragraph 4.2 shall be in lieu of any severance benefit Executive may be entitled to under any severance plan or policy maintained by the Employers.

4.6 Flight Benefits.

(i) Scope; Effectiveness. Paragraphs 4.6 and 4.7 set forth the terms and conditions of Flight Benefits provided to Executive. Executive’s Flight Benefits include Grandfathered Flight Benefits (as such term is defined in paragraph 4.7), which Executive shall retain in accordance with the terms and conditions of this paragraph 4.6 and the other terms of this Agreement. The Grandfathered Flight Benefits shall be used in a calendar year only after Executive has used the annual Flight Benefits allotted to Executive for such year and then shall be used in accordance with the terms and conditions of this paragraph 4.6; provided, however, that if Executive would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Executive’s right to use Executive’s annual allotment of Flight Benefits is not delayed as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, then, during the six-month period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall be able to use (a) first, Executive’s Annual Travel Limit and Annual Gross Up Limit (as such terms are defined in paragraph 4.7) that are not part of Executive’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits until the time that such benefits used (together with any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to Executive during such period) have an aggregate value equal to the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which such termination of employment occurs, and (b) then, Executive’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits.

 

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(ii) Restrictions on Use; Consequences of Misuse.

(a) Personal Use Restriction. Executive agrees that the Flight Benefits are to be used principally for personal reasons and may not be used for business purposes (other than business purposes on behalf of the Company, and other than business usage that is incidental or de minimis, defined as amounting to less than 10% of the total value (valued as the usage of the Annual Travel Limit is calculated) of flights on the UA System charged to Executive’s UATP card (as such terms are defined in paragraph 4.7) during any calendar year), and that credit availability on Executive’s UATP card may be suspended if (A) such UATP card is used for business purposes other than as described above and (B) after receiving written notice from the Company to cease such usage, Executive continues to use Executive’s UATP card for such business purposes.

(b) Booking and Ticketing; Accounting; Reimbursement.

(1) No tickets issued on the UA System in connection with the Flight Benefits may be purchased other than directly from the Employers or their successor or successors (i.e., no travel agent or other fee or commission based distributor may be used), nor may any such tickets be sold or transferred by Executive or any other person, nor may any such tickets be used by any person other than the person in whose name the ticket is issued.

(2) Executive shall be responsible for all charges on Executive’s UATP card in excess of the Annual Travel Limit (and, if available, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits) or that are not for flights on the UA System. Executive agrees to reimburse the Employers, after receipt of an invoice or other accounting statement, for all charges on Executive’s UATP card that are not for flights on the UA System and that are not otherwise reimbursable to Executive under the applicable policies of the Company for reimbursement of business expenses of officers of the Company, or that are for tickets in excess of the Annual Travel Limit (and, if available, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits) or that violate the restrictions set forth in this paragraph 4.6, which reimbursement shall be made promptly (and in any event within 45 days after receipt of such invoice or other accounting statement). Executive agrees that the credit availability under Executive’s UATP card may be suspended if Executive does not timely reimburse the Employers as described in the foregoing sentence or if Executive exceeds the applicable Annual Travel Limit (and, if available, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits); provided, that, immediately upon the Employers’ receipt of Executive’s reimbursement in full (or, in the case of exceeding the applicable Annual Travel Limit (and, if available, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits), beginning the next following year and after such reimbursement), the credit availability under Executive’s UATP card will be restored.

(iii) Imputed Income. The sole cost to Executive of flights on the UA System pursuant to use of Executive’s Flight Benefits will be the imputed income with respect to flights on the UA System charged on Executive’s UATP card, or as otherwise required by law, and reported to Executive as required by applicable law. For purposes of tax reporting of Flight Benefits, it is the practice of the Employers to calculate taxable amounts based on the fiscal period commencing November 1 and ending on the following October 31 (for example, Flight

 

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Benefits utilized (i.e. “flown”) during the twelve-month period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2011 are reported as a taxable benefit for year 2011). The Employers shall have sole discretion to change this practice, including if additional reporting tools become available to process Flight Benefits data or as required by law. With respect to any period for which the Employers are obligated to provide the Annual Gross Up Limit, Executive will provide to the Employers, upon request, a calculation or other evidence of Executive’s marginal tax rate sufficient to permit the Employers to calculate accurately the amount to be paid to Executive.

(iv) Section 409A Matters. It is intended that the Flight Benefits program described in this Agreement comply with the limitations and requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable, and all provisions herein shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. If the Company reasonably determines in good faith that any provision of such program, when considered individually or in connection with the terms of any other nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company, violates Section 409A of the Code, such provision will not be effected but will instead be interpreted and amended to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and any corrections of operation or administration necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code shall be implemented; provided, however, that (a) no such interpretation, amendment or correction shall result in Executive being treated worse than other Company senior executives and (b) the Employers may not modify or amend the Grandfathered Flight Benefits without Executive’s prior written consent.

(v) Additional Survivor Benefits. Upon Executive’s death, in addition to the lifetime benefits provided pursuant to paragraphs 4.7(vii)(c) and (d), Executive’s surviving spouse and children will be permitted to continue to use (in the proportions specified in Executive’s last will and testament or, if not so specified or if Executive dies intestate, in equal proportions) Executive’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits (but only in such amounts as were unused by Executive at the date of Executive’s death), which amounts shall be adjusted upon any change in the valuation methodology used by the Employers for imputed income for U.S. federal income tax purposes from flights so as to preserve (a) a benefit level for purchase of tickets on the UA System at least as favorable as the amount available at the date of Executive’s death and (b) a benefit level of tax gross up at least as favorable as the tax gross up benefit level available at the date of Executive’s death. Upon Executive’s death, the Employers shall issue UATP cards in the names of Executive’s surviving spouse and children, as applicable. In determining any adjustment pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph 4.6(v), the Employers shall be entitled to rely on their good faith calculation as verified by their internal audit department or independent auditors, which calculation will be provided to the Executive’s surviving spouse and children upon request. The Employers will provide Executive’s surviving spouse and children with an annual statement specifying the survivor benefit and any adjustments described in this subparagraph. Executive’s spouse and children will provide, upon request, a calculation or other evidence of their respective marginal tax rates sufficient to permit the Employers to calculate accurately the amount of any Annual Gross Up Limit that is part of the Grandfathered Flight Benefits and which is to be paid to such individual. All rights, duties and obligations of Executive, and all rights, duties and obligations of the Employers, relating to Executive’s usage of Flight Benefits contained in this Agreement shall be applicable to usage of Executive’s Flight Benefits by Executive’s surviving spouse and children, and the provision of such Flight Benefits to Executive’s surviving spouse and children shall be conditioned upon written acknowledgement of and agreement thereto by Executive’s surviving spouse and children who may use such Flight Benefits.

 

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4.7 Certain Definitions and Additional Terms. As used herein, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “affiliates” means any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the Company, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity;

(ii) “Annual Travel Limit” means an amount, not less than $40,000, granted annually (on a calendar-year basis and effective January 1 of each year) by the Employers to Executive (provided that, if Flight Benefits are provided to Executive after Executive’s termination of employment pursuant to this Agreement, then each annual grant for a calendar year beginning after such termination of employment shall, subject to the remaining provisions of this subparagraph 4.7(ii), be in an amount equal to the amount of the annual grant Executive received for the year in which such termination of employment occurred), which annual amount shall be adjusted upon any change in the valuation methodology used by the Employers to calculate imputed income from flights for U.S. federal income tax purposes so as to preserve such annual benefit level for purchases of tickets on the UA System (e.g., if a change in the valuation methodology results, on average, in such flights being valued 15% higher than the valuation that would result using the prior valuation methodology, then the Annual Travel Limit would be increased by 15%). In determining any adjustment, the Employers shall be entitled to rely on their good faith calculation, as verified by their internal audit department or independent auditors, which calculation will be provided to Executive upon request. The Employers will provide Executive with an annual statement specifying the Annual Travel Limit and will notify Executive promptly of any adjustments to the Annual Travel Limit described in this subparagraph 4.7(ii). Any portion of the Annual Travel Limit that remains unused at the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded shall expire and be of no further use or value;

(iii) “Annual Gross Up Limit” means an amount, not less than $27,500, granted annually (on a calendar-year basis and effective January 1 of each year) by the Employers to Executive (provided that, if Flight Benefits are provided to Executive after Executive’s termination of employment pursuant to this Agreement, then each annual grant for a calendar year beginning after such termination of employment shall, subject to the remaining provisions of this subparagraph 4.7(iii), be in an amount equal to the amount of the annual grant Executive received for the year in which such termination of employment occurred), which amount shall be adjusted upon any change in the valuation methodology used by the Employers to calculate imputed income from flights for U.S. federal income tax purposes so as to preserve such annual benefit level of tax gross up (e.g., if a change in the valuation methodology results, on average, in such flights being valued 15% higher than the valuation that would result using the prior valuation methodology, then the Annual Gross Up Limit would be increased by 15%). In determining any adjustment, the Employers shall be entitled to rely on their good faith calculation, as verified by their internal audit department or independent auditors, which

 

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calculation will be provided to Executive upon request. The Employers will provide Executive with an annual statement specifying the Annual Gross Up Limit and will notify Executive promptly of any adjustments to the Annual Gross Up Limit described in this subparagraph 4.7(iii). Any portion of the Annual Gross Up Limit that remains unused at the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded shall expire and be of no further use or value;

(iv) [Intentionally Omitted].

(v) “Continuation Coverage” shall mean, subject to the limitations described in this paragraph 4.7(v), the continued coverage of Executive and his eligible dependents under the welfare benefit plans of the Employers available to executives of the Company who have not terminated employment (or the provision of equivalent benefits), including, without limitation, medical, health, dental, life insurance, vision care, accidental death and dismemberment, and prescription drug (but excluding disability). Such coverage shall be offered solely as an alternative to any COBRA continuation coverage applicable to any group health plan otherwise available to Executive (and each of Executive’s dependents, if any) within the meaning of ERISA sections 601 through 608. Further, any such coverage shall be subject to the application of any Medicare or other coordination of benefits provisions under a particular welfare benefit plan. Such coverage shall be provided by the Employers at no greater contribution, deductible or co-pay cost to Executive than that applicable to a similarly situated Company executive who has not terminated employment. The coverage described in this subparagraph 4.7(v) (or the receipt of equivalent benefits) shall be provided to Executive on a self-insured basis. To the extent such coverage results in taxable income to Executive, then the Employers shall pay to Executive an amount as shall be required to hold Executive harmless from any tax liability resulting from such coverage, and any such payment by the Employers to Executive shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted). The coverage to Executive under a particular welfare benefit plan (or the receipt of equivalent benefits) shall be suspended during any period that Executive receives comparable benefits from a subsequent employer, and shall be reinstated upon Executive ceasing to so receive comparable benefits and notifying the Company thereof;

(vi) “Eligible Family Members” means, with respect to each annual benefit year, Executive’s spouse or travel companion, dependent unmarried children through age 20 and through age 25 if full-time students, and a maximum of two parents (which may be biological or step-parents); provided that, if Flight Benefits are provided to Executive after Executive’s termination of employment pursuant to this Agreement, then, following such termination of employment, an Eligible Family Member shall not include any individual with respect to whom a benefit described in paragraph 4.7(vii)(a) is taxable;

(vii) “Flight Benefits” shall, to the extent Executive is entitled to such benefits under the terms of this Agreement, mean flight benefits on each airline in the UA System consisting of the following (and such flight benefits shall be provided and construed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in paragraphs 4.6 and 4.7):

(a) highest priority space available flight passes, including appropriate flight pass identification cards, for Executive and Executive’s Eligible Family Members;

 

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(b) a Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) card or, in the event of discontinuance of the UATP program, a similar charge card or other authorization mechanism permitting the purchase of air travel through direct billing to the Employers or any successor or successors thereto (which successor card or mechanism shall be deemed included as appropriate in all references herein to “UATP card”) in Executive’s name for charging (subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph 4.6(ii)) the purchase of tickets on the UA System (in any fare class) for travel by Executive, Executive’s spouse, Executive’s family and significant others as determined by Executive. The UATP card may be used up to the amount of any Grandfathered Flight Benefits and, on an annual, calendar-year basis, up to the Annual Travel Limit;

(c) Global Services Cards (or similar highest category successor frequent flyer cards) in Executive’s and Executive’s spouse’s and children’s names, such cards to be lifetime membership cards;

(d) a membership for Executive and Executive’s spouse and children in the Employers’ Red Carpet Club (or any successor program), such memberships to be lifetime memberships (subject to the terms and conditions of membership, including minimum age requirements);

(e) payment by the Employers to Executive of an annual (calendar year) amount up to the Annual Gross Up Limit sufficient to pay, on an after tax basis (i.e., after the payment by Executive of all taxes on such amount), the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on imputed income resulting from flights purchased with the UATP card or resulting from any other flight benefits extended to Executive as a result of Executive’s service as an employee of the Employers, and any payment by the Employers to Executive pursuant to this subparagraph 4.7(vii)(e) shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted); and

(f) the Grandfathered Flight Benefits (including the use of the UATP card with respect thereto);

(viii) “Grandfathered Flight Benefits” shall mean Executive’s (1) accrued but unused “Annual Travel Limit” and “Annual Gross Up Limit” as determined pursuant to the terms of the Existing Agreement and as reflected on the records of Continental as of the date immediately preceding the Effective Date (which amounts represent (a) Executive’s balances as of December 31, 2004 that were earned and vested as of such date, plus (b) additions to such balances for the period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007 (the right to which were earned and vested as of December 31, 2004),

 

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reduced by (c) the portion of such balances used by Executive on or before December 31, 2007), and (2) upon the death of Executive, the death benefit rights provided to Executive’s surviving spouse and children with respect to the Grandfathered Flight Benefits as set forth in paragraph 4.6, each of which the Employers and Executive believe are “grandfathered” under Section 409A of the Code. Grandfathered Flight Benefits shall not include any portion of the annual Flight Benefits provided to Executive by Continental for a calendar year beginning after December 31, 2007, and shall be reduced when and to the extent used by Executive (and after Executive’s death, by his surviving spouse and children) pursuant to the terms of paragraph 4.6;

(ix) “Outplacement and Related Services” shall mean (1) outplacement services, at the Employers’ cost and for a period of twelve months beginning on the date of Executive’s termination of employment, to be rendered by an agency selected by Executive and approved by the Board (with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), and (2) other incidental perquisites (such as free or discount air travel, car rental, phone or similar service cards) enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Effective Date as a result of his position, to the extent then available for use by Executive, for Executive’s lifetime or a shorter period if such perquisites become unavailable to the Employers for use by Executive;

(x) “Termination Payment” shall mean an amount equal to the product of (I) if the date of Executive’s termination of employment is on or prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, two and three-fourths (2.75), and if the date of Executive’s termination of employment is subsequent to such anniversary, two (2), and (II) the sum of (A) Executive’s annual base salary pursuant to paragraph 3.1 in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment hereunder and (B) an amount equal to 150% of the amount described in the foregoing clause (A).

(xi) “UA System” shall mean (1) flights operated by the Company or any of its affiliates (including United and Continental) or any successor or successors thereto, and (2) flights operated on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates (including United and Continental) or any successor or successors thereto by any third party under capacity purchase agreements with the Company or any of its affiliates (including United and Continental); provided that, unless otherwise communicated to Executive and subject to clause (2), UA System shall not include flights on any other carriers, including alliance/codeshare carriers.

ARTICLE 5: MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Interest and Indemnification. If any payment to Executive provided for in this Agreement is not made by the Employers when due, the Employers shall pay to Executive interest on the amount payable from the date that such payment should have been made until such payment is made, which interest shall be calculated at 3% plus the prime or base rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto) at its principal office in New York, New York (but not in excess of the highest lawful rate), and such interest rate shall

 

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change when and as any such change in such prime or base rate shall be announced by such bank. If Executive shall obtain any money judgment or otherwise prevail with respect to any litigation brought by Executive or the Employers to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, the Employers, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, hereby indemnify Executive for his reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred in such litigation and hereby agree (i) to pay in full all such fees and disbursements and (ii) to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive from the earliest date that payment to him should have been made under this Agreement until such judgment shall have been paid in full, which interest shall be calculated at the rate set forth in the preceding sentence. Any reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and disbursements required under this paragraph 5.1 and any reimbursement of costs and expenses required under paragraph 3.7(ii) shall be made by the Employers upon or as soon as practicable following receipt of supporting documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Company (but in any event not later than the close of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the fee, disbursement, cost or expense is incurred by Executive); provided, however, that, upon Executive’s termination of employment with the Employers, in no event shall any additional reimbursement be made prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment to the extent such payment delay is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code; provided that interest at the rate specified above in this paragraph 5.1 shall be paid to Executive with respect to any time period that reimbursement is so delayed and such interest shall be paid at the same time as the reimbursement. In no event shall any reimbursement be made to Executive for such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses incurred after the later of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of Executive’s death or (2) the date that is ten years after the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Employers. The rights to indemnification provided herein shall not be construed to limit any rights to indemnification Executive is entitled to pursuant to the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the terms of the Merger Agreement, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

5.2 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by the United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to the Employers to:   

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  

77 W. Wacker Dr.

  

Chicago, IL 60601

  

Attention: General Counsel

If to Executive to:   

Mr. Jeffery A. Smisek

  

At his address on the books of the Company

or to such other address as the Employers or the Executive, as applicable, may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

5.3 Applicable Law. This contract is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Illinois.

 

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5.4 No Waiver. No failure by any party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by any other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

5.5 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

5.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

5.7 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. The Employers may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to the Employers’ employees generally.

5.8 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

5.9 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

5.10 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Employers and any successor or successors of any of the Employers, including without limitation any person, association, or entity which may hereafter acquire or succeed to all or substantially all of the business or assets of any of the Employers by any means whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise. Except as provided in the preceding sentence or in paragraph 3.3 (regarding assignment of life insurance benefits), this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right, benefit or obligation of any party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the applicable other party. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement benefiting Executive’s estate or his surviving spouse and children shall be enforceable by them.

5.11 Term. This Agreement has a term co-extensive with the term of employment as set forth in paragraph 2.1. Termination shall not affect any right or obligation of any party which is accrued or vested prior to or upon such termination.

5.12 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in (i) the benefits, plans, and programs referenced in paragraph 3.7(iv) and any awards outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date under Continental’s Incentive Plan 2000 and any plans or programs established thereunder, Continental’s Incentive Plan 2010 and any plans or programs established thereunder, or under any equity, incentive or cash bonus plans or programs of the Company or similar plans or programs, (ii) separate agreements governing Executive’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, and (iii) the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, as amended hereby, this

 

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Agreement, as of the Effective Date, will constitute the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and will contain all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Existing Agreement (including the Existing Compensation Reduction Agreements, except as contemplated hereby) shall automatically terminate and no longer be of any force or effect, and no party shall have any rights or obligations thereunder. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the applicable party to be charged.

5.13 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Executive’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Executive as an officer of the Employers and each affiliate of the Employers, and an automatic resignation of Executive from the Board and from the board of directors of the Employers and any affiliate of the Employers, and from the board of directors or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which the Employers or any affiliates hold an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Executive serves as the designee or other representative of one or more of the Employers or any affiliates.

5.14 No Solicitation. During Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of two years following the date of Executive’s termination of employment, Executive hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit or hire or assist any other person or entity in soliciting or hiring any employee of the Employers or any of their subsidiaries to perform services for any entity (other than the Employers or their subsidiaries), or attempt to induce any such employee to leave the employ of the Employers or their subsidiaries.

5.15 Confidentiality. During Executive’s employment hereunder and thereafter, Executive shall hold in strict confidence any Proprietary or Confidential Information related to the Employers or their subsidiaries, except that Executive may disclose such information as required by law, court order, regulation or similar order. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary or Confidential Information” shall mean all information relating to the Employers, their subsidiaries or affiliates (such as business plans, trade secrets, or financial information of strategic importance to the Employers or their subsidiaries or affiliates) that is not generally known in the airline industry, that was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during Executive’s employment with the Employers and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the business prospects, financial status or reputation of the Employers or their subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of any disclosure by Executive.

5.16 Injunctive Relief. Executive hereby agrees that it is impossible to measure in money the damages which will accrue to the Employers by reason of a failure by Executive to perform any of Executive’s obligations under paragraphs 5.14 and 5.15. Accordingly, if the Employers or any of their affiliates institute any action or proceeding to enforce paragraphs 5.14 or 5.15, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that the Employers or their affiliates have an adequate remedy at law, and Executive shall not urge in any such action or proceeding the claim or defense that any such remedy at law exists.

5.17 Delayed Payment Restriction. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional

 

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taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if Executive’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the Section 409A Payment Date, then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date (and, at that time, Executive shall also receive interest thereon from the date such payment or benefit would have been provided in the absence of this paragraph until the date of receipt of such payment or benefit at the Aa Corporate Bond Rate (as defined in paragraph 3.5(vii), but determined as of the last day of the second month preceding the first day of the month coinciding with or next following the date of Executive’s termination of employment)). This paragraph shall not apply to any payment or benefit otherwise described in the first sentence of this paragraph if another provision of this Agreement is intended to cause Executive’s receipt of such payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

5.18 Joint and Several Liability of Employers. Each of the Employers agrees to perform the obligations to Executive set forth herein and shall bear joint and several liability with respect to such obligations.

5.19 Survival of Obligations. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in the applicable plan, program, policy or agreement, all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made in this Agreement by any party shall survive the termination of the Initial Term and Extended Term, as applicable.

[Signatures begin on following page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

“UAL CORPORATION”

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Name:

 

Michael P. Bonds

 

Title:

 

Executive Vice President Human

   

Resources and Labor Relations

“CONTINENTAL AIRLINES, INC.”

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Name:

 

Michael P. Bonds

 

Title:

 

Executive Vice President Human

   

Resources and Labor Relations

“UNITED AIR LINES, INC.”

By:

 

/s/ Michael P. Bonds

 

Name:

 

Michael P. Bonds

 

Title:

 

Executive Vice President Human

   

Resources and Labor Relations

“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

JEFFERY A. SMISEK

 

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EXHIBIT A

TO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Form of Release Agreement

(to be executed by the Company and Executive)

In consideration of the benefits provided by the Employers to Executive, pursuant to paragraphs 4.1(B), 4.1(C), 4.1(F) and 4.2 of the Employment Agreement among Jeffery A. Smisek (“Executive”), UAL Corporation (to be re-named United Continental Holdings, Inc.) (the “Company”), Continental Airlines, Inc (“Continental”), and United Air Lines Inc. (“United”) (the Company, Continental and United are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Employers”), dated [DATE] (the “Employment Agreement”), Executive hereby releases the Employers and each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and attorneys from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind, in any way relating to Executive’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, the Employers or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to the cessation of such employment or under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and any other statutory, tort, contract or common law cause of action, other than claims or liabilities arising from a breach by the Employers or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates of (i) their post-employment obligations under the Employment Agreement, (ii) their obligations under any compensation or benefit plan, policy or program of the Company or its affiliates in which Executive participates, (iii) their obligations under existing agreements governing Executive’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, and (iv) any of Executive’s rights to be indemnified and/or advanced expenses under the Employment Agreement, any corporate document of the Employers, any other written agreement (including the Merger Agreement (as defined in the Employment Agreement)), or pursuant to applicable law or any rights to be covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies. The Company, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries and affiliates, hereby releases Executive from any and all claims or liabilities, known or unknown, of any kind in any way relating to or pertaining to Executive’s employment by, or services rendered to or for, the Employers or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, other than (A) fraud, (B) intentional malfeasance (C) claims arising from a breach by Executive of (i) the Employment Agreement, (ii) any compensation or benefit plan, policy or program of the Company or its affiliates in which Executive participates, or (iii) existing agreements governing Executive’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, or (D) the Employers’ right to recoupment of compensation paid to Executive, in accordance with and only to the extent required by the rules of the exchange(s) on which the Company’s stock is then listed, or by other applicable law. These releases are to be broadly construed in favor of the released persons. These releases do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date of execution of this Release Agreement by Executive and the Company. Both parties agree that this Release Agreement is not and shall not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of any party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the post-employment obligations created by the

 

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Employment Agreement, any compensation plan or program of Company or its affiliates, or under existing agreements governing Executive’s flight benefits relating to other airlines, are not released.

Executive acknowledges that, by Executive’s free and voluntary act of signing below, Executive agrees to all of the terms of this Release Agreement and intends to be legally bound thereby.

Executive acknowledges that Executive has received a copy of this Release Agreement on [date that Executive receives Release Agreement]. Executive understands that Executive may consider whether to agree to the terms contained herein for a period of [twenty-one] [forty-five] days after the date Executive has received this Release Agreement. Accordingly, Executive may execute this Release Agreement by [date [21] [45] days after Release Agreement is given to Executive], to acknowledge Executive’s understanding of and agreement with the foregoing. [Add if 45 days applies: Executive acknowledges that attached to this Release Agreement are (i) a list of the positions and ages of those employees selected for termination (or participation in the exit incentive or other employment termination program) and (ii) a list of the ages of those employees not selected for termination (or participation in such program).] Executive acknowledges that Executive has been and is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release Agreement.

This Release Agreement will become effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by Executive (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, Executive may revoke Executive’s agreement to accept the terms hereof by serving written notice in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the Employment Agreement to the Company of Executive’s intention to revoke. However, the Termination Payment provided for in the Employment Agreement will be delayed until the Effective Date.

 

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Description of Benefits for Officers

Exhibit 10.23

Officer Benefits

Officers of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UCH”), United Air Lines, Inc., and Continental Airlines, Inc. receive certain miscellaneous benefits in addition to those set forth in their employment agreements. The following is a summary of such benefits, which have been approved by the Compensation Committee of UCH:

Life Insurance. All officers (other than Mr. Smisek) receive group variable universal life insurance in an amount equal to three times their base salary. Mr. Smisek retained a separate life insurance program under his employment agreement.

Physical Exams. The company has made arrangements with certain hospitals to provide company-paid annual comprehensive physical examinations for officers.

Health Club Fees. Officers are eligible for reimbursement of certain limited health club membership fees.

Financial Planning and Tax Services. Officers receive reimbursement for certain services provided by their choice of a certified financial planner, estate planner or tax attorney/certified tax accountant.

Relocation Assistance. The company adopted a new relocation program in connection with the merger to provide for a successful and smooth transition for officers who relocate in connection with the merger of United and Continental. The program includes the following primary elements: temporary living assistance; reimbursement of normal and customary closing costs associated with a home sale; movement of household goods; assistance with a new home purchase and closing costs; a miscellaneous allowance to cover househunting, travel and other expenses; and protection for a loss on sale of a home, if needed. In addition, officers are eligible for a tax-gross-up with respect to home sales and new home purchases resulting from such relocation.

Officer Travel Policy

Exhibit 10.24

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

OFFICER TRAVEL POLICY

1. Policy. This document sets forth the terms of the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy (the “Policy”), which is for the benefit of the eligible officers of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries. The Policy is effective as of October 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).

2. Eligibility. An officer of the Company or a subsidiary thereof who has an employment or other agreement with the Company or a subsidiary thereof that provides for such officer’s participation in the Policy (a “Participation Agreement”) shall be eligible to participate in the Policy effective as of the date set forth in such Participation Agreement. Each such eligible officer who participates in the Policy is referred to herein as an “Officer”. To the extent that an Officer’s Participation Agreement includes a benefit or other provision that expressly overrides or is otherwise contrary or inconsistent with the terms of Policy, the terms of such Participation Agreement shall govern and control.

3. Defined Terms. As used in the Policy, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

(i) “affiliates” means any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the Company, it being understood that control of an entity shall require the direct or indirect ownership of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of such entity.

(ii) “Annual Travel Limit” means an amount granted annually (on a calendar-year basis and effective January 1 of each year) by the Company to each Officer (such amount to be the same for each officer within an officer category and no less than $40,000; provided that, if Flight Benefits are provided to such Officer after such Officer’s termination of employment pursuant to the Officer’s Participation Agreement, then each annual grant for a calendar year beginning after such termination of employment shall, subject to the remaining provisions of this subparagraph, be in an amount equal to the amount of the annual grant such Officer received for the year in which such termination of employment occurred), which annual amount shall be adjusted upon any change in the valuation methodology used by the Company to calculate imputed income from flights for U.S. federal income tax purposes so as to preserve such annual benefit level for purchases of tickets on the Combined System (e.g., if a change in the valuation methodology results, on average, in such flights being valued 15% higher than the valuation that would result using the prior valuation methodology, then the Annual Travel Limit would be increased by 15%), it being acknowledged that such valuation methodology shall not result in a valuation that is greater than as determined by the Company in good faith as being required under applicable tax regulations. In determining any adjustment, the Company shall be entitled to rely on its good faith calculation, as verified by its internal audit department or independent auditors, which calculation will be provided to the Officer upon request. The Company will provide the Officer an annual statement specifying the Annual Travel Limit and will notify the Officer promptly of any adjustments to the Annual Travel Limit described in this subparagraph. Any portion of the Annual Travel Limit that remains unused at the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded shall expire and be of no further use or value.


(iii) “Annual Gross Up Limit” means an amount granted annually (on a calendar-year basis and effective January 1 of each year) by the Company to each Officer (such amount to be the same for each officer within an officer category and no less than $27,500; provided that, if Flight Benefits described in Section 3(vii)(e) are provided to such Officer after such Officer’s termination of employment pursuant to the Policy, then each annual grant for a calendar year beginning after such termination of employment shall, subject to the remaining provisions of this subparagraph, be in an amount equal to the amount of the annual grant such Officer received for the year in which such termination of employment occurred), which amount shall be adjusted upon any change in the valuation methodology used by the Company to calculate imputed income from flights for U.S. federal income tax purposes so as to preserve such annual benefit level of tax gross up (e.g., if a change in the valuation methodology results, on average, in such flights being valued 15% higher than the valuation that would result using the prior valuation methodology, then the Annual Gross Up Limit would be increased by 15%). In determining any adjustment, the Company shall be entitled to rely on its good faith calculation, as verified by its internal audit department or independent auditors, which calculation will be provided to the Officer upon request. The Company will provide the Officer an annual statement specifying the Annual Gross Up Limit and will notify the Officer promptly of any adjustments to the Annual Gross Up Limit described in this subparagraph. Any portion of the Annual Gross Up Limit that remains unused at the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded shall expire and be of no further use or value.

(iv) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(v) “Combined System” means (1) flights operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates or any successor or successors thereto and (2) flights operated on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any third party under capacity purchase agreements with the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; provided that, unless otherwise communicated to an Officer and subject to clause (2), the Combined System shall not include flights on any other carriers, including, but not limited to, Continental Connection carriers and other alliance/codeshare carriers.

(vi) “Eligible Family Members” means, with respect to each annual benefit year, the Officer’s spouse or travel companion, dependent unmarried children through age 20 and through age 25 if full-time students, and a maximum of two parents (which may be biological or step-parents); provided that, if Flight Benefits are provided to the Officer after the Officer’s termination of employment pursuant to the Officer’s Participation Agreement, then, following such termination of employment, an Eligible Family Member shall not include any individual with respect to whom a benefit described in Section 3(vii)(a) is taxable.

(vii) “Flight Benefits” means (to the extent an Officer is entitled to such benefits under the terms of the Policy) flight benefits on each airline in the Combined System consisting of the following (and such flight benefits shall be provided and construed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Policy):

(a) space available flight passes (which shall be the highest priority space available flight passes in the case of Officers at or above the level of Senior Vice President), including appropriate flight pass identification cards, for the Officer and the Officer’s Eligible Family Members;

 

2


(b) a Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) card or, in the event of discontinuance of the UATP program, a similar charge card or other authorization mechanism permitting the purchase of air travel through direct billing to the Company or any successor or successors thereto (which successor card or mechanism shall be deemed included as appropriate in all references herein to “UATP card”) in the Officer’s name for charging (subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 3(ii)) the purchase of tickets on the Combined System (in any fare class) for travel by the Officer, the Officer’s spouse, the Officer’s family and significant others as determined by the Officer (x) in the case of a Non-Grandfathered Officer, on an annual, calendar-year basis up to the Annual Travel Limit, and (y) in the case of a Grandfathered Officer, up to the amount of any Grandfathered Flight Benefits and, on an annual, calendar-year basis, up to the Annual Travel Limit;

(c) Presidential Platinum Elite OnePass Cards and similar cards good on both United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc. (or similar highest category successor frequent flyer cards) in the Officer’s, the Officer’s spouse’s and, in the case of Officers at or above the level of Senior Vice President, the Officer’s children’s names. With respect to Officers at or above the level of Senior Vice President, such cards shall be lifetime membership cards;

(d) a membership for the Officer and the Officer’s spouse and, in the case of Officers at or above the level of Senior Vice President, the Officer’s children in the Company’s Presidents Club and Red Carpet Club, or any successor program (subject to the terms and conditions of membership, including minimum age requirements). With respect to Officers at or above the level of Senior Vice President, such memberships shall be lifetime memberships; and

(e) payment by the Company to the Officer (subject to the provisions of Section 4(iii) and an Officer’s Participation Agreement) of an annual (calendar year) amount up to the Annual Gross Up Limit sufficient to pay, on an after tax basis (i.e., after the payment by the Officer of all taxes on such amount), the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on imputed income resulting from any flight benefits extended to the Officer pursuant to Sections 3(vii)(a) through (d) or otherwise provided as a result of the Officer’s service as an employee of the Company or a subsidiary thereof, and any payment by the Company to the Officer pursuant to this Section 3(vii)(e) shall be made on or as soon as practicable following the day on which the required tax is remitted by or on behalf of the Officer (but not later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which such tax is remitted); provided, however, that, in the case of Officers who were not at or above the level of Senior Vice President as of the day preceding the Effective Date, the amount described in this Section 3(vii)(e) shall be paid only while the individual is an officer of the Company or a subsidiary thereof; and

 

3


(f) in the case of a Grandfathered Officer, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits (including the use of the UATP card with respect thereto).

(viii) “Grandfathered Flight Benefits” means a Grandfathered Officer’s accrued but unused “Annual Travel Limit” (which was limited, as of January 1, 2008, to a maximum of $100,000 for an Executive Vice President and to a maximum of $50,000 for a Senior Vice President) and “Annual Gross Up Limit” as determined pursuant to prior employment agreements of the Officer and as reflected on the records of the Company as of the Effective Date (which amounts represent or are less than (1) the Officer’s balances as of December 31, 2004 that were earned and vested as of such date, plus (2) additions to such balances for the period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007 (the right to which were earned and vested as of December 31, 2004), reduced by (3) the portion of such balances used by the Officer on or before the Effective Date), which the Company believes are “grandfathered” under Section 409A of the Code. Grandfathered Flight Benefits shall not include any portion of the annual Flight Benefits provided to the Officer for a calendar year beginning after December 31, 2007, and shall be reduced when and to the extent used by the Officer pursuant to the terms of Section 4.

(ix) “Grandfathered Officer” means an Officer whose Participation Agreement provides that the Officer’s Flight Benefits include Grandfathered Flight Benefits under the Policy.

(x) “Non-Grandfathered Officer” means an Officer who is not a Grandfathered Officer.

4. Flight Benefits.

(i) Scope; Effectiveness. The Policy sets forth the terms and conditions of Flight Benefits provided to an Officer from and after the effective date of the Officer’s participation in the Policy. A Grandfathered Officer’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits shall be used in a calendar year only after the Officer has used the annual Flight Benefits allotted to the Officer for such year and then shall be used in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Section 4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Officer’s Participation Agreement provides the Officer with Flight Benefits following a termination of employment with the Company or a subsidiary thereof, and if the Officer would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code if the Officer’s right to use the Officer’s annual allotment of Flight Benefits is not delayed as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, then, during the six-month period following the Officer’s termination of employment, the Officer shall be able to use (a) first, the Officer’s Annual Travel Limit and, if applicable to the Officer, the Officer’s Annual Gross Up Limit that are not part of the Officer’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits, if any, until the time that such benefits used (together with any other miscellaneous separation pay benefits subject to Section 409A of the Code that are provided to the Officer during such period) have an aggregate value equal to the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for the year in which such termination of employment occurs, and (b) then, in the case of a Grandfathered Officer, the Officer’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits.

 

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(ii) Restrictions on Use; Consequences of Misuse.

(a) Personal Use Restriction. The Officer agrees that the Flight Benefits are to be used solely for personal reasons and may not be used for business purposes, and that credit availability on the Officer’s UATP card may be suspended if (A) such UATP card is used for business purposes and (B) after receiving written notice from the Company to cease such usage, the Officer continues to use the Officer’s UATP card for any business purposes.

(b) Booking and Ticketing; Accounting; Reimbursement.

(1) No tickets issued on the Combined System in connection with the Flight Benefits may be purchased other than directly from the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates or any of their successors (i.e., no travel agent or other fee or commission based distributor may be used), nor may any such tickets be sold or transferred by the Officer or any other person, nor may any such tickets be used by any person other than the person in whose name the ticket is issued.

(2) The Officer shall be responsible for all charges on the Officer’s UATP card in excess of the Annual Travel Limit (and, with respect to a Grandfathered Officer, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits, if available) or that are not for flights on the Combined System. The Officer agrees to reimburse the Company, after receipt of an invoice or other accounting statement, for all charges on the Officer’s UATP card that are not for flights on the Combined System or that are for tickets in excess of the Annual Travel Limit (and, with respect to a Grandfathered Officer, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits, if available) or that violate the restrictions set forth in this Section 4, which reimbursement shall be made promptly (and in any event within 45 days after receipt of such invoice or other accounting statement). The Officer agrees that the credit availability under the Officer’s UATP card may be suspended if the Officer does not timely reimburse the Company as described in the foregoing sentence or if the Officer exceeds the applicable Annual Travel Limit (and, with respect to a Grandfathered Officer, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits, if available); provided, that, immediately upon the Company’s receipt of the Officer’s reimbursement in full (or, in the case of exceeding the applicable Annual Travel Limit (and, with respect to a Grandfathered Officer, the Grandfathered Flight Benefits, if available), beginning the next following year and after such reimbursement), the credit availability under the Officer’s UATP card will be restored.

(iii) Imputed Income. The sole cost to the Officer of flights on the Combined System pursuant to use of the Officer’s Flight Benefits will be the imputed income with respect to flights on the Combined System charged on the Officer’s UATP card, or as otherwise required by law, and reported to the Officer as required by applicable law. For purposes of tax reporting of Flight Benefits, it is the practice of the Company to calculate taxable amounts based on the fiscal period commencing November 1 and ending on the following October 31 (for example, Flight Benefits utilized (i.e. “flown”) during the twelve-month period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2011 are reported as a taxable benefit for year 2011). The Company shall have sole discretion to change this practice, including if additional reporting tools become available to process Flight

 

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Benefits data or as required by law. With respect to any period for which the Company is obligated to provide the Annual Gross Up Limit, the Officer will provide to the Company, upon request, a calculation or other evidence of the Officer’s marginal tax rate sufficient to permit the Company to calculate accurately the amount to be paid to the Officer. In the case of persons who become Officers after the Effective Date, and in the case of any individual who is an Officer on the Effective Date and with respect to whom the Company or a subsidiary thereof could have, immediately prior to the Effective Date, discontinued providing the benefit described in Section 3(vii)(e) on a prospective basis, the Company shall have sole discretion upon written notice to discontinue providing the benefit described in Section 3(vii)(e), on a prospective basis and as to all Officers at such Officer level, if the Company determines that is in the best interest of the Company to do so.

(iv) Section 409A Matters. It is intended that the Flight Benefits program described in the Policy comply with the limitations and requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable, and all provisions herein shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. If the Company reasonably determines in good faith that any provision of the Policy, when considered individually or in connection with the terms of any other nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company, violates Section 409A of the Code, such provision will not be effected but will instead be interpreted and amended to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and any corrections of operation or administration necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code shall be implemented; provided, however, that (a) no such interpretation, amendment or correction shall result in the Officer being treated worse than other officers of the Company in the same or a lower officer category than the Officer and (b) the Company may not modify or amend a Grandfathered Officer’s Grandfathered Flight Benefits without the Officer’s prior written consent.

(v) Additional Survivor Benefits for a Grandfathered Officer. This Section 4(v) applies only to Grandfathered Officers. Upon the Grandfathered Officer’s death, in addition to the lifetime benefits provided pursuant to Section 3(vii)(c) and (d), the Officer’s surviving spouse and children will be permitted to continue to use (in the proportions specified in the Officer’s last will and testament or, if not so specified or if the Officer dies intestate, in equal proportions) the Officer’s Flight Benefits as follows:

(a) the Grandfathered Flight Benefits, which shall be limited to only the Officer’s Annual Travel Limit (but only in such amounts as were unused by the Officer at the date of the Officer’s death), which amounts shall be adjusted upon any change in the valuation methodology used by the Company for imputed income for U.S. federal income tax purposes from flights so as to preserve a benefit level for purchase of tickets on the Combined System at least as favorable as the amount available at the date of the Officer’s death; and

(b) an additional travel limit that shall be granted annually on January 1 of each calendar year during the ten calendar year period beginning January 1st of the calendar year following the Officer’s death and ending on December 31st of the year of the tenth anniversary of the Officer’s death (such annual survivor benefit amount to be $15,000 (as of 2008) in the case of Officers at or above the level of Executive Vice

 

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President and $7,500 (as of 2008) in the case of Officers at the Senior Vice President level), which annual amount shall be adjusted upon any change after 2008 in the valuation methodology used by the Company for imputed income from flights for U.S. federal income tax purposes so as to preserve an annual benefit level for purchase of tickets on the Combined System at least as favorable as the benefit in effect on January 1, 2008.

Upon the Grandfathered Officer’s death, the Company shall issue UATP cards in the names of the Officer’s surviving spouse and children, as applicable. An individual’s share of the Grandfathered Flight Benefits described in Section 4(v)(a) shall be used in a calendar year only after such individual has used his or her share of any annual survivor benefit described in Section 4(v)(b). In determining any adjustment pursuant to Sections 4(v)(a) and 4(v)(b), the Company shall be entitled to rely on its good faith calculation as verified by its internal audit department or independent auditors, which calculation will be provided to the Officer’s surviving spouse and children upon request. The Company will provide the Officer’s surviving spouse and children an annual statement specifying the survivor benefit and any adjustments described in this subparagraph. Any portion of the annual survivor benefit described in Section 4(v)(b) that remains unused at the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded shall terminate and be of no further use or value. All restrictions, duties and obligations of the Officer, and all rights of the Company, relating to the Officer’s usage of Flight Benefits contained in the Policy shall be applicable to usage of the Officer’s Flight Benefits by the Officer’s surviving spouse and children, and the provision of such Flight Benefits to the Officer’s surviving spouse and children shall be conditioned upon written acknowledgement of and agreement thereto by the Officer’s surviving spouse and children who may use such Flight Benefits.

(vi) Additional Survivor Benefits for Certain Non-Grandfathered Officers. This Section 4(vi) applies only to Non-Grandfathered Officers who were officers of Continental Airlines, Inc. at or above the level of Senior Vice President as of September 30, 2010. Upon the Officer’s death, in addition to the lifetime benefits provided pursuant to Sections 3(vii)(c) and (d), the Officer’s surviving spouse and children will be permitted to continue to use (in the proportions specified in the Officer’s last will and testament or, if not so specified or if the Officer dies intestate, in equal proportions) an additional travel limit that shall be granted annually on January 1 of each calendar year during the ten calendar year period beginning January 1st of the calendar year following the Officer’s death and ending on December 31st of the year of the tenth anniversary of the Officer’s death (such annual survivor benefit amount to be $15,000 (as of 2008) in the case of Officers at or above the level of Executive Vice President as of September 30, 2010, and $7,500 (as of 2008) in the case of Officers at the Senior Vice President level as of September 30, 2010), which annual amount shall be adjusted upon any change after 2008 in the valuation methodology used by the Company for imputed income from flights for U.S. federal income tax purposes so as to preserve an annual benefit level for purchase of tickets on the Combined System at least as favorable as the benefit in effect on January 1, 2008. Upon the Officer’s death, the Company shall issue UATP cards in the names of the Officer’s surviving spouse and children, as applicable. In determining any adjustment pursuant to the second sentence of this subparagraph, the Company shall be entitled to rely on its good faith calculation as verified by its internal audit department or independent auditors, which calculation will be provided to the Officer’s surviving spouse and children upon request. The Company will provide the Officer’s surviving spouse and children an annual statement

 

7


specifying the survivor benefit and any adjustments described in this subparagraph. Any portion of the annual survivor benefit described in this subparagraph that remains unused at the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded shall terminate and be of no further use or value. All restrictions, duties and obligations of the Officer, and all rights of the Company, relating to the Officer’s usage of Flight Benefits contained in the Policy shall be applicable to usage of the Officer’s Flight Benefits by the Officer’s surviving spouse and children, and the provision of such Flight Benefits to the Officer’s surviving spouse and children shall be conditioned upon written acknowledgement of and agreement thereto by the Officer’s surviving spouse and children who may use such Flight Benefits.

5. Termination of Employment. For all purposes of the Policy, an Officer shall be considered to have terminated employment with the Company when the Officer incurs a “separation from service” with the Company within the meaning assigned to such term in the Officer’s Participation Agreement for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.

6. Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city, foreign and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

7. Headings. The section and paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

8. Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.

9. Governing Law. The Policy shall be governed for all purposes by the laws of the State of Illinois.

10. Amendment and Termination. Except to the extent otherwise provided in a Participation Agreement, the Policy may be amended or terminated at any time by the Company’s Board of Directors or an authorized committee thereof.

 

8

Amendment No. 1 to the UAL 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan

Exhibit 10.30

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

UAL CORPORATION

2008 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

WHEREAS, UAL Corporation (“UAL”) has heretofore adopted the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”); and

WHEREAS, UAL has heretofore (i) entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger among UAL, Continental Airlines, Inc., and JT Merger Sub Inc. dated May 2, 2010, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”), and (ii) completed the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement on October 1, 2010 (the “Merger”), resulting in Continental Airlines, Inc. becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL, which changed its name in connection with the Merger to United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”); and

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to amend the Plan to (a) change the name of the Plan following the Merger, (b) reflect the change of the Company’s name, and (c) reflect the listing of the shares of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange following the Merger;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan shall be amended as follows, effective as of the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement):

1. Title of the Plan

The title of the Plan shall now be the “United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan.”

The reference in Section 1 of the Plan to “this UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan” shall now be a reference to “this United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan,” and the reference in Section 1 of the Plan to “UAL Corporation” shall now be a reference to “United Continental Holdings, Inc.”

2. Definitions

Section 2(i) of the Plan shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(i) “Company” means United Continental Holdings, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware, together with any successor thereto.”

Section 2(q) of the Plan shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(q) “NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.”


3. Replacement of the NYSE for NASDAQ

The references in Sections 2(m), 3(a), 7(a) and 10(c) of the Plan to “NASDAQ” shall now be references to “NYSE.”

4. As amended hereby, the Plan is specifically ratified and reaffirmed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned officer of the Company acting pursuant to authority granted to him by the Board of Directors of the Company has executed this instrument on this 21st day of February, 2011.

 

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Brett Hart

  Name:   Brett Hart
  Title:  

Senior Vice President, General

Counsel and Secretary

 

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United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit

Exhibit 10.31

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

PERFORMANCE-BASED RSU PROGRAM

I. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM

1.1 Purpose. This United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based RSU Program (the “Program”) has been adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to implement in part the “RSU” and “Performance Compensation Award” provisions of the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended from time to time, the “ICP”), and is intended to provide a method for attracting, motivating, and retaining key employees to assist in the development and growth of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Program and Awards hereunder shall be subject to the terms of the ICP, including the limitation on the maximum amount of compensation that may be paid pursuant to Section 4(a) of the ICP with respect to awards that are settled in cash based on the fair market value of shares of common stock of the Company.

II. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1 Definitions. Where the following words and phrases are used in the Program, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a) “Administrator” means the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (if the Chief Executive Officer is a director of the Company), subject to the provisions of Section 3.1.

(b) “Average Cost of Invested Capital” means, with respect to each Performance Period and determined based on the regularly prepared and publicly available statements of operations of the Company prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules, the average for the fiscal quarters included in such Performance Period of the Company’s cost of capital for each such fiscal quarter measured as the weighted average cost of the Company’s invested capital base for such fiscal quarter, which includes: the contractual cost of servicing debt; the underlying interest cost of other debt-like liabilities, including aircraft leases; unfunded pension and post-retirement obligations; pre-paid frequent flier miles liabilities; and the expected returns on balance sheet “Stockholder’s Equity,” calculated using the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) of determining the cost of equity using the risk-free rate and the historical risk premium associated with Company Stock.

(c) “Award” means, with respect to each Participant for a Performance Period, such Participant’s opportunity to earn a Payment Amount for such Performance Period upon the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of the Program. Awards hereunder constitute RSU and Performance Compensation Awards (as such terms are defined in the ICP) under the ICP.

(d) “Award Notice” means a written notice issued by the Company to a Participant evidencing such Participant’s receipt of an Award with respect to a Performance Period.


(e) “Basis Point” means one one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%).

(f) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(g) “Change of Control” means a “Change of Control” as defined in the ICP as in effect on the date of grant of the applicable Award.

(h) “Change of Control Level ROIC” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Change of Control Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period, which shall be expressed as the Entry Level ROIC for such Performance Period plus that number of Basis Points established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(i) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(j) “Committee” means a committee of the Board comprised solely of two or more outside directors (within the meaning of the term “outside directors” as used in section 162(m) of the Code). Such committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board unless and until the Board designates another committee of the Board to serve as the Committee.

(k) “Company” means United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(l) “Company Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

(m) “Disability” or “Disabled” means, with respect to a Participant, that such Participant has incurred a “Disability” within the meaning assigned to such term in the ICP.

(n) “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is an officer of the Company or a Subsidiary.

(o) “Entry Level ROIC” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Entry Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period, which shall be expressed as the Average Cost of Invested Capital for such Performance Period plus or minus that number of Basis Points, if any, established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(p) “Entry Level RSU Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Administrator as the Entry Level RSU Percentage for such Participant with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1.

(q) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any specified date, the simple average of the closing sales prices of Company Stock in the principal securities market in which the Company Stock is then traded over the 20 most recent consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day preceding the specified date, adjusted appropriately by the Committee for any stock splits, stock dividends, reverse stock splits, special dividends or other similar matters occurring during or with respect to any relevant measurement period.

 

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(r) “ICP” means the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time.

(s) “Maximum Payment Amount” means, with respect to each RSU, a dollar amount determined by the Committee in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine whether or not to establish a Maximum Payment Amount with respect to any particular RSU. The Maximum Payment Amount, if any, with respect to an outstanding RSU shall be subject to appropriate adjustment by the Committee for any stock splits, stock dividends, reverse stock splits, special dividends or other similar matters relating to Company Stock occurring after the date of grant of such Award.

(t) “Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has received an Award under the Program with respect to a Performance Period pursuant to Section 4.1.

(u) “Payment Amount” means, with respect to each Participant and each Performance Period for which the Performance Target is satisfied, an amount equal to (i) the number of RSUs subject to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period, multiplied by (ii) such Participant’s Vested Percentage for such Performance Period, multiplied by (iii) the Fair Market Value as of the Payment Computation Date for such Performance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Payment Amount may be prorated as provided in the Program.

(v) “Payment Computation Date” means, with respect to each Participant and each Performance Period, the last day of such Performance Period; provided however, that in no event shall the Payment Computation Date be later than the date upon which a Change of Control occurs.

(w) “Performance Period” means each three-year period commencing on the first day of a calendar year that begins on or after January 1, 2011. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no new Performance Period shall commence on or after the date upon which a Change of Control occurs, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.

(x) “Performance Target” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the minimum level of ROIC that must be achieved for such Performance Period in order for a Participant to receive a Payment Amount for such Performance Period. Achievement of the Performance Target for a Performance Period means that the ROIC with respect to such Performance Period equals or exceeds the Entry Level ROIC for such Performance Period.

(y) “Program” means this United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based RSU Program, as amended from time to time.

(z) “Qualifying Event” means, with respect to a Participant, the termination of such Participant’s employment with the Company under circumstances which would permit such Participant to receive a cash severance payment pursuant to an employment agreement between such Participant and the Company or a Subsidiary or, if no such employment agreement exists, then pursuant to the severance plan, if any, of the Company or a Subsidiary then covering such Participant; provided, however, that a Qualifying Event shall not include any such termination that results from such Participant’s voluntary separation from service which is not treated as an “involuntary separation from service” pursuant to Treasury regulation section 1.409A-1(n)(2).

 

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(aa) “Retirement,” “Retires” or “Retired” means retirement of a Participant from employment with the Company or a Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable employer’s employment policies and regulations, as amended from time to time.

(bb) “ROIC” means, with respect to each Performance Period and determined based on the regularly prepared and publicly available statements of operations of the Company prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules, “Net Operating Profit After Tax” for such Performance Period divided by “Average Invested Capital” for such Performance Period (expressed as a percentage carried to two decimal points), where:

“Net Operating Profit After Tax” means the following:

The difference between (i) the sum of (A) the aggregate consolidated net income of the Company for such Performance Period (adjusted to exclude any item that is special, extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence (as determined in according with applicable accounting rules) and any unrealized gains or losses from hedging activities), (B) the aggregate consolidated interest expense and income taxes incurred by the Company for such Performance Period, (C) the portion of the aggregate consolidated capitalized aircraft rent (mainline and regional) for such Performance Period that represents interest (which shall be calculated as the sum of such amounts for each calendar year within such Performance Period based on the average interest rate incurred by the Company on book debt during such year), and (D) the aggregate consolidated interest expense for such Performance Period on pension and post-retirement obligations less the aggregate consolidated expected returns for such Performance Period on pension assets, and (ii) the aggregate consolidated income taxes that would have been paid for such Performance Period with respect to the sum described in clause (i) above based on the income tax rate implied by actual taxes paid as a percentage of consolidated net income determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; and

“Average Invested Capital” means the average “Invested Capital” for the years included in such Performance Period, where “Invested Capital” means the following:

With respect to each such year, the average of an amount equal to “A” plus “B” minus “C” minus “D” for each of (i) the fiscal quarter immediately preceding such year and (ii) the four fiscal quarters within such year, where:

 

  “A”

equals the aggregate consolidated total assets of the Company as of the last day of such fiscal quarter;

 

  “B”

equals the aggregate consolidated capitalized aircraft rent (mainline and regional) for such fiscal quarter, which is measured by multiplying the aircraft rent expense (mainline and regional) for the trailing 12-month period ending in such fiscal quarter by 7.5;

 

  “C”

equals the aggregate consolidated non-interest bearing liabilities of the Company (both current and long term), but excluding pre-paid mileage sale obligations, as of the last day of such fiscal quarter; and

 

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  “D”

equals the long-term tax shield that the unfunded pension and post-retirement obligations provide (calculated based on the Company’s blended federal and state statutory income tax rate multiplied by the unfunded post-retirement liability and accrued pension liability set forth on the Company’s balance sheet) as of the last day of such fiscal quarter.

(cc) “RSUs” has the meaning set forth in the ICP.

(dd) “Section 16” means Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including any successor section to the same or similar effect).

(ee) “Stretch Level ROIC” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Stretch Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period pursuant to Section 3.1, which shall be expressed as the Target Level ROIC for such Performance Period plus that number of Basis Points, if any, established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(ff) “Stretch Level RSU Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage (which may be 0%) established by the Administrator as the Stretch Level RSU Percentage for such Participant with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1.

(gg) “Subsidiary” for purposes of participation in the Program means any entity (other than the Company) with respect to which the Company, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, owns equity interests possessing 50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all equity interests of such entity (excluding voting power that arises only upon the occurrence of one or more specified events).

(hh) “Target Level ROIC” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period pursuant to Section 3.1, which shall be expressed as the Entry Level ROIC for such Performance Period plus that number of Basis Points, if any, established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(ii) “Target Level RSU Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage (which may be 0%) established by the Administrator as the Target Level RSU Percentage for such Participant with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1.

(jj) “Trading Day” means a day during which trading in securities generally occurs in the principal securities market in which Company Stock is traded.

(kk) “Vested Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant for a Performance Period, a percentage determined as follows:

 

  (i)

if the Performance Target for such Performance Period is not satisfied, then 0%; and

 

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  (ii)

if the Performance Target for such Performance Period is satisfied, then a percentage equal to such Participant’s Entry Level RSU Percentage plus:

 

  (A)

if the ROIC with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Entry Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period and if there is a difference between the Target Level ROIC and Entry Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period, an additional percentage equal to (x) such Participant’s Target Level RSU Percentage divided by (y) the difference between the Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period and the Entry Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period (expressed in Basis Points), for each Basis Point that the ROIC with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Entry Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period, up to and including the Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period; and

 

  (B)

if the ROIC with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period and if there is a difference between the Stretch Level ROIC and Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period, an additional percentage equal to (x) such Participant’s Stretch Level RSU Percentage divided by (y) the difference between the Stretch Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period and the Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period (expressed in Basis Points), for each Basis Point that the ROIC with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Target Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period, up to and including the Stretch Level ROIC with respect to such Performance Period.

2.2 Number, Gender, Headings, and Periods of Time. Wherever appropriate herein, words used in the singular shall be considered to include the plural, and words used in the plural shall be considered to include the singular. The masculine gender, where appearing in the Program, shall be deemed to include the feminine gender. The headings of Articles, Sections, and Paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience. If there is any conflict between such headings and the text of the Program, the text shall control. All references to Articles, Sections, and Paragraphs are to the Program unless otherwise indicated. Any reference in the Program to a period or number of days, weeks, months, or years shall mean, respectively, calendar days, calendar weeks, calendar months, or calendar years unless expressly provided otherwise.

III. ADMINISTRATION

3.1 Administration by the Administrator. The Program shall be administered by the Administrator, so that (i) Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Program as it relates to, any person who is subject to Section 16, shall be made or effected by the Committee, and (ii) Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Program as it relates to, any person who is not subject to Section 16,

 

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shall be made or effected by the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or, if the Chief Executive Officer is not a director of the Company, the Committee), unless the Program specifies that the Committee shall take specific action (in which case such action may only be taken by the Committee) or the Committee (as to any Award described in this clause (ii) or the administration or interpretation of any specific provision of the Program) specifies that it shall serve as Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may from time to time in its discretion put any conditions and restrictions on the powers that may be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in his or her capacity as Administrator. The action of a majority of the members of the Committee will be the act of the Committee.

Within 90 days after the first day of each Performance Period commencing on or after January 1, 2011 (but in no event after the date required for a performance goal to be considered preestablished under section 162(m) of the Code): (i) the Committee shall establish in writing for purposes of the Program the applicable Entry Level ROIC, Change of Control Level ROIC, Target Level ROIC and Stretch Level ROIC (such that at all times the Stretch Level ROIC shall be equal to or higher than the Target Level ROIC, which in turn shall be equal to or higher than the Entry Level ROIC) for each such Performance Period; (ii) the Administrator shall establish in writing the Entry Level RSU Percentage, Target Level RSU Percentage and Stretch Level RSU Percentage for each Participant with respect to such Performance Period (provided, however, that the Administrator may select a Participant to participate and establish the percentages under this clause (ii) after such 90-day period), and each of the items established under this clause (ii) may, but are not required to, be established by officer level; and (iii) the Committee shall establish in writing the Maximum Payment Amount, if any, applicable to each RSU subject to an Award for such Performance Period. The targets and other amounts established by the Administrator pursuant to the preceding sentence shall in each case be subject to adjustment as determined by the Administrator in its discretion as a result of changes in accounting principles and other significant extraordinary items or events; provided that in respect of any Award intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of section 162(m) of the Code, such adjustments may only be made if and to the extent permitted by section 162(m) of the Code.

3.2 Powers of the Administrator. The Administrator shall supervise the administration and enforcement of the Program according to the terms and provisions hereof and shall have the sole discretionary authority and all of the powers necessary to accomplish these purposes. The Administrator (which shall be limited solely to the Committee to the extent provided in the Program) shall have all of the powers specified for it under the Program, including, without limitation, the power, right, or authority: (a) to designate an Eligible Employee as a Participant with respect to a Performance Period at any time prior to the last day of such period, (b) from time to time to establish rules and procedures for the administration of the Program, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Program or the ICP, and any such rules and procedures shall be effective as if included in the Program, (c) to construe in its discretion all terms, provisions, conditions and limitations of the Program and any Award Notice, and to determine the number of RSUs subject to an Award to a Participant (which determination with respect to any person who is subject to Section 16 shall be made only by the Committee), (d) to correct any defect or to supply any omission or to reconcile any inconsistency that may appear in the Program or in any Award Notice in such manner and to such extent as the Administrator shall deem appropriate, (e) to determine the Entry Level ROIC, Target Level ROIC, Stretch Level ROIC, Change of Control Level ROIC and the Entry Level RSU

 

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Percentages, Target Level RSU Percentages and Stretch Level RSU Percentages with respect to each relevant Performance Period, (f) to determine the Maximum Payment Amount, if any, for each RSU, (g) to make determinations as to whether the Performance Targets for the various Performance Periods were satisfied, (h) to certify in writing, prior to the payment of any amount under the Program with respect to a Performance Period, whether the Performance Targets relating to such Performance Period and any other material terms of the Program have in fact been satisfied, (i) to exercise its discretion to reduce or eliminate certain Payment Amounts pursuant to Section 5.2(b), and (j) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Program.

3.3 Administrator Decisions Conclusive; Standard of Care. The Administrator shall, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith (which, for purposes of this Section 3.3, shall mean the application of reasonable business judgment), make all decisions and determinations and take all actions necessary in connection with the administration of the Program. All such decisions, determinations, and actions by the Administrator shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon all persons. However, in the event of any conflict in any such determination as between the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, each acting in its or his capacity as Administrator of the Program, the determination of the Committee shall be conclusive. The Administrator shall not be liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith or upon reliance in good faith on the records of the Company or information presented to the Administrator by the Company’s officers, employees, or other persons (including the Company’s outside auditors) as to matters the Administrator reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence. If a Participant disagrees with any decision, determination, or action made or taken by the Administrator, then the dispute will be limited to whether the Administrator has satisfied its duty to make such decision or determination or take such action in good faith. No liability whatsoever shall attach to or be incurred by any past, present or future stockholders, officers, directors or employees, as such, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, under or by reason of the Program or the administration thereof, and each Participant, in consideration of receiving benefits and participating hereunder, expressly waives and releases any and all claims relating to any such liability.

IV. PARTICIPATION AND AWARD NOTICES

4.1 Participation. Each individual who is an Eligible Employee on the first day of a Performance Period or who becomes an Eligible Employee after the first day of a Performance Period shall become a Participant and receive an Award with respect to such Performance Period only if such individual is selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion (subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement) for participation in the Program with respect to such Performance Period prior to the last day of such Performance Period. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, Payment Amounts with respect to an Award for an individual who becomes a Participant with respect to such Award after the first day of the related Performance Period shall be pro-rated based on a fraction, the numerator of which is (except as otherwise provided in Article V) the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the last day of such Performance Period, and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such Performance Period.

 

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4.2 Award Notices. The Company shall provide an Award Notice to each Eligible Employee who becomes a Participant with respect to a Performance Period within 90 days after such Eligible Employee becomes such a Participant. The Administrator shall determine in each case the number of RSUs subject to the Award as of the date of grant of the Award. Each Award Notice shall specify (a) the Performance Period to which the Award relates, (b) the applicable Entry Level ROIC, Target Level ROIC and Stretch Level ROIC, (c) the number of RSUs subject to the Award as of the date of grant of the Award, (d) the applicable Vested Percentages set forth in Section 2.1(kk) with respect to the Participant, and (e) the Maximum Payment Amount, if any, applicable to the Award.

V. AWARD PAYMENTS

5.1 Determinations and Certification by the Committee. As soon as administratively feasible after the end of each Performance Period, the Committee shall determine whether a Performance Target has been achieved for such Performance Period and, if so, the level of such achievement. The Committee’s determination as to whether the applicable Performance Target for a Performance Period has been satisfied shall be certified by the Committee in writing (including by electronic mail transmission). For purposes of the preceding sentence, approved minutes of the Committee meeting in which the certification is made shall be treated as a written certification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each written certification by the Committee (including a certification by electronic email transmission) under this Section 5.1 shall be made by a date which will permit the Company to comply with the time of payment requirements of Sections 5.2 and 5.3 (after giving effect to the provisions of Section 5.7). Subject to Section 5.2(b), the Committee shall not exercise its discretion under Section 6(e)(vi)(D) of the ICP to reduce or eliminate the amount of a payment otherwise due under the Program.

5.2 Eligibility for Payment of Awards.

(a) In General. Subject to Section 5.2(b) and the delayed payment restrictions of Section 5.6, upon the Committee’s written certification in accordance with Section 5.1 that the applicable Performance Target for a Performance Period has been satisfied, each Participant who has received an Award with respect to such Performance Period, who has remained continuously employed by the Company from the date he or she received such Award until the last day of such Performance Period and who has not surrendered such Award to the Company shall be entitled to the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period. Except as provided in Section 5.3 and Section 5.4, if a Participant’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason whatsoever prior to the last day of a Performance Period, then such Participant shall not be entitled to receive any payment under the Program with respect to his or her Award for such Performance Period, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or otherwise provided in the Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary. Payment of the amount to which a Participant becomes entitled pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be made by the Company no later than March 15 of the year following the end of the applicable Performance Period.

(b) Negative Discretion. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.2(a) and, except as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph, notwithstanding the provisions of

 

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Section 5.3(b), the Committee shall have the right to reduce or eliminate any Payment Amount with respect to a Performance Period that is otherwise payable pursuant to such Sections if the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the end of such Performance Period; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all Participants who are, but for the application of this paragraph, entitled to receive a Payment Amount under such Sections with respect to such Performance Period. The Committee shall not have the right to reduce or eliminate any Payment Amount that is payable pursuant to Section 5.3(a), Section 5.4 or, following a Change of Control, Section 5.3(b).

(c) Maximum Payment Amount Limitation. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 5.2 or the provisions of Sections 5.3 and 5.4, in no event shall the payments under the Program to a Participant with respect to an RSU subject to an Award exceed an amount equal to the Maximum Payment Amount, if any, applicable to such RSU. To the extent that any payment provided under the Program with respect to an RSU (determined without regard to the limitation described in the preceding sentence) would exceed the limitation described in the preceding sentence, then such excess shall not be paid under the Program and the holder of such RSU shall have no rights or entitlements to any such excess amount.

5.3 Death, Disability or Retirement During a Performance Period.

(a) Death or Disability. Except as specifically provided in a Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, if, during a Performance Period with respect to which a Participant has received an Award, such Participant dies or becomes Disabled, then as to such Participant only (i) the Performance Target for each Performance Period that began prior to the date of such Participant’s death or Disability and which has not ended as of such date shall be deemed to have been satisfied (determined based upon achievement of the Target Level ROIC level of performance), and (ii) the provisions of Sections 5.1 and 5.2 shall cease to apply with respect to such Performance Period. Except as specifically provided in a Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, with respect to each Performance Period that began prior to the date of such Participant’s death or Disability and which has not ended as of such date with respect to which the Performance Target has been deemed satisfied in the manner described in clause (i) of the preceding sentence, such Participant (or, in the case of death, such Participant’s estate) shall (A) receive a payment from the Company, as soon as administratively practicable after the date of such Participant’s death or Disability (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurred the Participant’s death or Disability), equal to the relevant Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period (determined as if the Payment Computation Date occurred on the date such Participant died or became Disabled) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the date such Participant died or became Disabled, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period, and (B) not be entitled to any additional payment under the Program with respect to such Performance Period.

 

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(b) Retirement. Except as specifically provided in a Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, if a Participant Retires during a Performance Period, then such Participant shall (i) obtain a Vested Percentage with respect to each related Award based on the actual level of ROIC achieved (or, if Section 5.4(a) applies to any corresponding Award held by a Participant who has not terminated employment, then based on the deemed achievement of the Change of Control Level ROIC), and (ii) subject to Section 5.2(b), receive a Payment Amount with respect to each such Award if and at the same time as payments are made to other Participants who have received corresponding Awards and who have not terminated employment (or, if earlier, no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which a Change of Control occurs), subject, however, to proration based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program with respect to such Award and ending on the date such Participant Retired, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire related Performance Period.

(c) Change of Control. The preceding provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not be applicable to a Participant who dies, becomes Disabled or Retires on or after the date upon which a Change of Control occurs.

5.4 Change of Control During a Performance Period.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, with respect to each Participant who is employed by the Company on the day immediately preceding the date of such Change of Control, (i) the Performance Target for each Performance Period that began prior to the date of such Change of Control and which has not ended as of such date shall be deemed to have been achieved at the Change of Control Level ROIC level of performance for such Performance Period and (ii) the provisions of Sections 5.1 and 5.2 shall cease to apply.

(b) With respect to a Performance Period described in Section 5.4(a), on or before the Applicable Payment Date (as defined below) following the end of each calendar year in such Performance Period ending on or after the date of such Change of Control, each Retirement Eligible Participant (as defined below) with respect to such calendar year who has received an Award with respect to such Performance Period shall receive a payment from the Company equal to (i) the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the last day of such calendar year, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period, minus (ii) the aggregate payments, if any, made to such Participant pursuant to this paragraph with respect to prior calendar years. For purposes of the preceding sentence, (A) the “Applicable Payment Date” with respect to a calendar year shall mean March 15 of the year following the end of such calendar year, and (B) a Participant shall be considered a “Retirement Eligible Participant” with respect to a calendar year if such Participant was eligible to Retire during such year and did not suffer a Qualifying Event, die, become Disabled or Retire during such year.

(c) If a Change of Control occurs and on the date thereof or thereafter during a Performance Period described in Section 5.4(a) a Participant who has received an Award with

 

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respect to such Performance Period suffers a Qualifying Event or dies, becomes Disabled, or Retires, then, with respect to such Performance Period, such Participant (or, in the case of death, such Participant’s estate) shall (i) no later than March 15 of the year following the occurrence of the Qualifying Event, death, Disability or Retirement, receive a payment from the Company equal to (A) the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the date such Participant died, became Disabled, Retired or suffered the Qualifying Event, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period, minus (B) the aggregate payments, if any, made or payable to such Participant pursuant to Section 5.4(b) with respect to calendar years that ended prior to the date of such Participant’s Qualifying Event, death, Disability or Retirement, and (ii) not be entitled to any additional payment under the Program with respect to such Performance Period (other than any unpaid amount owed to such Participant pursuant to Section 5.4(b) with respect to a calendar year that ended prior to the date of such Participant’s Qualifying Event, death, Disability or Retirement).

(d) With respect to a Participant who received an Award with respect to a Performance Period described in Section 5.4(a), who did not die, become Disabled, Retire or suffer a Qualifying Event during such Performance Period and who remained continuously employed by the Company from the date he or she received such Award until the last day of such Performance Period, such Participant shall receive a payment from the Company on or before March 15 of the year following the last day of such Performance Period in an amount equal to (i) the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period, minus (ii) the aggregate payments, if any, made or payable to such Participant pursuant to Section 5.4(b) with respect to such Award.

5.5 Form of Payment of Awards. All payments to be made under the Program to a Participant with respect to an Award shall be paid in a single lump sum payment in cash.

5.6 Delayed Payment Restriction. With respect to a Participant who is identified as a specified employee (within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and as determined by the Company in accordance with any of the methods permitted under the regulations issued under section 409A of the Code) and who is to receive a payment hereunder (which payment is not a “short-term deferral” for purposes of section 409A of the Code) on account of such Participant’s separation from service (within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code and applicable administrative guidance thereunder, but excluding a separation from service by reason of death or Disability), the payment to such Participant shall not be made prior to the earlier of (a) the date that is six months after the Participant’s termination of employment or (b) the date of death of the Participant. In such event, any payment to which the Participant would have otherwise been entitled during the first six months following the Participant’s termination of employment (or, if earlier, prior to the Participant’s date of death) shall be accumulated and paid in the form of a single lump sum payment to the Participant on the date that is six months after the Participant’s termination of employment or to the Participant’s estate on the date of the Participant’s death, as applicable.

 

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5.7 Time of Payment Obligations. Any obligation hereunder to make a payment on a specified date shall be deemed to have been satisfied in the event that such payment is made within five business days after such specified date; provided, however, that, with respect to a payment that is intended to qualify as a “short-term deferral” under section 409A of the Code, in no event shall such payment be made later than the date required in order for such payment to so qualify.

VI. TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF PROGRAM

6.1 Termination and Amendment. Subject to the terms of this Section 6.1, the Committee may amend the Program at any time and from time to time, and the Committee may at any time terminate the Program (in its entirety or as it applies to one or more specified Subsidiaries) with respect to Performance Periods that have not commenced as of the date of such Committee action; provided, however, that, (a) except as provided in the following sentence, the Program may not be amended in a manner that would impair the rights of any Participant with respect to any outstanding Award without the consent of such Participant, and (b) to the extent required by section 409A of the Code, the Program may not be amended or terminated in a manner that would give rise to an impermissible acceleration of the time or form of a payment of a benefit under the Program pursuant to section 409A(a)(3) of the Code and any regulations or guidance issued thereunder. Notwithstanding anything in the Program or an Award Notice to the contrary, if the Committee determines that the terms of the Program and/or any Award Notice do not, in whole or in part, satisfy the requirements of section 409A of the Code (or the requirements for an exemption to the application of section 409A of the Code), then the Committee, in its sole discretion, may unilaterally modify the Program and any such Award Notice in such manner as it deems appropriate to comply with such section and any regulations or guidance issued thereunder (or to qualify for an exemption to the application of such section). No Participant’s participation herein may be terminated in contemplation of or in connection with a Change of Control. The Program may not be amended or terminated in contemplation of or in connection with a Change of Control unless adequate and effective provision for the making of all payments otherwise payable pursuant to Section 5.4 (as in effect on the date of the grant of the affected Award) with respect to such Change of Control shall be made in connection with any such amendment or termination. The Committee shall remain in existence after the termination of the Program for the period determined necessary by the Committee to facilitate the termination of the Program and the payment of any outstanding Awards hereunder, and all provisions of the Program that are necessary, in the opinion of the Committee, for equitable operation of the Program during such period shall remain in force.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

7.1 No Effect on Employment Relationship. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, for all purposes of the Program, a Participant shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as long as he or she has not incurred a separation from service with the Company and its affiliates within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code and applicable administrative guidance issued thereunder; provided, however, that whether such a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if the Participant will no longer serve as an officer of the Company) of the average level of

 

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bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Nothing in the adoption of the Program, the grant of Awards, or the payment of amounts under the Program shall confer on any person the right to continued employment by the Company or any Subsidiary or affect in any way the right of the Company (or a Subsidiary, if applicable) to terminate such employment at any time. Unless otherwise provided in a written employment agreement, the employment of each Participant shall be on an at-will basis, and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time by either the Participant or the Participant’s employer for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Any question as to whether and when there has been a termination of a Participant’s employment for purposes of the Program, and the reason for such termination, shall be determined solely by and in the discretion of the Administrator, and its determination shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

7.2 Prohibition Against Assignment or Encumbrance. No Award or other right, title, interest, or benefit hereunder shall ever be assignable or transferable, or liable for, or charged with any of the torts or obligations of a Participant or any person claiming under a Participant, or be subject to seizure by any creditor of a Participant or any person claiming under a Participant. No Participant or any person claiming under a Participant shall have the power to anticipate or dispose of any Award or other right, title, interest, or benefit hereunder in any manner until the same shall have actually been distributed free and clear of the terms of the Program. Payments with respect to an Award shall be payable only to the Participant (or (a) in the event of a Disability that renders such Participant incapable of conducting his or her own affairs, any payment due under the Program to such Participant shall be made to his or her duly appointed legal representative and (b) in the event of the death of a Participant, any payment due under the Program to such Participant shall be made to his or her estate). Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, the Administrator shall comply with the terms of any qualified domestic relations order providing for the transfer or assignment of all or any portion of a Participant’s interest under the Program. The provisions of the Program shall be binding on all successors and permitted assigns of a Participant, including without limitation the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator or trustee of such estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the Participant’s creditors.

7.3 Unfunded, Unsecured Program. The Program shall constitute an unfunded, unsecured obligation of the Company to make payments of incentive compensation to certain individuals from its general assets in accordance with the Program. Each Award granted under the Program merely constitutes a mechanism for measuring such incentive compensation and does not constitute a property right or interest in the Company, any Subsidiary, or any of their assets. Neither the establishment of the Program, the granting of Awards, nor any other action taken in connection with the Program shall be deemed to create an escrow or trust fund of any kind.

7.4 No Rights of Participant. No Participant shall have any security or other interest in any assets or stock of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of participation in the Program (except after payment thereof to the Participant). Participants and all persons claiming under Participants shall rely solely on the unsecured promise of the Company set forth herein, and nothing in the Program, an Award or an Award Notice shall be construed to give a Participant or anyone claiming under a Participant any right, title, interest, or claim in or to any specific asset, fund, entity, reserve, account, or property of any kind whatsoever owned by the

 

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Company or any Subsidiary or in which the Company or any Subsidiary may have an interest now or in the future; but each Participant shall have the right to enforce any claim hereunder in the same manner as a general creditor. Neither the establishment of the Program nor participation hereunder shall create any right in any Participant to make any decision, or provide input with respect to any decision, relating to the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.

7.5 Clawback. Notwithstanding any provision in the Program to the contrary, the payments and benefits provided under the Program shall be subject to a clawback to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law including, without limitation, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any Securities and Exchange Commission rule.

7.6 Tax Withholding. The Company and the Subsidiaries shall deduct and withhold, or cause to be withheld, from a Participant’s payment made under the Program, or from any other payment to such Participant, an amount necessary to satisfy any and all tax withholding obligations arising under applicable local, state, federal, or foreign laws associated with such payment. The Company and the Subsidiaries may take any other action as may in their opinion be necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment and withholding of such taxes.

7.7 No Effect on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Program or any Participant’s Award or Award Notice shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements affecting any Participant. Nothing in the Program shall be construed to affect the provisions of any other compensation plan or program maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary.

7.8 Subsidiaries. The Company may require any Subsidiary employing a Participant to assume and guarantee the Company’s obligations hereunder to such Participant, either at all times or solely in the event that such Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary.

7.9 Governing Law. The Program shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.

 

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Form of Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice

Exhibit 10.38

MERGER PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE AWARD NOTICE

to [NAME]

Pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc.

2008 Incentive Compensation Plan

This Merger Performance Incentive Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), dated as of Grant_Date, sets forth the terms and conditions of an award of Number of Awards Granted restricted stock units (the “Award”) that are subject to the terms and conditions specified herein (“RSUs”) and that are granted to Participant Name by United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (the “Plan”). This Award is designed to provide you with incentives related to the achievement of performance goals arising out of the merger of the operations of United Air Lines, Inc (“United”) and Continental Airlines, Inc (“Continental”). This Award constitutes an unfunded and unsecured promise of the Company to pay (or cause to be paid) to you, subject to the terms of this Agreement, a cash payment for each RSU as set forth in Section 3 below.

SECTION 1. The Plan. This Award is made pursuant to the Plan, all the terms of which are hereby incorporated in this Award Notice. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Plan and the terms of this Award Notice, the terms of the Plan shall govern; provided, however, that this Award shall be subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement between you and the Company or an Affiliate that is in effect at the time of your Termination of Employment (the “Employment Agreement”).

SECTION 2. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Award Notice that are not defined in this Award Notice have the meanings as used or defined in the Plan. As used in this Award Notice, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Effective Date” means [                    , 20    ].

Fair Market Value” means, as of any specified date, the simple average of the closing sales prices of a Share in the principal securities market in which the Shares are then traded over the 20 most recent consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day preceding the specified date, adjusted appropriately by the Committee for any stock splits, stock dividends, reverse stock splits, special dividends or other similar matters occurring during or with respect to any relevant measurement period.

Performance Goal” means (a) with respect to each of Tranches 1, 2, 3 and 4, the achievement, on or before the last day of the Performance Period for such Tranche, of the performance goal with respect to which the vesting of the RSUs included in such Tranche is contingent as described in the definition of the term “Tranche” below, and (b) with respect to Tranche 5, the achievement over the Performance Period for such Tranche of the performance goal with respect to which the vesting of the RSUs included in such Tranche is contingent as described in the definition of the term “Tranche” below.


Performance Period” means the period beginning on January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2013; provided, however, that (a) with respect to Tranche 1, the Performance Period shall end on                     , 20    , (b) with respect to Tranche 2, the Performance Period shall end on                     , 20    , and (c) with respect to Tranche 3, the Performance Period shall end on                     , 20    .

Trading Day” means a day during which trading in securities generally occurs in the principal securities market in which Shares are traded.

Tranche” means each of the five separate tranches into which the RSUs are divided, determined as follows:

 

Tranche 1

   means 10% of the RSUs subject to this Award, the vesting of which is contingent upon achievement of the integration of the United and Continental customer loyalty programs, Mileage Plus and OnePass, respectively, which integration may include achievement of elements including, but not limited to, the following: integration of the member customer databases into a single, unified database; integration of the loyalty technology platform to enable common mileage currency earn/burn across the combined United and Continental systems; rollout of a single, new frequent flyer program elite program (including common qualification tiers and associated rewards); and rollout of a single, new frequent flyer program infinite elite program.

Tranche 2

   means 10% of the RSUs subject to this Award, the vesting of which is contingent upon achievement of the integration of the United and Continental reservation systems, which integration may include achievement of a successful migration to a single passenger service system allowing the Company to operate using a single carrier code, flight schedule, inventory website and departure control system.

Tranche 3

   means 10% of the RSUs subject to this Award, the vesting of which is contingent upon the Company obtaining from the Federal Aviation Administration a single operating certificate for the new, combined airline.

Tranche 4

   means 10% of the RSUs subject to this Award, the vesting of which is contingent upon negotiation and ratification of new joint collective bargaining agreements with the unions representing the following four workgroups (each of which workgroups consists of both United and Continental employees): pilots; flight attendants; mechanics; and ramp agents. The achievement of each ratified joint collective bargaining agreement shall impact vesting of Tranche 4 as set forth in Section 3.

 

2


Tranche 5    means 60% of the RSUs subject to this Award, the vesting of which is contingent upon the Company’s achievement of a level of net incremental revenue synergies and cost synergies attributable or relating to the merger of United and Continental, considering factors that may include, but are not limited to, the following (which factors may be considered in comparison to the Company’s historic performance or relative to the airline industry): the Company’s expanded network reach, presence and connecting opportunities that provide customers with improved choice and convenience; fleet optimization that allows the Company to better match capacity with demand; the streamlining of corporate overhead functions; the impact of moving to common information technology systems; the right-sizing of facilities; and purchasing and other operational efficiencies.

Vesting Date” means, with respect to each Tranche, the date upon which the Performance Goal with respect to such Tranche has been achieved; provided, however, that (a) there may be more than one Vesting Date with respect to Tranche 4 and (b) the Vesting Date with respect to Tranche 5 may not occur prior to the last day of the Performance Period for such Tranche.

SECTION 3. Vesting and Payment. (a) Vesting. (i) In General. Subject to the remaining provisions of this Section 3, on a Vesting Date for a Tranche, you shall become entitled to a cash payment in settlement of the percentage of RSUs included in such Tranche that become vested as of such Vesting Date, as specified in Chart 1 below (for Tranches 1, 2 and 3), Chart 2 below (for Tranche 4) or Chart 3 below (for Tranche 5), provided that you remain continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the Effective Date to the relevant Vesting Date (subject to the terms of any Employment Agreement).1 Except as provided in Sections 3(a)(ii) and 3(a)(iii), the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether and when the Performance Goal for a Tranche has been achieved and the level of any such achievement.

Chart 1Tranches 1, 2 and 3

 

     33-1/3%
Vesting
(Entry)
     50%
Vesting
     66-2/3%
Vesting
(Target)
     83-1/3%
Vesting
     100%
Vesting
(Stretch)
 

Period during which Tranche 1 Vesting Date occurs

             

Period during which Tranche 2 Vesting Date occurs

             

Period during which Tranche 3 Vesting Date occurs

             

 

1 Vesting schedules to be determined and included in Charts 1, 2 and 3 at the time of grant.

 

3


Chart 2 – Tranche 4

 

     33-1/3%
Vesting
(Entry)
     50%
Vesting
     66-2/3%
Vesting
(Target)
     83-1/3%
Vesting
     100%
Vesting
(Stretch)
 

Performance Goal Achieved

              

If a Vesting Date with respect to Tranche 4 occurs pursuant to Chart 2 above after a Vesting Date with respect to Tranche 4 previously occurred pursuant to Chart 2 above, then the vesting percentage that shall apply on the subsequent Vesting Date shall be reduced by the vesting percentage that applied on the prior Vesting Date. For example, if (A) during calendar year 2012 a Vesting Date occurs that would result in 50% vesting under Chart 2 above, (B) during calendar year 2012 a subsequent Vesting Date occurs that would result in 83-1/3% vesting under Chart 2 above, and (C) during calendar year 2013 a subsequent Vesting Date occurs that would result in 100% vesting under Chart 2 above, then (x) on the first such Vesting Date 50% of the RSUs subject to Tranche 4 shall become vested, (y) on the second such Vesting Date an additional 33-1/3% of the RSUs subject to Tranche 4 shall become vested and (z) on the third such Vesting Date an additional 16-2/3% of the RSUs subject to Tranche 4 shall become vested.

 

4


Chart 3Tranche 5

 

     33-1/3%
Vesting
(Entry)
     50%
Vesting
     66-2/3%
Vesting
(Target)
     83-1/3%
Vesting
     100%
Vesting
(Stretch)
 

Performance Goal achieved on Vesting Date for Tranche 5

              

Notwithstanding the performance levels with respect to Tranche 5 set forth in Chart 3 above, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, increase such performance levels as necessary for the impact of dis-synergies, including, but not limited to, dis-synergies related to the status of the Company’s achievement of the Performance Goal for Tranche 4. In the event that the Performance Goal for Tranche 5 is achieved at a level that is greater than the minimum level specified in the applicable column of Chart 3 above but less than the minimum level specified in the column to the immediate right of such applicable column, then the vesting percentage for such Tranche shall be determined by linear interpolation.

(ii) Death or Disability. Except as specifically provided in any Employment Agreement, if you incur a Termination of Employment by reason of death or Disability prior to the earlier of (A) the Vesting Date with respect to a Tranche (or, with respect to Tranche 4, a Vesting Date resulting in 100% vesting of such Tranche), (B) the occurrence of a Change of Control and (C) the last day of the Performance Period with respect to such Tranche, then (x) a Vesting Date with respect to such Tranche shall be deemed to occur on the date of your Termination of Employment, (y) the percentage of RSUs included in such Tranche that shall be deemed vested on such deemed Vesting Date shall be a prorated portion of 66-2/3% of such RSUs, and (z) you shall immediately become entitled to settlement of your vested RSUs included in such Tranche (as determined in accordance with clause (y) above). The proration required pursuant to clause (y) of the preceding sentence shall be based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the date of your Termination of Employment, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period with respect to such Tranche. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the provisions of Section 3(b)(i), any payment to which you may otherwise be entitled with respect to Tranche 4 pursuant to the preceding provisions of this paragraph and Section 3(b)(i) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any payment that you received or to which you are entitled with respect to such Tranche pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) that is attributable to a Vesting Date that occurred with respect to such Tranche prior to the date of your Termination of Employment.

 

5


(iii) Change of Control. If a Change of Control occurs prior to the earlier of (A) your Termination of Employment, (B) the Vesting Date with respect to a Tranche (or, with respect to Tranche 4, a Vesting Date resulting in 100% vesting of such Tranche) and (C) the last day of the Performance Period with respect to such Tranche, then (x) a Vesting Date with respect to such Tranche shall be deemed to occur on the date of such Change of Control, (y) the percentage of RSUs included in such Tranche that shall be deemed vested on such deemed Vesting Date shall be a prorated portion of 66-2/3% of such RSUs, and (z) you shall immediately become entitled to settlement of your vested RSUs included in such Tranche (as determined in accordance with clause (y) above). The proration required pursuant to clause (y) of the preceding sentence shall be based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the date of such Change of Control, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period with respect to such Tranche. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the provisions of Section 3(b)(i), any payment to which you may otherwise be entitled with respect to Tranche 4 pursuant to the preceding provisions of this paragraph and Section 3(b)(i) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any payment that you received or to which you are entitled with respect to such Tranche pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) that is attributable to a Vesting Date that occurred with respect to such Tranche prior to the date of such Change of Control.

(b) Cash Payment in Settlement of RSUs. (i) In General. A cash payment shall be made to you with respect to a vested RSU as soon as administratively feasible after the last day of the month in which the Vesting Date with respect to such RSU occurs or is deemed to occur in accordance with Section 3(a); provided, however, that (A) if such Vesting Date is deemed to occur on the date of a Change of Control pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii), then such payment shall be made as soon as administratively feasible after the date of such Change of Control, and (B) in no event shall a payment with respect to a vested RSU be made later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Vesting Date with respect to such RSU occurs or is deemed to occur. Subject to the provisions of Section 3(b)(ii) and Section 3(b)(iii), the cash payment relating to each vested RSU shall be in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value as of the last day of the month in which the Vesting Date with respect to such RSU occurs; provided, however, that (A) if such Vesting Date is deemed to occur on the date of your Termination of Employment by reason of death or Disability pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii), then the Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date of such Termination of Employment, and (B) if such Vesting Date is deemed to occur on the date upon which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii), then the Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date of such Change of Control. Upon settlement, a number of RSUs equal to the number of Shares represented thereby shall be extinguished and such number of RSUs will no longer be considered to be held by you for any purpose.

(ii) Negative Discretion. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3(a)(i) and Section 3(b)(i), except as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph, the Committee shall have the right to reduce or eliminate any payment amount with respect to an RSU included in a Tranche that is otherwise payable pursuant to such Sections if

 

6


the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the Vesting Date for such Tranche; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all employees holding restricted stock units similar to such RSUs who are, but for the application of this paragraph, entitled to receive a payment amount under corresponding provisions of their award notices with respect to such restricted stock units. The Committee shall not have the right to reduce or eliminate any amount that is payable pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) or Section 3(a)(iii).

(iii) Maximum Payment Amount. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 3, in no event shall the payment with respect to an RSU subject to this Award Notice exceed $         (subject to appropriate adjustment by the Committee for any stock splits, stock dividends, reverse stock splits, special dividends or other similar matters relating to Shares occurring after the Effective Date). To the extent that any payment provided under this Award Notice with respect to an RSU (determined without regard to the limitation described in the preceding sentence) would exceed the limitation described in the preceding sentence, then such excess shall not be paid under this Award Notice and you shall have no rights or entitlements to any such excess amount.

SECTION 4. Forfeiture of RSUs. If a Vesting Date with respect to a Tranche does not occur or is not deemed to have occurred by the end of the Performance Period for such Tranche, then the vesting percentage for such Tranche shall be 0% and all of the RSUs included in such Tranche shall be forfeited as of the end of such Performance Period. If a percentage of the RSUs included in a Tranche become vested in accordance with Section 3(a), then any remaining RSUs included in such Tranche that do not become so vested shall be immediately forfeited on the actual or deemed Vesting Date; provided, however, that, except as provided in the following sentence, unvested RSUs included in Tranche 4 shall not be so forfeited until the earlier of the end of the Performance Period for such Tranche or the occurrence of a deemed Vesting Date pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) or Section 3(a)(iii). Unless the Committee (or its delegate) determines otherwise, and except as otherwise provided in Section 3(a) of this Award Notice, to the extent that RSUs awarded to you pursuant to this Award Notice have not vested prior to the date of your Termination of Employment, your rights with respect to such unvested RSUs shall immediately terminate upon your Termination of Employment, and you will be entitled to no further payments or benefits with respect thereto.

SECTION 5. Voting Rights; Dividends. You do not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the RSUs granted to you pursuant to this Award Notice. Accordingly, you shall not be entitled to exercise any voting rights or to receive any dividends declared or paid with respect to any Shares underlying such RSUs.

SECTION 6. Non-Transferability of RSUs. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee (or its delegate) in its discretion and notwithstanding clause (ii) of Section 10(a) of the Plan, RSUs and the right to any payment with respect thereto may

 

7


not be sold, assigned, alienated, transferred, pledged, attached or otherwise encumbered by you, otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company, provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.

SECTION 7. Withholding and Consents. (a) Withholding. The delivery of cash pursuant to Section 3(b) of this Award Notice is conditioned on satisfaction of any applicable withholding taxes in accordance with Section 10(d) of the Plan, and the Company will withhold from any cash payment an amount equal to such withholding liability. The Company shall be authorized to take such actions as the Company may deem necessary (including, without limitation, in accordance with applicable law, withholding amounts from any compensation or other amounts owing from the Company to you) to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes.

(b) Consents. Your rights in respect of the RSUs are conditioned on the receipt to the full satisfaction of the Committee (or its delegate) of any required consents that the Committee (or its delegate) may determine to be necessary or advisable (including, without limitation, your consenting to the Company’s supplying to any third-party recordkeeper of the Plan such personal information as the Committee (or its delegate) deems advisable to administer the Plan).

SECTION 8. Successors and Assigns of the Company. The terms and conditions of this Award Notice shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.

SECTION 9. Committee Discretion. The Committee (or its delegate) shall have full and plenary discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Award Notice, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.

SECTION 10. Clawback. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Notice to the contrary, any portion of the payments and benefits provided under this Award Notice shall be subject to a clawback to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law including, without limitation, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any Securities and Exchange Commission rule.

SECTION 11. Amendment of this Award Notice. The Committee (or its delegate) may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate this Award Notice prospectively or retroactively; provided, however, that, except as set forth in Section 10(e) of the Plan, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancelation or termination that would materially and adversely impair your rights under this Award Notice shall not to that extent be effective without your consent (it being understood, notwithstanding the foregoing proviso, that this Award Notice and the RSUs shall be subject to the provisions of Section 7(c) of the Plan).

 

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Form of Restricted Share Award Notice

Exhibit 10.39

RESTRICTED SHARE AWARD NOTICE

to [NAME]

Pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc.

2008 Incentive Compensation Plan

Restricted Share Award Notice under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), dated as of [Grant_Month] [Grant_Day], [Grant_Year], between United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”), and [Grantee_First_Name] [Grantee_Last_Name].

This Restricted Share Award Notice (this “Award Notice”) sets forth the terms and conditions of an award of [Restricted Shares] shares (the “Award”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, that are subject to certain restrictions on transfer and risks of forfeiture and other terms and conditions specified herein (“Restricted Shares”) and that are granted to you under the Plan.

SECTION 1. The Plan. This Award is made pursuant to the Plan, all the terms of which are hereby incorporated in this Award Notice. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Plan and the terms of this Award Notice, the terms of the Plan shall govern; provided, however, that this Award shall be subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement between you and the Company or an Affiliate that is in effect at the time of your Termination of Employment.

SECTION 2. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Award Notice that are not defined in this Award Notice have the meanings as used or defined in the Plan. As used in this Award Notice, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

“Qualifying Event” means your Termination of Employment on the date upon which a Change of Control occurs or within two years thereafter under circumstances which would permit you to receive a cash severance payment pursuant to an employment agreement between you and the Company or an Affiliate or, if no such employment agreement exists, then pursuant to the severance plan, if any, of the Company or an Affiliate then covering you; provided, however, that a Qualifying Event shall not include any such Termination of Employment that results from your voluntary separation from service which is not treated as an “involuntary separation from service” pursuant to Treasury regulation section 1.409A-1(n)(2).

“Vesting Date” means the date on which your rights with respect to all or a portion of the Restricted Shares subject to this Award Notice may become fully vested, and the restrictions set forth in this Award Notice may lapse, as provided in Section 3(a) of this Award Notice.

SECTION 3. Vesting and Delivery. (a) Vesting. On each Vesting Date set forth below, your rights with respect to the number of Restricted Shares that


corresponds to such Vesting Date, as specified in the chart below, shall become vested, and the restrictions set forth in this Award Notice shall lapse, provided that you must be employed by the Company or an Affiliate on the relevant Vesting Date, except as otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion or as provided in the Plan (subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement between you and the Company or an Affiliate that is in effect at the time of your Termination of Employment).

 

Vesting Date    Percentage That Vests    Number of Restricted
Shares That Vest
   Aggregate Number of
Restricted Shares
Vested

[To be established at the time of grant.]

Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 3(a), if you remain continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the date of grant of this Award until the date upon which a Qualifying Event occurs, then on the date of such Qualifying Event your rights with respect to all Restricted Shares that are not then vested as provided above shall become vested, and the restrictions set forth in this Award Notice shall lapse with respect to all such Restricted Shares. The provisions of Section 8 of the Plan shall not apply to this Award.

(b) Delivery of Shares. On and following the date of this Award Notice, Restricted Shares may be evidenced in such manner as the Company may determine. If certificates representing Restricted Shares are registered in your name, such certificates must bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Shares, until such time, if any, as your rights with respect to such Restricted Shares become vested. Upon the vesting of your rights with respect to such Restricted Shares, the Company or other custodian, as applicable, shall deliver such certificates to you or your legal representative.

SECTION 4. Forfeiture of Restricted Shares. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, and except as otherwise provided in Section 3(a) of this Award Notice, if your rights with respect to any Restricted Shares awarded to you pursuant to this Award Notice have not become vested prior to the date of your Termination of Employment, your rights with respect to such Restricted Shares shall immediately terminate upon your Termination of Employment, and you will be entitled to no further payments or benefits with respect thereto.

SECTION 5. Non-Transferability of Restricted Shares. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in its discretion and notwithstanding clause (ii) of Section 10(a) of the Plan, prior to the date that they become vested, Restricted Shares may not be sold, assigned, alienated, transferred, pledged, attached or otherwise encumbered by you otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void

 

2


and unenforceable against the Company, provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.

SECTION 6. Dividends and other Distributions. Dividends and other distributions that are paid or distributed with respect to a Restricted Share (whether in the form of Shares or other property (including cash)) (referred to herein as “Distributions”) shall be subject to the risk of forfeiture applicable to the related Restricted Share and shall be held by the Company or other depository as may be designated by the Committee as a depository for safekeeping. If the Restricted Share to which such Distributions relate is forfeited to the Company, then such Distributions shall be forfeited to the Company at the same time such Restricted Share is so forfeited. If the Restricted Share to which such Distributions relate becomes vested, then such Distributions shall be paid and distributed to you as soon as administratively feasible after such Restricted Share becomes vested (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such vesting occurs). Distributions paid or distributed with respect to Restricted Shares shall bear such legends, if any, as may be determined by the Committee to reflect the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to comply with applicable securities laws.

SECTION 7. Withholding, Consents and Legends. (a) Withholding. The delivery of Share certificates pursuant to Section 3(b) of this Award Notice and the delivery of Distributions is conditioned on satisfaction of any applicable withholding taxes in accordance with Section 10(d) of the Plan. The Company will withhold from the number of Restricted Shares otherwise deliverable to you pursuant to Section 3(b) and from Shares (or other securities) otherwise deliverable to you pursuant to Section 6 a number of Shares (or, to the extent applicable, such other securities) having a Fair Market Value equal to such withholding liability; provided that the Company shall be authorized to take such actions as the Company may deem necessary (including, without limitation, in accordance with applicable law, withholding amounts from any compensation or other amounts owing from the Company to you) to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes.

(b) Consents. Your rights in respect of the Restricted Shares are conditioned on the receipt to the full satisfaction of the Committee of any required consents that the Committee may determine to be necessary or advisable (including, without limitation, your consenting to the Company’s supplying to any third-party recordkeeper of the Plan such personal information as the Committee deems advisable to administer the Plan).

(c) Legends. The Company may affix to certificates for Shares issued pursuant to this Award Notice any legend that the Committee determines to be necessary or advisable (including to reflect any restrictions to which you may be subject under any applicable securities laws). The Company may advise the transfer agent to place a stop order against any legended Shares.

 

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SECTION 8. Successors and Assigns of the Company. The terms and conditions of this Award Notice shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.

SECTION 9. Committee Discretion. The Committee shall have full and plenary discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Award Notice, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.

SECTION 10. Clawback. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Notice to the contrary, any portion of the payments and benefits provided under this Award Notice or the sale of Shares shall be subject to a clawback to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law including, without limitation, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any Securities and Exchange Commission rule.

SECTION 11. Amendment of this Award Notice. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate this Award Notice prospectively or retroactively; provided, however, that, except as set forth in Section 10(e) of the Plan, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancelation or termination that would materially and adversely impair your rights under this Award Notice shall not to that extent be effective without your consent (it being understood, notwithstanding the foregoing proviso, that this Award Notice and the Restricted Shares shall be subject to the provisions of Section 7(c) of the Plan).

 

4

Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice

Exhibit 10.40

PERFORMANCE-BASED RSU AWARD NOTICE

to [Name]

Pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Performance-Based RSU Program

Performance Period January 1, 20[    ] to December 31, 20[    ]

1. The Program. This document constitutes your formal Award Notice with respect to an Award of RSUs as a Participant under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based RSU Program (as amended from time to time, the “Program”) adopted under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended from time to time, the “ICP”). This Award Notice evidences your receipt of an award of RSUs under the Program with respect to the performance period commencing on January 1, 20[    ] and ending on December 31, 20[    ] (the “Performance Period”), subject to the terms of the Program and the ICP. The effective date of your commencement in the Program with respect to this Award is [                    , 20    ].

2. Number of RSUs; The Goal. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) has established certain performance goals for RSUs under the Program. The Committee has established the following terms and performance goals with respect to your Award:

(a) RSUs. The number of RSUs subject to this Award as of the effective date of grant is             .

(b) Performance Target. The Performance Target is the minimum level of ROIC that must be achieved by the Company for the Performance Period in order for you to receive a Payment Amount. Achievement of the Performance Target for the Performance Period means that the ROIC for the Performance Period equals or exceeds the Entry Level ROIC for the Performance Period. The entry, target, and stretch levels are as follows:

i. Entry Level ROIC (which is more specifically defined in the Program) generally means the Company’s Average Cost of Invested Capital for the Performance Period [[plus] [minus]      Basis Points];

ii. Target Level ROIC is equal to Entry Level ROIC plus      Basis Points; and

iii. Stretch Level ROIC is equal to Target Level ROIC plus      Basis Points.

(c) Change of Control. If a Change of Control occurs during the Performance Period, then the ROIC for the Performance Period will be deemed to be equal to the Entry Level ROIC plus      Basis Points.


3. Payout upon Achievement of Goal.

(a) Payment Amount. If the ROIC for the Performance Period equals or exceeds the Entry Level ROIC for the Performance Period and you have remained continuously employed by the Company or a subsidiary through the end of the Performance Period, then the Payment Amount with respect to this Award will be an amount equal to (i) the number of RSUs subject to your Award for the Performance Period, multiplied by (ii) your Vested Percentage for the Performance Period, multiplied by (iii) the Fair Market Value (which is the average closing sales price over 20 consecutive Trading Days) of the Company’s stock as of the Payment Computation Date for the Performance Period (which is generally the last day of the Performance Period, subject to limited exceptions). [Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the payment under the Program with respect to an RSU subject to this Award exceed an amount equal to $             (the “Maximum Payment Amount”), which amount is subject to adjustment as provided in the Program.]1

(b) Vested Percentage. Your Vested Percentage with respect to the Performance Period means:     % (representing the Entry Level RSU Percentage), plus (1) an additional     % for each Basis Point by which the Company’s ROIC with respect to the Performance Period exceeds the Entry Level ROIC with respect to the Performance Period, up to and including the Target Level ROIC (representing a Target Level RSU Percentage of     %), and (2) an additional     % for each Basis Point by which the Company’s ROIC with respect to the Performance Period exceeds the Target Level ROIC with respect to such period, up to and including the Stretch Level ROIC (representing a Stretch Level RSU Percentage of     %).

4. Continuous Employment Required. Receipt of a Payment Amount is conditioned on your continuous employment with the Company or its subsidiaries through the last day of the Performance Period (with limited exceptions, as described in the Program).

5. Pro-Rated Payment. Your Payment Amount may be prorated as provided in the Program under certain circumstances.

6. Negative Discretion. In general, and subject to limited exceptions (as described in the Program), the Committee will have the right to reduce or eliminate the Payment Amount that would otherwise be payable for the Performance Period if the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the end of the Performance Period; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all Participants who are otherwise entitled to receive a Payment Amount with respect to the Performance Period.

 

1

[The Maximum Payment Amount will be included if established by the Committee in accordance with the terms of the Program at the time the Award is granted.]

 

2


7. Program and ICP Control. Capitalized terms used in this Award Notice are defined in the Program. The Program and the ICP are hereby incorporated into this Award Notice by reference. All statements in this Award Notice are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Program and the ICP. If you have any questions, or wish to obtain a copy of the Program or the ICP, please contact             .

 

3

Incentive Plan 2010

Exhibit 10.41

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

INCENTIVE PLAN 2010

(as amended and restated through February 17, 2011)

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010 is to provide a means through which United Continental Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries may attract able persons to serve as directors, or to enter or remain in the employ of the Company (as defined below) or its subsidiaries, and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company and its subsidiaries rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the Company and its subsidiaries are of importance, can acquire and maintain stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the welfare of the Company and its subsidiaries. A further purpose of the Plan is to provide such individuals with additional incentive and reward opportunities designed to enhance the profitable growth of the Company and its subsidiaries. Accordingly, the Plan provides for granting Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Options, SARs, Restricted Stock Awards, Performance Awards, Incentive Awards, and Other Stock Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, as is best suited to the circumstances of the particular person. The Plan has been amended and restated to reflect changes related to the Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Company, Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Continental”) and JT Merger Sub Inc. dated May 2, 2010 (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Continental became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company upon the closing of the merger on October 1, 2010.

2. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions (including any plural thereof) shall be applicable throughout the Plan unless specifically modified by any Section:

(a) “Administrator” means the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (if the Chief Executive Officer is a Director), subject to the provisions of Section 4(a) of the Plan.

(b) “Award” means, individually or collectively, any Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, Performance Award, Incentive Award, or Other Stock Award.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 12(e) of the Plan.


(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such section and any regulations promulgated under such section.

(f) “Committee” means a committee of the Board comprised solely of two or more outside Directors (within the meaning of section 162(m) of the Code and applicable interpretive authority thereunder and within the meaning of “Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3). Such committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board unless and until the Board designates another committee of the Board to serve as the Committee.

(g) “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company, or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type described in Section 12 of the Plan.

(h) “Company” shall mean United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

(i) “Director” means an individual who is a member of the Board.

(j) “Disability” means, with respect to any person, such person’s disability entitling him or her to benefits under the Company’s group long-term disability plan; provided, however, that if such person is not eligible to participate in such plan, then such person shall be considered to have incurred a “Disability” if and when the Administrator determines in its discretion that such person has become incapacitated for a period of at least 180 days by accident, sickness, or other circumstance which renders such person mentally or physically incapable of performing the material duties and services required of him or her in his or her employment on a full-time basis during such period.

(k) “employee” means any person (which may include a Director) in an employment relationship with the Company or any parent corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) or any subsidiary.

(l) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(m) “Grant Document” means the document or documents, which may be in electronic format, evidencing an Award under the Plan, which may be either an agreement between the Company and the Holder as to the Award (with any amendments thereto) or a notice of grant of the Award from the Company to the Holder (including any attached statement of the terms and conditions of the Award and any modifications thereto made in accordance with the Plan). References in the Plan to terms to be included in a Grant Document may alternatively be included in a program adopted by the Committee pursuant to the Plan to implement the Plan provisions.

 

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(n) “Holder” means an employee or a Director who has been granted an Award.

(o) “Incentive Award” means an Award granted under Section 10 of the Plan.

(p) “Incentive Stock Option” means an incentive stock option within the meaning of section 422 of the Code.

(q) “Market Value per Share” means, as of any specified date, the closing sale price of the Common Stock on that date (or, if there are no sales on that date, the last preceding date on which there was a sale) in the principal securities market in which the Common Stock is then traded. If the Common Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of “Market Value per Share” is required to be made hereunder, the determination of such amount shall be made by the Administrator in such manner as it deems appropriate and is consistent with the requirements of section 409A of the Code.

(r) “Non-Qualified Option” means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

(s) “Option” means an Award granted under Section 7 of the Plan and includes both Non-Qualified Options and Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock.

(t) “Other Stock Award” means an Award granted under Section 11 of the Plan.

(u) “Performance Award” means an Award granted under Section 9 of the Plan.

(v) “Performance Measure” means a performance measure established by the Administrator that may be absolute, relative to one or more other companies, relative to one or more indexes, or measured by reference to the Company alone or the Company together with one or more of its subsidiaries. In addition, a Performance Measure may be subject to adjustment by the Administrator for changes in accounting principles, to satisfy regulatory requirements, and other specified significant extraordinary items or events. A Performance Measure may be based upon any of the following:

 

  (i)

the price of a share of Common Stock,

 

  (ii)

the Company’s earnings per share,

 

  (iii)

the Company’s market share or the market share of a business unit of the Company designated by the Administrator,

 

  (iv)

the Company’s sales or the sales of a business unit of the Company designated by the Administrator,

 

  (v)

operating income or operating income margin of the Company or a business unit of the Company,

 

  (vi)

any operational or financial performance measure or metric with respect to the Company or any business unit or operational level within the Company,

 

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  (vii)

earnings or earnings margin before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and/or aircraft rent of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Administrator,

 

  (viii)

net income or net income margin (before or after taxes) of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Administrator,

 

  (ix)

return on capital, assets, or stockholders’ equity achieved by the Company,

 

  (x)

cash flow or return on investment of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Administrator,

 

  (xi)

maintenance or achievement of a specified level of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (determined with or without regard to restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments),

 

  (xii)

total stockholders’ return, or

 

  (xiii)

a combination of any of the foregoing, including any average, weighted average, minimum, hurdle, rate of increase or other measure of any or any combination thereof.

(w) “Personal Representative” means the person who upon the death, Disability, or incompetency of a Holder shall have acquired, by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or by other legal proceedings, the right to exercise an Option or SAR or the right to any Restricted Stock Award, Performance Award, Incentive Award, or Other Stock Award theretofore granted or made to such Holder.

(x) “Plan” means the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended from time to time.

(y) “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award as to which neither the substantial risk of forfeiture nor the restriction on transfer referred to in Section 8 of the Plan has expired.

(z) “Restricted Stock Award” means an Award of Restricted Stock granted under Section 8 of the Plan.

(aa) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, and any successor rule, regulation or statute fulfilling the same or similar function.

(bb) “SAR” means a stock appreciation right granted under Section 7 of the Plan, and may be granted in connection with an Option or independent of an Option.

(cc) “subsidiary” means any entity (other than the Company) with respect to which the Company, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, owns equity interests possessing 50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all equity interests of such entity (excluding voting power that arises only upon the occurrence of one or more specified events).

 

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3. EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN

The Plan became effective on the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors of Continental (December 1, 2009), subject to approval by the stockholders of Continental at Continental’s 2010 annual meeting of stockholders. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or in any Grant Document, no Option or SAR shall be exercisable, no Restricted Stock Award or Other Stock Award shall be granted, and no Award shall vest or be payable in cash or settled in Common Stock prior to such stockholder approval. No further Awards may be granted under the Plan after 10 years from the date of the adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors of Continental. The Plan shall remain in effect (for the purpose of governing outstanding Awards) until all Options and SARs granted under the Plan have been exercised or expired, all restrictions imposed upon Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Plan have been eliminated or the Restricted Stock Awards have been forfeited, and all Performance Awards, Incentive Awards and Other Stock Awards have been satisfied or have terminated.

4. ADMINISTRATION

(a) Administrator. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator, so that (i) Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Plan as it relates to, any person who is subject to section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be made or effected by the Committee, and (ii) Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Plan as it relates to, any person who is not subject to section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be made or effected by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or, if the Chief Executive Officer is not a Director, the Committee), unless the Plan specifies that the Committee shall take specific action (in which case such action may only be taken by the Committee) or the Committee (as to any Award described in this clause (ii) or the administration or interpretation of any specific provision of the Plan) specifies that it shall serve as Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may from time to time in its discretion put any conditions and restrictions on the powers that may be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in his or her capacity as Administrator.

(b) Powers. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Administrator shall have authority, in its discretion, to determine which employees or Directors shall receive an Award, the time or times when such Award shall be granted, the type of Award that shall be granted, the number of shares to be subject to each Option, Restricted Stock Award, Other Stock Award, or SAR, and the number of shares to be subject to or the value of each Performance Award or Incentive Award. In making such determinations, the Administrator shall take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective employees or Directors, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s success, and such other factors as the Administrator in its sole discretion shall deem relevant.

(c) Additional Powers. The Administrator shall have such additional powers as are delegated to it by the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, this shall include the power to construe the Plan and the respective agreements executed

 

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hereunder, to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to determine the terms, restrictions, and provisions of the Grant Documents, including such terms, restrictions, and provisions as shall be requisite in the judgment of the Administrator to cause designated Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Administrator may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Grant Document relating to an Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient to carry the Plan or any such Grant Document into effect. All determinations and decisions of the Administrator on the matters referred to in this Section 4 and in construing the provisions of the Plan shall be conclusive; provided, however, that in the event of any conflict in any such determination as between the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, each acting in capacity as Administrator of the Plan, the determination of the Committee shall be conclusive.

(d) Forfeiture in Certain Circumstances (“Clawback”). The Committee may terminate an Award if it determines that the Holder of such Award has engaged in material misconduct. Material misconduct includes conduct adversely affecting the Company’s reputation, financial condition, results of operations or prospects, or which constitutes fraud or theft of Company assets, and such other conduct as may be set forth in a Grant Document. If such material misconduct results, directly or indirectly, in any error in financial information used in the determination of compensation paid to the Award Holder and the effect of such error is to increase the payment amount pursuant to an Award, the Committee also may require the Holder to reimburse the Company for all or a portion of the compensation provided to such Holder in connection with any such Award. In addition, if there is a material restatement of Company’s financial statements that affects the financial information used in the determination of compensation paid to the Award Holder, then the Committee may take such action, in its sole discretion, as it deems necessary to adjust such compensation.

5. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN, AWARD LIMITS,

AND GRANT OF AWARDS

(a) Shares Subject to the Plan and Award Limits. Subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Section 12 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan, and the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options, shall not exceed 3,937,500 shares. To the extent that an Award lapses, the Holder’s rights to an Award terminate, shares issued under an Award are forfeited, or an Award is paid in cash such that all or some of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Award are not issued to the Holder pursuant to the Award, then any such forfeited or unissued shares of Common Stock then subject to such Award shall not be deemed to have been issued under the Plan (including for purposes of the limitations set forth in subparagraphs (i) thru (v) and (d)(v) below) and shall be added back to the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan (provided the grant of such Award resulted in a reduction in such number) and shall be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shares of Common Stock may not again be made available for issuance pursuant to an Award under the Plan: (A) shares of Common Stock not

 

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issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding Award, or (B) shares of Common Stock used to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes related to an outstanding Award. Further, if any shares of Common Stock are purchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an Option exercise, such purchase shall not result in any increase in the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary,

 

  (i)

the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to

 

  (A)

Options, SARs, Restricted Stock Awards, and Other Stock Awards, and

 

  (B)

Incentive Awards and Performance Awards that must be settled in shares of Common Stock

granted to any one individual during the term of the Plan may not exceed 50% of the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Plan); and provided that any Performance Awards that must be settled in shares of Common Stock shall be measured for purposes of this limitation based on the maximum award level at the date of grant unless and until the settlement of such Performance Awards, at which point the settlement amount shall be taken into account instead of the maximum amount underlying such Performance Award at grant, and

 

  (ii)

the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to

 

  (A)

Options, SARs, Restricted Stock Awards, and Other Stock Awards, and

 

  (B)

Incentive Awards and Performance Awards that must be settled in shares of Common Stock

granted to non-employee Directors during the term of the Plan may not exceed 525,000 shares (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Section 12 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding); and provided that any Performance Awards that must be settled in shares of Common Stock shall be measured for purposes of this limitation based on the maximum award level at the date of grant unless and until the settlement of such Performance Awards, at which point the settlement amount shall be taken into account instead of the maximum amount underlying such Performance Award at grant, and

 

  (iii)

the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued as Restricted Stock Awards or Other Stock Awards or in settlement of Incentive

 

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Awards or Performance Awards during the term of the Plan may not exceed 1,050,000 shares (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Section 12 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding and provided that shares issued under such Awards that are forfeited back to the Company shall again be available for issuance within such limit),

 

  (iv)

the maximum amount of compensation that may be paid under all Performance Awards that may be settled in cash (including the fair market value (determined based upon Market Value per Share) of any shares of Common Stock paid in satisfaction of such Performance Awards) granted to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed $20 million, and any payment due with respect to a Performance Award shall be paid no later than 10 years after the date of grant of such Performance Award, and

 

  (v)

the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to

 

  (A)

Options, SARs, Restricted Stock Awards, and Other Stock Awards, and

 

  (B)

Incentive Awards and Performance Awards that must be settled in shares of Common Stock

granted during the term of the Plan and that do not contain the minimum exercisability or vesting requirements as set forth in paragraphs (d) below may not exceed 5% of the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Section 12).

The limitations set forth in clauses (i) and (iv) of the preceding sentence shall be applied in a manner that will permit Awards that are intended to provide “performance-based” compensation for purposes of section 162(m) of the Code to satisfy the requirements of such section, including, without limitation, counting against such maximum number of shares, to the extent required under section 162(m) of the Code and applicable interpretive authority thereunder, any shares subject to Options or SARs granted to employees that are canceled or repriced.

(b) Grant of Awards. The Administrator may from time to time grant Awards to one or more employees or Directors determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

(c) Stock Offered. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5(a) above, the stock to be offered pursuant to an Award may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock previously issued and outstanding and reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares that remain unissued and that are not subject to outstanding Awards at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan but, until termination of the Plan, the Company shall at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan. The

 

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shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to any Award may be represented by physical stock certificates or may be uncertificated. Notwithstanding references in the Plan to certificates, the Company may deliver uncertificated shares of Common Stock in connection with any Award. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional shares be paid.

(d) Minimum Exercisability or Vesting Requirements.

 

  (i)

Time Vested Awards. Awards granted to employees that have a condition to exercise or vesting related solely to the continued employment of the employee may not be exercisable in full, and any applicable vesting conditions shall not be released, in less than three years from the date of grant (but pro rata exercisability and release of any applicable vesting conditions may be permitted over such time); provided that if an Award is granted with conditions that relate to both time and Performance Measures, the Award may vest upon the earlier satisfaction of the Performance Measures, subject to subparagraph (ii) below.

 

  (ii)

Performance Based Awards. Awards granted to employees that have a condition to exercise or vesting based on the achievement of Performance Measures shall have a minimum waiting period for exercise or vesting of one year from the date of grant.

 

  (iii)

Awards to non-employee Directors. Awards granted to non-employee Directors pursuant to the Company’s non-employee Director compensation program, which may be amended from time to time, need not be subject to the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above and may vest in full on the date of grant. However, discretionary Awards to non-employee Directors shall be subject to the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above.

 

  (iv)

Permitted Exceptions. The exercisability and vesting requirements set forth in subparagraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) above shall not be applicable to (A) grants to new hires in lieu of cash compensation to replace forfeited awards from a prior employer, including Awards described in Section 7(h), (B) acceleration of exercisability or vesting upon the death, Disability or retirement of the Holder and upon certain other terminations of employment as provided pursuant to the terms of any employment agreement with a Holder entered into with the Company prior to the Effective Date of the Plan, (C) acceleration of exercisability or vesting upon a Change in Control or Corporate Change, and (D) grants of Awards made in payment of other earned cash-based incentive compensation.

 

  (v)

Administrator Discretion. The Administrator shall have the discretion to grant an Award that does not contain the minimum exercisability and vesting requirements as set forth in this paragraph (d) subject to the limitation set forth in paragraph (a)(v) above.

 

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(e) United / Continental Merger. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or in any Grant Document to the contrary, effective as of the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement):

(i) Immediately following the Effective Time, the following Awards may no longer be granted under the Plan with respect to the common stock of Continental: (A) Options, Restricted Stock Awards, or Other Stock Awards, and (B) SARS, Performance Awards, or Incentive Awards that may be settled in shares of the common stock of Continental; and

(ii) From and after the Effective Time, any of the following Awards granted under the Plan shall be granted with respect to the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto: (A) Options, Restricted Stock Awards, or Other Stock Awards, and (B) SARS, Performance Awards or Incentive Awards that may be settled in shares of Common Stock.

(f) No Equity Grants to Legacy United Employees and Directors. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the only Awards that may be issued to employees or Directors who were, immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in Section 5(e) of the Plan), employees of UAL Corporation or any of its subsidiaries immediately preceding the Effective Time or non-employee directors of UAL Corporation immediately preceding the Effective Time shall be Awards that will be settled or paid only in cash.

6. ELIGIBILITY

Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are employees or Directors. An Award may be granted on more than one occasion to the same person and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, Awards may include an Incentive Stock Option, a Non-Qualified Option, an SAR, a Restricted Stock Award, a Performance Award, an Incentive Award, an Other Stock Award, or any combination thereof.

7. OPTIONS AND SARS

(a) Option Period. The term of each Option shall be as specified by the Administrator at the date of grant, but in no event shall an Option be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant.

(b) Exercise of Option. Subject to Section 5(d), an Option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as determined by the Administrator.

(c) Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to an individual who is employed by the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) of the Company at the time the Option is granted. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the

 

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respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations exceeds $100,000, such Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Options. The Administrator shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Holder’s Incentive Stock Options will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation and shall notify the Holder of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an individual if, at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of section 422(b)(6) of the Code, unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at least 110% of the Market Value per Share of the Common Stock subject to the Option and (ii) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant. Except as otherwise provided in section 421 or 422 of the Code, an Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable during the Holder’s lifetime only by such Holder or the Holder’s guardian or Personal Representative.

(d) Option Grant Document. Each Option shall be evidenced by a Grant Document in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Administrator from time to time shall approve, including, without limitation, provisions to qualify an Option as an Incentive Stock Option under section 422 of the Code. Each Option Grant Document shall specify the effect of termination of employment or membership on the Board, as applicable, on the exercisability of the Option. The terms and conditions of the respective Option Grant Documents need not be identical.

(e) Option Price and Payment. The price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall be set forth in the Option Grant Document and shall be determined by the Administrator but, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12, such purchase price shall not be less than the Market Value per Share of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted. The Option or portion thereof may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise, which may be in electronic format, to the Company or to a third party administrator designated by the Company. To the extent permitted by the Administrator, the Holder of an Option may pay the Option purchase price, in whole or in part, by delivery of a number of shares of Common Stock (plus cash if necessary) having a fair market value (determined based upon the Market Value per Share) equal to the Option purchase price of the portion of the Option being exercised. To the extent permitted by the Administrator and applicable law, the Holder also may exercise the Option through a “cashless exercise” of the Option pursuant to procedures satisfactory to the Administrator with respect thereto. Separate stock certificates shall be issued by the Company for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of any Non-Qualified Option.

 

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(f) Stockholder Rights and Privileges. The Holder of an Option or an SAR shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of a stockholder only with respect to such shares of Common Stock as have been acquired under the Option or the SAR and for which certificates representing such Common Stock have been registered in the Holder’s name.

(g) SARs. A SAR provides the Holder with a right to acquire, upon exercise of the right, Common Stock and/or, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, cash having an aggregate value equal to the then excess of the Market Value per Share of the shares with respect to which the right is exercised over the exercise price therefor. The Administrator shall retain final authority to determine whether a Holder shall be permitted, and to approve any election by a Holder, to receive cash in full or partial settlement of a SAR. The Administrator (concurrently with the grant of an Option or subsequent to such grant) may, in its sole discretion, grant SARs to any Holder of an Option. In the case of any SAR that is granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option, such SAR shall be exercisable only when the Market Value per Share of the Common Stock exceeds the price specified therefor in the Option or portion thereof to be surrendered. In the case of any SAR that is granted in connection with an Option, the exercise of the SAR shall result in the surrender of the right to purchase a number of shares under the Option equal to the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised (and vice versa). In addition, a SAR may be granted independently of an Option pursuant to a Grant Document in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Administrator from time to time shall approve; provided however that (i) the exercise price per share of Common Stock subject to the SAR shall be determined by the Administrator but, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12, such exercise price shall not be less than the Market Value per Share of a share of Common Stock on the date such SAR is granted, (ii) the term of the SAR shall be as specified by the Administrator at the date of grant, but in no event shall an SAR be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant, and (iii) subject to Section 5(d), the SAR shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as determined by the Administrator. Additional terms and conditions governing any SAR may from time to time be prescribed by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

(h) Options and SARs in Substitution for Stock Options Granted by Other Entities. Options and SARs may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for stock options and such rights held by individuals providing service to corporations or other entities who become employees or Directors as a result of a merger or consolidation or other business combination of the employing corporation with the Company or any subsidiary.

(i) Repricing. Without the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock cast in person or by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares is present or represented by proxy, except for adjustments authorized under Section 12, neither the Board nor the Administrator shall approve either (i) the cancellation of outstanding Options or SARs and the grant in substitution therefore of any new Awards under the Plan having a lower option or exercise price than that of the cancelled Options or SARs specified on the original date of grant, or (ii) the amendment of outstanding Options or SARs to reduce the option or exercise price thereof below the price specified for such Award on the original date of grant. This Section 7(i) shall not be construed to apply to “issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) applies,” within the meaning of section 424 of the Code.

 

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8. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS

(a) Stockholder Rights and Privileges. Unless provided otherwise in the related Grant Document, each grant of Restricted Stock pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award will constitute an immediate transfer to the Holder of all stockholder rights and privileges with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award, including record and beneficial ownership, the right to receive dividends and all voting and other ownership rights, except that (i) the Holder shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate until the Forfeiture Restrictions (defined in paragraph (b) below) have expired, (ii) the Company shall retain custody of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iii) the Holder may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of the stock underlying the Restricted Stock Award until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iv) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee pursuant to the applicable Grant Document shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award, and (v) with respect to the payment of any dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to the applicable Grant Document directly to the Holder, each such dividend shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividends are paid to stockholders of such class of shares or, if later, the fifteenth day of the third month following the date the dividends are paid to stockholders of such class of shares. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions, or restrictions relating to the Restricted Stock Award, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the termination of employment or service (by retirement, Disability, death, or otherwise) of a Holder prior to expiration of the Forfeitures Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions, or restrictions shall be set forth in the Grant Document related to such Award.

(b) Substantial Risk of Forfeiture and Restrictions on Transfer. Shares of Common Stock that are the subject of a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to one or more restrictions determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, a restriction that constitutes a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of section 83 of the Code and applicable interpretive authority thereunder (the “Forfeiture Restrictions”). Each Restricted Stock Award may have different Forfeiture Restrictions, in the discretion of the Administrator. The Administrator may provide that the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse upon (i) the attainment of one or more Performance Measures, (ii) the Holder’s continued employment with the Company or a subsidiary or continued service as a Director for a specified period of time, (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Administrator in its sole discretion, or (iv) a combination of any of the foregoing. During such period or periods during which such Forfeiture Restrictions are to continue and subject to the provisions of Section 5(d), the transferability of the Restricted Stock subject to such restrictions will be prohibited or restricted in a manner and to the extent prescribed by the Administrator at the date of grant.

 

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(c) Payment for Restricted Stock. The Administrator shall determine the amount and form of any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award (which payment may be an amount that is less than the Market Value per Share on the date of grant); provided, however, that in the absence of such a determination, a Holder shall not be required to make any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.

(d) Restricted Stock Grant Document. Each grant of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by a Grant Document in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Administrator from time to time shall approve. The terms and conditions of the respective Restricted Stock Grant Documents need not be identical.

9. PERFORMANCE AWARDS

(a) Performance Period. The Administrator shall establish, with respect to and at the time of each Performance Award, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the Performance Award and a performance period over which the performance applicable to the Performance Award shall be measured. A Performance Award may be granted in the form of a “restricted stock unit” or “RSU” award or such other form as determined by the Administrator from time to time.

(b) Performance Measures. A Performance Award shall be awarded to a Holder contingent upon future performance of the Company or any subsidiary, division, or department thereof during the performance period. To the extent that compliance with section 162(m) of the Code is intended with respect to an Award, the Committee shall establish the Performance Measures applicable to such Performance Award within the applicable time period permitted by section 162(m) of the Code, subject to adjustment thereto as may be determined by the Administrator for changes in accounting principles and other specified significant extraordinary items or events as permitted by section 162(m) of the Code. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide for an adjustable (i) number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Performance Award or (ii) value of the Performance Award based upon the level of achievement of Performance Measures.

(c) Awards Criteria. In determining the value of Performance Awards, the Administrator may take into account a Holder’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide for a reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Performance Award or the value of a Holder’s Performance Award during the performance period, if permitted by the applicable Grant Document.

(d) Payment. Following the end of the performance period for a Performance Award (or at such other time as the applicable Grant Document may provide, subject to Section 5(d)), the Holder of a Performance Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount not exceeding the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the Performance Award, based on the achievement of the Performance Measures for such performance period, as determined by the Administrator and certified by the Committee if and as

 

14


required by section 162(m) of the Code. Payment of a Performance Award may be made in cash, Common Stock (valued at the Market Value per Share), or a combination thereof, as determined by the Administrator. Payment shall be made in a lump sum or in installments as prescribed by the Committee. If a Performance Award covering shares of Common Stock is to be paid in cash, such payment shall be based on the Market Value per Share on the payment date or such other date, or averaged over such period, as may be specified by the Committee in the applicable Grant Document.

(e) Termination of Award. A Performance Award shall terminate if the Holder does not remain continuously in the employ (or in service as a Director) of the Company or a subsidiary at all times during the applicable performance period, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable Grant Document or determined by the Administrator.

(f) Performance Award Grant Document. Each grant of a Performance Award shall be evidenced by a Grant Document in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Administrator from time to time shall approve. The terms and conditions of the respective Performance Award Grant Documents need not be identical.

10. INCENTIVE AWARDS

(a) Incentive Awards. Incentive Awards are rights to receive shares of Common Stock (or the Market Value per Share thereof), or rights to receive an amount equal to any appreciation or increase in the Market Value per Share of Common Stock over a specified period of time, which vest over a period of time, subject to Section 5(d), as established by the Administrator, without satisfaction of any performance criteria or objectives. The Administrator may, in its discretion, require payment or other conditions of the Holder respecting any Incentive Award. An Incentive Award may be granted in the form of a “phantom stock” award or “restricted stock unit” or “RSU” award or such other form as determined by the Administrator from time to time.

(b) Award Period. The Administrator shall establish, with respect to and at the time of each Incentive Award, a period over which the Award shall vest with respect to the Holder.

(c) Awards Criteria. In determining the value of Incentive Awards, the Administrator shall take into account a Holder’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate.

(d) Payment. Following the end of the vesting period for an Incentive Award (or at such other time as the applicable Grant Document may provide), the Holder of an Incentive Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount, not exceeding the maximum value of the Incentive Award, based on the then vested value of the Award. Payment of an Incentive Award may be made in cash, Common Stock (valued at the Market Value per Share), or a combination thereof as determined by the Administrator. Payment shall be made in a lump sum, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable Grant Document. Cash dividend equivalents may be paid during or after the vesting period with respect to an Incentive Award, as determined by the Administrator.

 

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(e) Termination of Award. An Incentive Award shall terminate if the Holder does not remain continuously in the employ (or in service as a Director) of the Company or a subsidiary at all times during the applicable vesting period, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable Grant Document or determined by the Administrator.

(f) Incentive Award Grant Document. Each grant of an Incentive Award shall be evidenced by a Grant Document in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Administrator from time to time shall approve. The terms and conditions of the respective Incentive Award Grant Documents need not be identical.

11. OTHER STOCK AWARDS

(a) Other Stock Awards. Each Other Stock Award granted to a Holder shall constitute a transfer of unrestricted shares of Common Stock on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine. Other Stock Awards shall be made in shares of Common Stock and, subject to Section 5(d), need not be subject to performance criteria or objectives or to forfeiture. The purchase price, if any, for shares of Common Stock issued in connection with an Other Stock Award shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

(b) Other Stock Award Grant Document. Each grant of an Other Stock Award shall be evidenced by a Grant Document in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Administrator from time to time shall approve. The terms and conditions of the respective Other Stock Award Grant Documents need not be identical.

12. RECAPITALIZATION, REORGANIZATION AND OTHER CHANGES

(a) No Effect on Right or Power. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company or any subsidiary to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s or any subsidiary’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Common Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any subsidiary or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.

(b) Subdivision or Consolidation of Shares; Common Stock Dividends. The shares with respect to which Awards may be granted are shares of Common Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of an Award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares of Common Stock or the payment of a Common Stock dividend on Common Stock without receipt of full consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such Award may thereafter be exercised or satisfied, as applicable, (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding shares, shall be proportionately increased, and, if applicable, the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of

 

16


outstanding shares, shall be proportionately reduced, and, if applicable, the purchase price per share shall be proportionately increased. Any fractional share resulting from such adjustment shall be rounded up or down to the next whole share as determined by the Administrator. Further, the Committee shall have the authority to make such further adjustments to Awards pursuant to this paragraph as necessary to avoid adverse accounting effects or to satisfy regulatory requirements.

(c) Adjustments to Options and SARs. If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or otherwise changes its capital structure (a “recapitalization”), the number and class of shares of Common Stock or other property (including cash) covered by an Option or SAR theretofore granted and, if applicable, the purchase price of Common Stock or other property subject to such Option or SAR shall be adjusted so that such Option or SAR shall thereafter cover the number and class of shares of stock and other property to which the Holder would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the recapitalization, the Holder had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered by such Option or SAR.

If (i) the Company shall not be the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of an entity), (ii) the Company sells, leases, or exchanges or agrees to sell, lease, or exchange all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity, or (iii) the Company is dissolved and liquidated (each such event is referred to herein as a “Corporate Change”), then, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Holder, shall effect one or more of the following alternatives in an equitable and appropriate manner to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, which alternatives may vary among individual Holders and which may vary among Options or SARs held by any individual Holder:

 

  (1)

accelerate the time at which Options or SARs then outstanding may be exercised so that such Awards may be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified date (before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which specified date all such unexercised Awards and all rights of Holders thereunder shall terminate,

 

  (2)

require the mandatory surrender to the Company by all or selected Holders of some or all of the outstanding Options or SARs held by such Holders (irrespective of whether such Awards are then exercisable under the provisions of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by the Committee, in which event the Company shall thereupon cancel such Awards and shall pay (or cause to be paid) to each Holder an amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the Corporate Change Value (as defined below) of the shares subject to such Awards over the exercise price(s) under such Awards for such shares, or

 

  (3)

make such adjustments to Options or SARs then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Corporate Change and to prevent the dilution or

 

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enlargement of rights (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to such Awards then outstanding), including, without limitation, adjusting such an Award to provide that the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by such Award shall be adjusted so that such Award shall thereafter cover securities of the surviving or acquiring corporation or other property (including, without limitation, cash) as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

For the purposes of this Section 12(c), the “Corporate Change Value” shall equal the amount determined in clause (A) or (B), whichever is applicable, as follows: (A) the per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, sale of assets or dissolution transaction, or (B) if a Corporate Change occurs other than pursuant to an offer to stockholders, the fair market value per share of the shares into which such Options or SARs being surrendered are exercisable, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee (in accordance with section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable) to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Awards. In the event that the consideration in any transaction described in this Section 12(c) above consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is other than cash.

(d) Other Changes in Common Stock and Company Transactions. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or corporate transactions involving the Company, including, but not limited to, recapitalizations, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, split-ups, split-offs, spin-offs, stock splits, exchanges, liquidations, issuances of rights or warrants, or other relevant changes in capitalization or distributions (other than ordinary dividends) to the holders of Common Stock occurring after the date of the grant of any Award, and not otherwise provided for in this Section 12 with respect to such Award, then such Award and the related Grant Document shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee at its sole discretion in a timely, equitable and appropriate manner to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under such Award (including, without limitation, adjustments as to the number and price of shares of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Award). In the event of any such change in the outstanding Common Stock, corporate transaction or distribution to the holders of Common Stock, or upon the occurrence of any other event described in this Section 12, the aggregate maximum number of shares available under the Plan, the aggregate maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options, the kind of shares that may be delivered under the Plan and the provisions of Section 5(a) imposing limits on the numbers of shares of Common Stock covered by Awards granted or issued under the Plan shall be adjusted appropriately by the Committee. Adjustments to Awards pursuant to this paragraph may include, but shall not be limited to, (i) adjustments to the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding Awards, (ii) adjustments of the purchase price or exercise price, if applicable, of outstanding Awards, (iii) replacement of Awards with other Awards that the Committee determines have comparable value and which are based on stock of a company resulting from the transaction, and (iv) cancellation of an Award in return for a payment of cash, property or a combination thereof having an aggregate value equal to the current value of the Award (as determined by the Committee). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) adjustments pursuant to this Section 12 shall be

 

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subject to any required stockholder action and (y) to the extent required by section 409A of the Code, no adjustment shall be made in a manner that would give rise to an impermissible acceleration of the time or form of a payment of a benefit under the Plan pursuant to section 409A(a)(3) of the Code and any regulations or guidance issued thereunder.

(e) Change in Control. As used in the Plan (except as otherwise provided in an applicable Grant Document), the term “Change in Control” shall mean:

(aa) any person (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) under the Exchange Act, including any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) under the Exchange Act), a “Person”) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (such Person being referred to as an “Acquiring Person”) representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities; other than beneficial ownership by (i) the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Person organized, appointed or established pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan (unless such plan or Person is a party to or is utilized in connection with a transaction led by Outside Persons (as defined below)), or (iii) a Person who files a Schedule 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the requirements of Rule 13d-1 under the Exchange Act, with respect to its holdings of the Company’s voting securities (“Schedule 13G”), if and for so long as such Person is and remains eligible to file a Schedule 13G with respect to its holdings of the Company’s voting securities. (Persons referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) hereof are hereinafter referred to as “Excluded Persons”); or

(bb) individuals who constituted the Board as of December 1, 2009 (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any individual becoming a director on or after December 1, 2009 whose appointment to fill a vacancy or to fill a new Board position or whose nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(cc) the Company merges with or consolidates into or engages in a reorganization or similar transaction with another entity pursuant to a transaction in which the Company is not the “Controlling Corporation” (as defined below); or

(dd) the Company sells or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets, other than to Excluded Persons.

For purposes of clause (aa) above, the term “Outside Persons” means any Persons other than (I) Persons described in clauses (aa)(i) or (iii) above (as to Persons described in clause (aa)(iii) above, while they are Excluded Persons) and (II) members of senior management of the Company in office immediately prior to the time the Acquiring Person acquires the beneficial ownership described in clause (aa).

 

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For purposes of clause (cc) above, the Company shall be considered to be the “Controlling Corporation” in any merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar transaction unless either (1) the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction (the “Old Stockholders”) would not, immediately after such consummation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, securities of the resulting or acquiring entity entitled to elect a majority of the members of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the resulting entity or (2) those persons who were Directors of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction would not, immediately after such consummation, constitute a majority of the directors of the resulting entity, provided that (I) there shall be excluded from the determination of the voting power of the Old Stockholders securities in the resulting entity beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the other party to the transaction and any such securities beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any Person acting in concert with the other party to the transaction, (II) there shall be excluded from the determination of the voting power of the Old Stockholders securities in the resulting entity acquired in any such transaction other than as a result of the beneficial ownership of Company securities prior to the transaction and (III) persons who are directors of the resulting entity shall be deemed not to have been Directors of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction if they were elected as Directors of the Company within 90 days prior to the consummation of the transaction.

13. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

(a) The Plan. Subject to the last sentence of Section 3 hereof, the Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares of Common Stock for which Awards have not theretofore been granted. Subject to Section 13(c) hereof, the Board shall have the right to amend the Plan or any part thereof from time to time, and the Administrator may amend any Award (and its related Grant Document) at any time, except as otherwise specifically provided in such Grant Document; provided that no change in any Award theretofore granted may be made which would impair the rights of the Holder thereof without the consent of such Holder, and provided further that the Board may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend the Plan to (i) increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan, (ii) increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to Incentive Stock Options, (iii) change the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, or (iv) amend or delete Section 7(i). Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the date of stockholder approval of the Plan at the Company’s 2010 annual stockholder meeting, the Board may authorize the Committee to amend the Plan or any part thereof, including but not limited to the provisions referenced in clauses (i) thru (iv) above.

(b) Grant Documents. Subject to the consent of the Holder and the restrictions set forth in the Plan, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Grant Document from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

 

20


(c) Stockholder Approval Requirements. To the extent stockholder approval of an amendment to the Plan is necessary to satisfy (i) the requirements of Rule 16b-3 or (ii) any securities exchange listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange or other securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed, no such amendment shall be effective unless and until so approved by the stockholders of the Company.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

(a) No Right to an Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any action of the Board or the Administrator shall be deemed to give an employee or Director any right to be granted an Award except as may be evidenced by a Grant Document from the Company reflecting a grant by the Company of an Award to such person and setting forth the terms and conditions thereof. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to assure the performance of its obligations under any Award.

(b) No Employment or Membership Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any employee any right with respect to continuation of employment with the Company or any subsidiary or (ii) interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any subsidiary to terminate his or her employment at any time. Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of membership on the Board. For purposes of the Plan, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, an employee shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as long as the employee remains an employee of (1) the Company, (2) a parent corporation with respect to the Company, (3) a subsidiary, or (4) a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation assuming or substituting a new award for an Award granted under the Plan. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence and except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, an employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with the Company at the time of the termination of the “subsidiary” status under the Plan of the entity or other organization that employs such employee. Any question as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment, and the cause of such termination, shall be determined by the Administrator and its determination shall be final.

(c) Compliance with Laws. The grant of Awards and the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to any Award shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state, local and foreign law with respect to such securities and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock may then be listed. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any Common Stock pursuant to any Award granted under the Plan at any time when the shares covered by such Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as the Company or the Administrator deems applicable or, in the opinion of legal counsel for the Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws, rules, and regulations available for the issuance and sale of such shares. The Administrator shall have the right to suspend the right of any Holder to exercise an Option during any period in which the Administrator deems such suspension to be necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

 

21


(d) Withholding. The Company shall have the right to (i) make deductions from any settlement or exercise of an Award made under the Plan, including the delivery of shares, or require shares or cash or both be withheld from any Award, in each case in an amount sufficient to satisfy withholding of any taxes required by law, or (ii) take such other action as may be necessary or appropriate to satisfy any such tax withholding obligations. The Administrator may determine the manner in which such tax withholding may be satisfied, and may permit shares of Common Stock (together with cash, as appropriate) to be used to satisfy required tax withholding based on the Market Value per Share of any such shares of Common Stock.

(e) No Restriction on Corporate Action. Subject to the restrictions contained in Section 13, nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any subsidiary from taking any corporate action, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award granted hereunder. No employee, Director, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any subsidiary as a result of any such action.

(f) Restrictions on Transfer. An Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option, which shall be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 7(c)) shall not be transferable otherwise than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder, or (iii) with the consent of the Administrator. In the discretion of the Administrator, a percentage (determined by the Administrator and set forth in the applicable Grant Document) of the aggregate shares of Common Stock obtained from exercises of an Option (which percentage may be satisfied out of particular exercises as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the applicable Grant Document) shall not be transferable prior to the earliest to occur of (x) the termination of the relevant Option term (or such shorter period as may be determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Grant Document), (y) the Holder’s retirement, death or Disability, or (z) termination of the Holder’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries.

(g) Governing Law. The Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

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Annual Incentive Program

Exhibit 10.42

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

ANNUAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM

1. Purpose. This United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program (the “Program”) has been adopted by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to implement in part the “Performance Award” provisions of the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended from time to time (the “Incentive Plan 2010”), and is intended to provide a method for attracting, motivating, and retaining officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and to compensate such officers and employees based on performance measures of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as described herein. The Program and participation hereunder shall be subject to the terms of the Incentive Plan 2010, including the limitation on the maximum amount of compensation that may be paid with respect to Performance Awards (as such term is defined in the Incentive Plan 2010) as provided therein.

2. Participants. Each individual who is an Eligible Employee on the first day of a fiscal year of the Company or who becomes an Eligible Employee after the first day of a fiscal year shall become a Participant and receive the opportunity to receive an Annual Incentive Payment with respect to such fiscal year only if such individual is selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion (subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement) for participation in the Program with respect to such fiscal year prior to the last day of such fiscal year. Selection by the Administrator for participation in the Program for a fiscal year or portion thereof constitutes a Performance Award under the Incentive Plan 2010. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”) shall have the power to terminate any Participant’s participation in the Program upon written notice to such Participant of such termination and, only in the case of a Participant who is subject to section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 16”), subject to ratification of such action by the Committee.

3. Definitions. Where the following words and phrases are used in the Program, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a) “Administrator” means the Committee or the CEO (if the CEO is a director of the Company), subject to the provisions of Section 4.

(b) “Annual Incentive Payment” with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year shall be equal to the dollar amount calculated by multiplying such Participant’s Base Salary with respect to such fiscal year by: (1) zero percent (0%), if the Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year is less than the Entry Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year, or (2) such Participant’s Entry Incentive Percentage for such fiscal year if the Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year is at least equal to the Entry Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year, and (if the Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year exceeds the Entry Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year) an additional Target Incentive Percentage (or prorated portion thereof) for such Participant for such fiscal year for each million dollars (or


portion thereof) that the Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year exceeds the Entry Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year, up to and including the Target Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year, and (if the Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year exceeds the Target Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year) an additional Stretch Incentive Percentage (or prorated portion thereof) for such Participant for such fiscal year for each million dollars (or portion thereof) that the Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year exceeds the Target Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year, up to and including the Stretch Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year.

(c) “Base Salary” with respect to a fiscal year means the Participant’s base annual salary with respect to such fiscal year payable or paid, as applicable, by the Company or a consolidated subsidiary, as in effect on a date specified by the Administrator or over a period specified by the Administrator for such fiscal year as determined by the Administrator at the time such Participant commences participation in the Program for such fiscal year (except as otherwise specifically provided in the Program).

(d) “Broad Based Payment” means, with respect to a fiscal year, that a payment has been or will be paid under the Company’s broad-based profit sharing plan to the participants in that plan with respect to such fiscal year.

(e) “Change of Control” means, with respect to the Performance Award at issue, a “Change of Control” as defined in the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan as in effect on the date that the Committee makes the designations enumerated in Section 4(b) for such Performance Award.

(f) “Change of Control Level Pre-tax Income” with respect to a fiscal year means the amount established by the Committee as the Change of Control Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

(g) “Change Year” means the fiscal year during which a Change of Control occurs.

(h) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(i) “Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, the disability of such Participant such as would entitle such Participant to receive disability income benefits pursuant to the long-term disability plan of the Company or a subsidiary then covering such Participant or, if no such plan exists or is applicable to such Participant, the permanent and total disability of such Participant within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code; provided, however, that if an amount payable pursuant to a Performance Award constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of section 409A of the Code) and payment of such amount is intended to be triggered pursuant to section 409A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Code by a Participant’s disability, such term shall mean that such Participant is considered “disabled” within the meaning of section 409A of the Code.

(j) “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is an officer of the Company or a subsidiary.

 

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(k) “Entry Incentive Percentage” means, with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year, that percentage established by the Administrator as the Entry Incentive Percentage with respect to such Participant for such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

(l) “Entry Level Pre-tax Income” with respect to a fiscal year means the amount established by the Committee as the Entry Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

(m) “Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has received a Performance Award under the Program with respect to a fiscal year of the Company pursuant to Section 4.

(n) “Performance Target” means, with respect to a fiscal year, the minimum level of Pre-tax Income that must be achieved for such fiscal year in order for a Participant to be eligible to receive an Annual Incentive Payment for such fiscal year. Achievement of the Performance Target for a fiscal year means that the Pre-Tax Income with respect to such fiscal year equals or exceeds the Entry Level Pre-tax Income for such fiscal year.

(o) “Pre-tax Income” means, with respect to each fiscal year, the aggregate consolidated net income adjusted to exclude reported income taxes of the Company for such fiscal year as shown on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such fiscal year, but calculated excluding any special, unusual or non-recurring items as determined by the Committee in accordance with applicable accounting rules.

(p) “Stretch Incentive Percentage” means, with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year, that percentage established by the Administrator as the Stretch Incentive Percentage with respect to such Participant for such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

(q) “Stretch Level Pre-tax Income” with respect to a fiscal year means the amount established by the Committee as the Stretch Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

(r) “Target Incentive Percentage” means, with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year, that percentage established by the Administrator as the Target Incentive Percentage with respect to such Participant for such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

(s) “Target Level Pre-tax Income” with respect to a fiscal year means the amount established by the Committee as the Target Level Pre-tax Income with respect to such fiscal year pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

4. Administration.

(a) The Program shall be administered by the Administrator, so that (i) Performance Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Program as it relates to, any person who is subject to Section 16, shall be made or effected by the Committee, and (ii) Performance Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Program as it relates to, any person who is not subject to Section 16, shall be made or effected by the Committee or the CEO (or, if the CEO is not a director of the

 

3


Company, the Committee), unless the Program specifies that the Committee shall take specific action (in which case such action may only be taken by the Committee) or the Committee (as to any Award described in this clause (ii) or the administration or interpretation of any specific provision of the Program) specifies that it shall serve as Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may from time to time in its discretion put any conditions and restrictions on the powers that may be exercised by the CEO in his or her capacity as Administrator. The action of a majority of the members of the Committee will be the act of the Committee.

(b) Within 90 days after the beginning of each fiscal year of the Company beginning on or after January 1, 2011:

(i) the Committee shall establish in writing the Entry Level Pre-tax Income, the Target Level Pre-tax Income, the Stretch Level Pre-tax Income, and the Change of Control Level Pre-tax Income for such fiscal year for purposes of the Program, and

(ii) the Administrator shall establish in writing the Entry Incentive Percentage, the Target Incentive Percentage and the Stretch Incentive Percentage for such fiscal year for each individual who is selected by the Administrator to be a Participant in the Program for such fiscal year; provided, however, that the Administrator may select a Participant to participate and establish such percentages after such 90-day period.

Each designation of Entry Level Pre-tax Income, Target Level Pre-tax Income, Stretch Level Pre-tax Income, and Change of Control Level Pre-tax Income shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee in its discretion, and each designation of Entry Incentive Percentage, Target Incentive Percentage and Stretch Incentive Percentage shall be subject to adjustment as determined by the Administrator in its discretion, in each case as a result of changes in accounting principles and other significant extraordinary items or events; provided that in respect of any Performance Award intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of section 162(m) of the Code, such adjustments may only be made if and to the extent permitted by section 162(m) of the Code. At the time a Participant commences participation in the Program for a fiscal year, the Administrator shall determine the manner in which such Participant’s Base Salary for such fiscal year shall be determined.

(c) With respect to each fiscal year during which the Program is effective, and in no event later than the time which will permit the Company to pay any required Annual Incentive Payment for such fiscal year within the time period prescribed in Section 5, the Committee shall certify in writing (including by electronic mail transmission), except as otherwise provided in Sections 6 and 7 below, prior to the payment of any Annual Incentive Payment, whether the Performance Target has been achieved for such fiscal year and, if so, the level of Pre-tax Income achieved. For purposes of the preceding sentence, approved minutes of the Committee meeting in which the certification is made shall be treated as a written certification.

(d) The interpretation and construction by the Administrator of any provision of the Program, and any determination or action by the Administrator pursuant to any provision hereof, will be final and conclusive for all purposes, and each Participant’s participation in the

 

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Program is expressly subject to the foregoing. The Administrator shall not be liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith or upon reliance in good faith on the records of the Company or information presented to the Administrator by the Company’s officers, employees, or other persons (including the Company’s outside auditors) as to matters such member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence. If a Participant disagrees with any decision, determination, or action made or taken by the Administrator, then the dispute will be limited to whether the Administrator has satisfied its duty to make such decision or determination or take such action in good faith.

5. Annual Incentive Payments.

(a) If (i) the Committee certifies in writing, in accordance with Section 4(c), that the Performance Target has been met for a fiscal year, and (ii) the Broad Based Payment has been or will be paid with respect to such fiscal year, then each Participant in the Program who has remained continuously employed by the Company or a subsidiary from the date that he or she became a Participant with respect to such fiscal year until the last day of such fiscal year, and who has not otherwise surrendered the related Performance Award to the Company, shall receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the applicable certification by the Committee described in Section 4(c) above with respect to such fiscal year (but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the end of such fiscal year), a cash payment equal to the Annual Incentive Payment, if any, for such Participant with respect to such fiscal year. For purposes of clarity, if the applicable Performance Target has not been achieved or the Broad Based Payment has not been (or will not be, as the case may be) paid for a fiscal year, then no Annual Incentive Payment shall be payable with respect to such fiscal year.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5(a) and, except as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6(a), the Committee shall have the right to reduce or eliminate any Annual Incentive Payment with respect to a fiscal year that is otherwise payable pursuant to such Sections if the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the end of such fiscal year; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all Participants who are, but for the application of this paragraph, entitled to receive an Annual Incentive Payment under such Sections with respect to such fiscal year. The Committee shall not have the right to reduce or eliminate any Annual Incentive Payment that is payable pursuant to Section 6(b), Section 7 or, following a Change of Control, Section 6(a).

(c) Except as otherwise provided by the Administrator at the time a person becomes a Participant, if a person becomes a Participant after the first day of a fiscal year, then such Participant’s Annual Incentive Payment, if any, with respect to such fiscal year shall be pro-rated based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such fiscal year and ending on the last day of such fiscal year, and the denominator of which is 365.

 

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6. Payments upon Certain Terminations of Employment. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5:

(a) If a Participant’s employment or transition agreement, if any, with the Company or a subsidiary thereof provides for an annual incentive payment (or prorated portion thereof) with respect to the fiscal year in which such Participant terminates employment, then payment shall be made in accordance with the terms of such employment or transition agreement without regard to the continuous employment requirement set forth in Section 5.

(b) If a Participant does not have an employment agreement with the Company or a subsidiary thereof, or if any such employment agreement does not provide for an annual incentive payment (or prorated portion thereof) in the event the Participant’s employment terminates by reason of death or Disability, then with respect to the fiscal year during which such Participant’s termination of employment due to death or Disability occurs, (i) the Pre-tax Income shall be deemed to be equal to the Target Level Pre-tax Income, (ii) the Broad Based Payment shall be deemed to have been paid, and (iii) the Annual Incentive Payment shall be paid to the Participant or the Participant’s estate (as the case may be) within 30 days following the Participant’s termination of employment on a pro-rated basis, calculated based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the first day of such fiscal year (or, if later, the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such fiscal year) and ending on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, and the denominator of which is 365.

(c) With respect to Sections 6(a) and 6(b), such payment shall be based on the Participant’s rate of annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to his or her termination of employment (except, with respect to Section 6(a), as otherwise provided in the Participant’s employment or transition agreement). Additionally, with respect to Section 6(b), the applicable certification of the achievement of the performance goal by the Committee described in Sections 4 and 5 above shall not be required.

7. Payments upon a Change of Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5, if a Change of Control occurs, then the following shall apply with respect to each Participant who is employed by the Company or a subsidiary on the day immediately preceding the Change of Control:

(a) With respect to the Change Year, (i) the Performance Target will be deemed to be achieved at the Change of Control Level Pre-tax Income, (ii) the Broad Based Payment will be deemed to have been paid, (iii) the Annual Incentive Payment (prorated based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of the Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Change Year and ending on the date of the Change of Control, and the denominator of which is 365) shall be paid to the Participant on or before March 15 of the year following the Change Year, and (iv) such Participant shall not be entitled to any other Annual Incentive Payment with respect to the Change Year.

(b) The payment described in Section 7(a) shall be based on the Participant’s rate of annual base salary as in effect on the first day of such Change Year (or, if higher, as in

 

6


effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the Change of Control). Additionally, with respect to Section 7(a), the applicable certification of the achievement of the performance goal by the Committee described in Sections 4 and 5 above shall not be required.

8. Amendments, Termination and Other Matters.

(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 8, the Program may be amended from time to time or terminated by the Committee; provided that the Program may not be amended or terminated in a manner that would impair the rights of any Participant with respect to any outstanding Performance Award with respect to a fiscal year that has ended prior to such amendment or termination without the consent of such Participant, and may not be amended or terminated in contemplation of or in connection with a Change of Control, nor may any Participant’s participation herein be terminated in connection with a Change of Control, unless adequate and effective provision for the making of all payments otherwise payable pursuant to Section 7 of the Program (as in effect on the date that the Committee makes the designations enumerated in Section 4(b) with respect to the applicable Performance Award) with respect to such Change of Control shall be made in connection with any such amendment or termination.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s employment or transition agreement with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, (i) participation in the Program by a Participant shall terminate upon such Participant’s termination of employment with the Company and its subsidiaries or as otherwise set forth herein, and (ii) no Participant shall have any right to continue to participate in the Program or have any vested right to any incentive or other payment hereunder (except as aforesaid in connection with a Change of Control and except with respect to fiscal years which have already ended prior to such amendment or termination or prior to such Participant’s termination of employment with the Company and its subsidiaries).

(c) Participation in the Program shall not confer any right of future employment. The Program is not intended to create a pension or welfare benefit plan and is intended to be exempt from application of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Program is unfunded and shall not create, or be construed to create, a trust or separate fund or funds, and each Participant shall be entitled only to look to the Company for any benefit hereunder, and shall have no greater right than an unsecured creditor of the Company.

(d) No liability whatsoever shall attach to or be incurred by any past, present or future stockholders, officers, directors, or employees, as such, of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, under or by reason of the Program or the administration thereof, and each Participant, in consideration of receiving benefits and participating hereunder, expressly waives and releases any and all claims relating to any such liability.

(e) No incentive payment or Performance Award or other right, title, interest, or benefit hereunder shall ever be assignable or transferable, or liable for, or charged with any of the torts or obligations of a Participant or any person claiming under a Participant, or be subject to seizure by any creditor of a Participant or any person claiming under a Participant. No Participant or any person claiming under a Participant shall have the power to anticipate or

 

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dispose of any incentive payment, Performance Award or other right, title, interest, or benefit hereunder in any manner until the same shall have actually been distributed free and clear of the terms of the Program. Incentive payments hereunder shall be payable only to the Participant (or in the event of the death of a Participant, any payment due under the Program to such Participant shall be made to such Participant’s estate). Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, the Company shall comply with the terms of any qualified domestic relations order providing for the transfer or assignment of all or any portion of a Participant’s interest under the Program. The provisions of the Program shall be binding on all successors and assigns of a Participant, including without limitation the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator or trustee of such estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the Participant’s creditors.

(f) Wherever appropriate herein, words used in the singular shall be considered to include the plural, and words used in the plural shall be considered to include the singular. The masculine gender, where appearing in the Program, shall be deemed to include the feminine gender.

(g) The Program shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.

9. Clawback. Notwithstanding any provision in the Program to the contrary, the payments provided under the Program shall be subject to a clawback to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law including, without limitation, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any Securities and Exchange Commission rule.

10. Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payment hereunder all applicable federal, state, local and other taxes as required by law.

11. Effective Date. The Program shall be effective as of the date of its adoption by the Committee and shall be applicable to fiscal years of the Company beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

 

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Long-Term Relative Performace Program

Exhibit 10.43

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

LONG-TERM RELATIVE PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

I. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM

1.1 Purpose. This United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (the “Program”) has been adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to implement in part the “Performance Award” provisions of the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010 (as amended from time to time, the “Incentive Plan 2010”), and is intended to provide a method for attracting, motivating, and retaining key employees to assist in the development and growth of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Program and Awards hereunder shall be subject to the terms of the Incentive Plan 2010, including the limitations on the maximum amount of compensation that may be paid with respect to Performance Awards (as such term is defined in the Incentive Plan 2010) as provided therein.

II. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1 Definitions. Where the following words and phrases are used in the Program, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a) “Administrator” means the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (if the Chief Executive Officer is a director of the Company), subject to the provisions of Section 3.1.

(b) “Award” means, with respect to each Participant for a Performance Period, such Participant’s opportunity to earn a Payment Amount for such Performance Period, upon the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of the Program. Awards hereunder constitute Performance Awards (as such term is defined in the Incentive Plan 2010) under the Incentive Plan 2010.

(c) “Award Notice” means a written notice issued by the Company to a Participant evidencing such Participant’s receipt of an Award with respect to a Performance Period.

(d) “Base Amount” means, with respect to a Participant, the Participant’s base annual salary payable by the Company or a Subsidiary multiplied by the Participant’s Base Amount Multiple.

(e) “Base Amount Multiple” means, with respect to a Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee as the Base Amount Multiple with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1; provided, however, that such percentage shall be 100% if the Committee does not establish an alternative percentage pursuant to Section 3.1.

(f) “Basis Point” means one one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%).


(g) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(h) “Change of Control” means a “Change of Control” as defined in the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan as in effect on the date of grant of the applicable Award.

(i) “Change of Control Pre-tax Margin” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Change of Control Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period pursuant to Section 3.1, which shall be expressed as the Entry Pre-tax Margin for such Performance Period plus that number of Basis Points established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(j) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(k) “Committee” means a committee of the Board comprised solely of two or more outside directors (within the meaning of the term “outside directors” as used in section 162(m) of the Code). Such committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board unless and until the Board designates another committee of the Board to serve as the Committee.

(l) “Company” means United Continental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(m) “Disability” or “Disabled” means, with respect to a Participant, the disability of such Participant such as would entitle such Participant to receive disability income benefits pursuant to the long-term disability plan of the Company or a Subsidiary then covering such Participant or, if no such plan exists or is applicable to such Participant, the permanent and total disability of such Participant within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code; provided, however, that if an amount payable pursuant to an Award constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of section 409A of the Code) and payment of such amount is intended to be triggered pursuant to section 409A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Code by a Participant’s disability, such term shall mean that such Participant is considered “disabled” within the meaning of section 409A of the Code.

(n) “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is an officer of the Company or a Subsidiary.

(o) “Entry Level LTIP Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Administrator as the Entry Level LTIP Percentage for such Participant with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1.

(p) “Entry Pre-tax Margin” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Entry Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period, which shall be expressed as the Industry Pre-tax Margin for such Performance Period plus or minus that number of Basis Points, if any, established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(q) “Incentive Plan 2010” means the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended from time to time.

 

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(r) “Industry Group” means, with respect to each Performance Period, the companies determined in accordance with the provisions of Article V for such Performance Period.

(s) “Industry Pre-tax Margin” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage determined by dividing (i) the cumulative Pre-tax Income of all companies in the Industry Group for such Performance Period by (ii) all such companies’ cumulative revenues (determined for all such companies as provided in Section 2.1(z) with respect to the Company) over such Performance Period. If the fiscal year of a company in the Industry Group is not the calendar year, then such company’s cumulative revenues for a Performance Period shall be determined based upon the fiscal quarters of such company that coincide with the fiscal quarters contained in such Performance Period.

(t) “Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has received an Award under the Program with respect to a Performance Period pursuant to Section 4.1.

(u) “Payment Amount” means, with respect to each Participant and each Performance Period for which the Performance Target is satisfied, an amount equal to (i) such Participant’s Base Amount in effect as of the date specified by the Administrator as the date for the determination of such amount for such Performance Period (provided, however, that if the Administrator does not specify such a date, then such Participant’s Base Amount shall be that in effect as of the earlier of (A) the last day of such Performance Period, (B) the date of such Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, or (C) the day immediately preceding the date upon which a Change of Control occurs), multiplied by (ii) the Payout Percentage applicable to such Participant for such Performance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Payment Amount may be pro-rated as provided in the Program.

(v) “Payout Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant for a Performance Period for which the Performance Target is satisfied, a percentage, determined as of the earlier of (i) the last day of such Performance Period, (ii) the date of such Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, or (iii) the day immediately preceding the date upon which a Change of Control occurs, equal to such Participant’s Entry Level LTIP Percentage plus:

(A) if the Company’s Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Entry Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period and if there is a difference between the Target Pre-tax Margin and Entry Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period, an additional percentage equal to (x) such Participant’s Target Level LTIP Percentage divided by (y) the difference between the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period and the Entry Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period (expressed in Basis Points), for each Basis Point that the Company’s Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Entry Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period, up to and including the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period; and

(B) if the Company’s Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period and if there is a difference between the Stretch Pre-tax Margin and Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period, an additional percentage equal to (x) such Participant’s

 

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Stretch Level LTIP Percentage divided by (y) the difference between the Stretch Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period and the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period (expressed in Basis Points), for each Basis Point that the Company’s Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period exceeds the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period, up to and including the Stretch Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period.

(w) “Performance Period” means each three-year period commencing on the first day of a calendar year that begins on or after January 1, 2011. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no new Performance Period shall commence on or after the date upon which a Change of Control occurs, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.

(x) “Performance Target” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the minimum level of Pre-tax Margin that must be achieved for such Performance Period in order for a Participant to receive a Payment Amount for such Performance Period. Achievement of the Performance Target for a Performance Period means that the Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period equals or exceeds the Entry Pre-tax Margin for such Performance Period.

(y) “Pre-tax Income” means, with respect to the Company and each company in the Industry Group and each Performance Period, the aggregate consolidated net income adjusted to exclude reported income taxes of the Company or such company for such Performance Period. Pre-tax Income shall be determined based on the regularly prepared and publicly available statements of operations of the Company and each company in the Industry Group prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules; provided, however, that Pre-tax Income shall be adjusted to exclude (i) write-offs of assets (including aircraft and associated parts), (ii) one-time gains or losses from the disposal of assets, and (iii) any other item of gain, income, loss, or expense determined to be special, extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence, in each case under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) as determined by the Committee in accordance with applicable accounting rules. If the fiscal year of a company in the Industry Group is not the calendar year, then such company’s Pre-tax Income for a Performance Period shall be determined based upon the fiscal quarters of such company that coincide with the fiscal quarters in such Performance Period.

(z) “Pre-tax Margin” means, with respect to the Company and each Performance Period, the cumulative Pre-tax Income for the Company for such Performance Period divided by the Company’s cumulative revenues (determined on a consolidated basis based on the regularly prepared and publicly available statements of operations of the Company prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules) over such Performance Period; provided, however, that, such cumulative revenues shall be adjusted to exclude any item determined to be special, extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence as determined by the Committee in accordance with applicable accounting rules.

(aa) “Program” means this United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program, as amended from time to time.

(bb) “Qualifying Event” means, with respect to a Participant, the termination of such Participant’s employment with the Company under circumstances which would permit such

 

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Participant to receive a cash severance payment pursuant to an employment agreement between such Participant and the Company or a Subsidiary or, if no such employment agreement exists, then pursuant to the severance plan, if any, of the Company or a Subsidiary then covering such Participant; provided, however, that a Qualifying Event shall not include any such termination that results from such Participant’s voluntary separation from service which is not treated as an “involuntary separation from service” pursuant to Treasury regulation section 1.409A-1(n)(2).

(cc) “Retirement,” “Retires” or “Retired” means retirement of a Participant from employment with the Company or a Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable employer’s employment policies and regulations, as amended from time to time.

(dd) “Section 16” means Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including any successor section to the same or similar effect).

(ee) “Stretch Level LTIP Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage (which may be 0%) established by the Administrator as the Stretch Level LTIP Percentage for such Participant with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1.

(ff) “Stretch Pre-tax Margin” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Stretch Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period pursuant to Section 3.1, which shall be expressed as the Target Pre-tax Margin for such Performance Period plus that number of Basis Points, if any, established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

(gg) “Subsidiary” for purposes of participation in the Program means any entity (other than the Company) with respect to which the Company, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, owns equity interests possessing 50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all equity interests of such entity (excluding voting power that arises only upon the occurrence of one or more specified events).

(hh) “Target Level LTIP Percentage” means, with respect to each Participant who receives an Award for a Performance Period, the percentage (which may be 0%) established by the Administrator as the Target Level LTIP Percentage for such Participant with respect to such Award pursuant to Section 3.1.

(ii) “Target Pre-tax Margin” means, with respect to a Performance Period, the percentage established by the Committee to be the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such Performance Period pursuant to Section 3.1, which shall be expressed as the Entry Pre-tax Margin for such Performance Period plus that number of Basis Points, if any, established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1.

2.2 Number, Gender, Headings, and Periods of Time. Wherever appropriate herein, words used in the singular shall be considered to include the plural, and words used in the plural shall be considered to include the singular. The masculine gender, where appearing in the Program, shall be deemed to include the feminine gender. The headings of Articles, Sections, and Paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience. If there is any conflict between such headings and the text of the Program, the text shall control. All references to Articles, Sections,

 

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and Paragraphs are to the Program unless otherwise indicated. Any reference in the Program to a period or number of days, weeks, months, or years shall mean, respectively, calendar days, calendar weeks, calendar months, or calendar years unless expressly provided otherwise.

III. ADMINISTRATION

3.1 Administration by the Administrator. The Program shall be administered by the Administrator, so that (i) Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Program as it relates to, any person who is subject to Section 16, shall be made or effected by the Committee, and (ii) Awards made to, and the administration (or interpretation of any provision) of the Program as it relates to, any person who is not subject to Section 16, shall be made or effected by the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or, if the Chief Executive Officer is not a director of the Company, the Committee), unless the Program specifies that the Committee shall take specific action (in which case such action may only be taken by the Committee) or the Committee (as to any Award described in this clause (ii) or the administration or interpretation of any specific provision of the Program) specifies that it shall serve as Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may from time to time in its discretion put any conditions and restrictions on the powers that may be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in his or her capacity as Administrator. The action of a majority of the members of the Committee will be the act of the Committee.

Within 90 days after the first day of each Performance Period commencing on or after January 1, 2011 (but in no event after the date required for a performance goal to be considered preestablished under section 162(m) of the Code): (i) the Committee shall establish in writing for purposes of the Program the applicable Entry Pre-tax Margin, Change of Control Pre-tax Margin, Target Pre-tax Margin and Stretch Pre-tax Margin (such that at all times the Stretch Pre-tax Margin shall be equal to or higher than the Target Pre-tax Margin, which in turn shall be equal to or higher than the Entry Pre-tax Margin) for each such Performance Period; and (ii) the Administrator shall establish in writing the Base Amount Multiple (if other than 100%), Entry Level LTIP Percentage, Target Level LTIP Percentage and Stretch Level LTIP Percentage for each Participant with respect to such Performance Period (provided, however, that the Administrator may select a Participant to participate and establish the amounts under this clause (ii) after such 90-day period), and each of the items established under this clause (ii) may, but are not required to, be established by officer level. The targets and other amounts established by the Administrator pursuant to the preceding sentence shall in each case be subject to adjustment as determined by the Administrator in its discretion as a result of changes in accounting principles and other significant extraordinary items or events; provided that in respect of any Award intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of section 162(m) of the Code, such adjustments may only be made if and to the extent permitted by section 162(m) of the Code. At the time a Participant commences participation in the Program for a Performance Period, the Administrator shall determine the time at which such Participant’s Base Amount for such Performance Period shall be determined for purposes of determining such Participant’s Payment Amount for such Performance Period.

3.2 Powers of the Administrator. The Administrator shall supervise the administration and enforcement of the Program according to the terms and provisions hereof and shall have the sole discretionary authority and all of the powers necessary to accomplish these

 

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purposes. The Administrator (which shall be limited solely to the Committee to the extent provided in the Program) shall have all of the powers specified for it under the Program, including, without limitation, the power, right, or authority: (a) to designate an Eligible Employee as a Participant with respect to a Performance Period at any time prior to the last day of such period, (b) from time to time to establish rules and procedures for the administration of the Program, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Program or the Incentive Plan 2010, and any such rules and procedures shall be effective as if included in the Program, (c) to construe in its discretion all terms, provisions, conditions and limitations of the Program and any Award Notice, (d) to correct any defect or to supply any omission or to reconcile any inconsistency that may appear in the Program or in any Award Notice in such manner and to such extent as the Administrator shall deem appropriate, (e) to determine the Entry Pre-tax Margin, the Target Pre-tax Margin, the Stretch Pre-tax Margin, the Change of Control Pre-tax Margin and the Participant Base Amount Multiples, Entry Level LTIP Percentages, Target Level LTIP Percentages and Stretch Level LTIP Percentages with respect to each relevant Performance Period, (f) to make determinations as to whether the Performance Targets for the various Performance Periods were satisfied, (g) to certify in writing, prior to the payment of any amount under the Program with respect to a Performance Period, whether the Performance Targets relating to such Performance Period and any other material terms of the Program have in fact been satisfied, (h) to exercise its discretion to reduce or eliminate certain Payment Amounts pursuant to Section 6.2(b), and (i) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Program.

3.3 Administrator Decisions Conclusive; Standard of Care. The Administrator shall, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith (which, for purposes of this Section 3.3, shall mean the application of reasonable business judgment), make all decisions and determinations and take all actions necessary in connection with the administration of the Program. All such decisions, determinations, and actions by the Administrator shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon all persons. However, in the event of any conflict in any such determination as between the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, each acting in its or his capacity as Administrator of the Program, the determination of the Committee shall be conclusive. The Administrator shall not be liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith or upon reliance in good faith on the records of the Company or information presented to the Administrator by the Company’s officers, employees, or other persons (including the Company’s outside auditors) as to matters the Administrator reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence. If a Participant disagrees with any decision, determination, or action made or taken by the Administrator, then the dispute will be limited to whether the Administrator has satisfied its duty to make such decision or determination or take such action in good faith. No liability whatsoever shall attach to or be incurred by any past, present or future stockholders, officers, directors or employees, as such, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, under or by reason of the Program or the administration thereof, and each Participant, in consideration of receiving benefits and participating hereunder, expressly waives and releases any and all claims relating to any such liability.

IV. PARTICIPATION AND AWARD NOTICES

4.1 Participation. Each individual who is an Eligible Employee on the first day of a Performance Period or who becomes an Eligible Employee after the first day of a Performance

 

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Period shall become a Participant and receive an Award with respect to such Performance Period only if such individual is selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion (subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement) for participation in the Program with respect to such Performance Period prior to the last day of such Performance Period. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, Payment Amounts with respect to an Award for an individual who becomes a Participant with respect to such Award after the first day of the related Performance Period shall be pro-rated based on a fraction, the numerator of which is (except as otherwise provided in Section 6.3 or Section 6.4) the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the last day of such Performance Period, and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such Performance Period.

4.2 Award Notices. The Company shall provide an Award Notice to each Eligible Employee who becomes a Participant with respect to a Performance Period within 90 days after such Eligible Employee becomes such a Participant. Each Award Notice shall specify (a) the Performance Period to which the Award relates, (b) the applicable Entry Pre-tax Margin, Target Pre-tax Margin and Stretch Pre-tax Margin, (c) the applicable Base Amount Multiple, and (d) the applicable Payout Percentages set forth in Section 2.1(v) with respect to the Participant applicable upon the date of grant of the Award.

V. INDUSTRY GROUP

5.1 Initial Designation. The Industry Group shall consist of Alaska Air Group, Inc., AMR Corporation, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., US Airways Group, Inc., and JetBlue Airways Corporation; provided, however, that (a) within 90 days after the first day of each Performance Period, the Committee may in its discretion add any air carrier to, or remove any such company from, the Industry Group for such Performance Period and (b) the Industry Group for each Performance Period shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.2.

5.2 Adjustments to the Industry Group During a Performance Period. Except as provided in clause (a) of the proviso to Section 5.1, no company shall be added to, or removed from, the Industry Group for a Performance Period during such period; provided, however, that a company shall be removed from the Industry Group for a Performance Period if (a) during such period, (i) such company ceases to maintain publicly available statements of operations prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules, (ii) such company is not the surviving entity in any merger, consolidation, or other non-bankruptcy reorganization (or survives only as a subsidiary of an entity other than a previously wholly owned subsidiary of such company), unless such company separately maintains for the Performance Period publicly available statements of operations prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules, (iii) such company sells, leases, or exchanges all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity (other than a previously wholly owned subsidiary of such company), or (iv) such company is dissolved and liquidated, or (b) more than 20% of such company’s revenues (determined on a consolidated basis based on the regularly prepared and publicly available statements of operations of such company prepared in accordance with applicable accounting rules) for any fiscal year of such company that ends during such Performance Period are attributable to the operation of businesses other than such company’s airline business.

 

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VI. AWARD PAYMENTS

6.1 Determinations and Certification by the Committee. As soon as administratively feasible after the end of each Performance Period, the Committee shall determine whether a Performance Target has been achieved for such Performance Period and, if so, the level of such achievement. The Committee’s determination as to whether the applicable Performance Target for a Performance Period has been satisfied shall be certified by the Committee in writing (including by electronic mail transmission). For purposes of the preceding sentence, approved minutes of the Committee meeting in which the certification is made shall be treated as a written certification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each written certification by the Committee (including a certification by electronic email transmission) under this Section 6.1 shall be made by a date which will permit the Company to comply with the time of payment requirements of Sections 6.2 and 6.3 (after giving effect to the provisions of Section 6.7).

6.2 Eligibility for Payment of Awards.

(a) In General. Subject to Section 6.2(b) and the delayed payment restrictions of Section 6.6, upon the Committee’s written certification in accordance with Section 6.1 that the applicable Performance Target for a Performance Period has been satisfied, each Participant who has received an Award with respect to such Performance Period, who has remained continuously employed by the Company from the date he or she received such Award until the last day of such Performance Period and who has not surrendered such Award to the Company shall be entitled to the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period. Except as provided in Section 6.3 and Section 6.4, if a Participant’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason whatsoever prior to the last day of a Performance Period, then such Participant shall not be entitled to receive any payment under the Program with respect to his or her Award for such Performance Period, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or otherwise provided in the Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary. Payment of the amount to which a Participant becomes entitled pursuant to this Section 6.2 shall be made by the Company no later than March 15 of the year following the end of the applicable Performance Period.

(b) Negative Discretion. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6.2(a) and, except as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6.3(b), the Committee shall have the right to reduce or eliminate any Payment Amount with respect to a Performance Period that is otherwise payable pursuant to such Sections if the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the end of such Performance Period; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all Participants who are, but for the application of this paragraph, entitled to receive a Payment Amount under such Sections with respect to such Performance Period. The Committee shall not have the right to reduce or eliminate any Payment Amount that is payable pursuant to Section 6.3(a), Section 6.4 or, following a Change of Control, Section 6.3(b).

 

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6.3 Death, Disability or Retirement During a Performance Period.

(a) Death or Disability. Except as specifically provided in a Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, if, during a Performance Period with respect to which a Participant has received an Award, such Participant dies or becomes Disabled, then as to such Participant only (i) the Performance Target for each Performance Period that began prior to the date of such Participant’s death or Disability and which has not ended as of such date shall be deemed to have been satisfied (determined based upon achievement of the Target Pre-tax Margin level of performance), and (ii) the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 shall cease to apply with respect to such Performance Period. Except as specifically provided in a Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, with respect to each Performance Period that began prior to the date of such Participant’s death or Disability and which has not ended as of such date with respect to which the Performance Target has been deemed satisfied in the manner described in clause (i) of the preceding sentence, such Participant (or, in the case of death, such Participant’s estate) shall (A) receive a payment from the Company, as soon as administratively practicable after the date of such Participant’s death or Disability (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurred the Participant’s death or Disability), equal to the relevant Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the date such Participant died or became Disabled, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period, and (B) not be entitled to any additional payment under the Program with respect to such Performance Period.

(b) Retirement. Except as specifically provided in a Participant’s employment agreement with the Company of a Subsidiary, if a Participant Retires during a Performance Period, then such Participant shall (i) obtain a Payout Percentage with respect to each related Award based on the actual level of the Performance Target achieved (or, if Section 6.4(a) applies to any corresponding Award held by a Participant who has not terminated employment, then based on the deemed achievement of the Change of Control Pre-tax Margin), and (ii) subject to Section 6.2(b), receive a Payment Amount with respect to each such Award if and at the same time as payments are made to other Participants who have received corresponding Awards and who have not terminated employment (or, if earlier, no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which a Change of Control occurs), subject, however, to proration based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program with respect to such Award and ending on the date such Participant Retired, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire related Performance Period.

(c) Change of Control. The preceding provisions of this Section 6.3 shall not be applicable to a Participant who dies, becomes Disabled or Retires on or after the date upon which a Change of Control occurs.

 

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6.4 Change of Control During a Performance Period.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, with respect to each Participant who is employed by the Company on the day immediately preceding the date of such Change of Control, (i) the Performance Target for each Performance Period that began prior to the date of such Change of Control and which has not ended as of such date shall be deemed to have been achieved at the Change of Control Pre-tax Margin level of performance for such Performance Period and (ii) the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 shall cease to apply.

(b) With respect to a Performance Period described in Section 6.4(a), on or before the Applicable Payment Date (as defined below) following the end of each calendar year in such Performance Period ending on or after the date of such Change of Control, each Retirement Eligible Participant (as defined below) with respect to such calendar year who has received an Award with respect to such Performance Period shall receive a payment from the Company equal to (i) the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the last day of such calendar year, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period, minus (ii) the aggregate payments, if any, made to such Participant pursuant to this paragraph with respect to prior calendar years. For purposes of the preceding sentence, (A) the “Applicable Payment Date” with respect to a calendar year shall mean March 15 of the year following the end of such calendar year, and (B) a Participant shall be considered a “Retirement Eligible Participant” with respect to a calendar year if such Participant was eligible to Retire during such year and did not suffer a Qualifying Event, die, become Disabled or Retire during such year.

(c) If a Change of Control occurs and on the date thereof or thereafter during a Performance Period described in Section 6.4(a) a Participant who has received an Award with respect to such Performance Period suffers a Qualifying Event or dies, becomes Disabled, or Retires, then, with respect to such Performance Period, such Participant (or, in the case of death, such Participant’s estate) shall (i) no later than March 15 of the year following the occurrence of the Qualifying Event, death, Disability or Retirement, receive a payment from the Company equal to (A) the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the date of such Participant’s commencement of participation in the Program for such Performance Period and ending on the date such Participant died, became Disabled, Retired or suffered the Qualifying Event, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Performance Period, minus (B) the aggregate payments, if any, made or payable to such Participant pursuant to Section 6.4(b) with respect to calendar years that ended prior to the date of such Participant’s Qualifying Event, death, Disability or Retirement, and (ii) not be entitled to any additional payment under the Program with respect to such Performance Period (other than any unpaid amount owed to such Participant pursuant to Section 6.4(b) with respect to a calendar year that ended prior to the date of such Participant’s Qualifying Event, death, Disability or Retirement).

(d) With respect to a Participant who received an Award with respect to a Performance Period described in Section 6.4(a), who did not die, become Disabled, Retire or

 

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suffer a Qualifying Event during such Performance Period and who remained continuously employed by the Company from the date he or she received such Award until the last day of such Performance Period, such Participant shall receive a payment from the Company on or before March 15 of the year following the last day of such Performance Period in an amount equal to (i) the Payment Amount applicable to such Participant’s Award for such Performance Period, minus (ii) the aggregate payments, if any, made or payable to such Participant pursuant to Section 6.4(b) with respect to such Award.

6.5 Form of Payment of Awards. All payments to be made under the Program to a Participant with respect to an Award shall be paid in a single lump sum payment in cash.

6.6 Delayed Payment Restriction. With respect to a Participant who is identified as a specified employee (within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and as determined by the Company in accordance with any of the methods permitted under the regulations issued under section 409A of the Code) and who is to receive a payment hereunder (which payment is not a “short-term deferral” for purposes of section 409A of the Code) on account of such Participant’s separation from service (within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code and applicable administrative guidance thereunder, but excluding a separation from service by reason of death or Disability), the payment to such Participant shall not be made prior to the earlier of (a) the date that is six months after the Participant’s termination of employment or (b) the date of death of the Participant. In such event, any payment to which the Participant would have otherwise been entitled during the first six months following the Participant’s termination of employment (or, if earlier, prior to the Participant’s date of death) shall be accumulated and paid in the form of a single lump sum payment to the Participant on the date that is six months after the Participant’s termination of employment or to the Participant’s estate on the date of the Participant’s death, as applicable.

6.7 Time of Payment Obligations. Any obligation hereunder to make a payment on a specified date shall be deemed to have been satisfied in the event that such payment is made within five business days after such specified date; provided, however, that, with respect to a payment that is intended to qualify as a “short-term deferral” under section 409A of the Code, in no event shall such payment be made later than the date required in order for such payment to so qualify.

VII. TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF PROGRAM

7.1 Termination and Amendment. Subject to the terms of this Section 7.1, the Committee may amend the Program at any time and from time to time, and the Committee may at any time terminate the Program (in its entirety or as it applies to one or more specified Subsidiaries) with respect to Performance Periods that have not commenced as of the date of such Committee action; provided, however, that, (a) except as provided in the following sentence, the Program may not be amended in a manner that would impair the rights of any Participant with respect to any outstanding Award without the consent of such Participant, and (b) to the extent required by section 409A of the Code, the Program may not be amended or terminated in a manner that would give rise to an impermissible acceleration of the time or form of a payment of a benefit under the Program pursuant to section 409A(a)(3) of the Code and any regulations or guidance issued thereunder. Notwithstanding anything in the Program or an

 

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Award Notice to the contrary, if the Committee determines that the terms of the Program and/or any Award Notice do not, in whole or in part, satisfy the requirements of section 409A of the Code (or the requirements for an exemption to the application of section 409A of the Code), then the Committee, in its sole discretion, may unilaterally modify the Program and any such Award Notice in such manner as it deems appropriate to comply with such section and any regulations or guidance issued thereunder (or to qualify for an exemption to the application of such section). No Participant’s participation herein may be terminated in contemplation of or in connection with a Change of Control. The Program may not be amended or terminated in contemplation of or in connection with a Change of Control unless adequate and effective provision for the making of all payments otherwise payable pursuant to Section 6.4 (as in effect on the date of the grant of the affected Award) with respect to such Change of Control shall be made in connection with any such amendment or termination. The Committee shall remain in existence after the termination of the Program for the period determined necessary by the Committee to facilitate the termination of the Program and the payment of any outstanding Awards hereunder, and all provisions of the Program that are necessary, in the opinion of the Committee, for equitable operation of the Program during such period shall remain in force.

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

8.1 No Effect on Employment Relationship. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, for all purposes of the Program, a Participant shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as long as he or she has not incurred a separation from service with the Company and its affiliates within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code and applicable administrative guidance issued thereunder; provided, however, that whether such a separation from service has occurred shall be determined based upon a reasonably anticipated permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services to be performed to no more than 20% (or 49% if the Participant will no longer serve as an officer of the Company) of the average level of bona fide services provided in the immediately preceding 36 months. Nothing in the adoption of the Program, the grant of Awards, or the payment of amounts under the Program shall confer on any person the right to continued employment by the Company or any Subsidiary or affect in any way the right of the Company (or a Subsidiary, if applicable) to terminate such employment at any time. Unless otherwise provided in a written employment agreement, the employment of each Participant shall be on an at-will basis, and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time by either the Participant or the Participant’s employer for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Any question as to whether and when there has been a termination of a Participant’s employment for purposes of the Program, and the reason for such termination, shall be determined solely by and in the discretion of the Administrator, and its determination shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

8.2 Prohibition Against Assignment or Encumbrance. No Award or other right, title, interest, or benefit hereunder shall ever be assignable or transferable, or liable for, or charged with any of the torts or obligations of a Participant or any person claiming under a Participant, or be subject to seizure by any creditor of a Participant or any person claiming under a Participant. No Participant or any person claiming under a Participant shall have the power to anticipate or dispose of any Award or other right, title, interest, or benefit hereunder in any manner until the same shall have actually been distributed free and clear of the terms of the Program. Payments with respect to an Award shall be payable only to the Participant (or (a) in

 

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the event of a Disability that renders such Participant incapable of conducting his or her own affairs, any payment due under the Program to such Participant shall be made to his or her duly appointed legal representative and (b) in the event of the death of a Participant, any payment due under the Program to such Participant shall be made to his or her estate). Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, the Administrator shall comply with the terms of any qualified domestic relations order providing for the transfer or assignment of all or any portion of a Participant’s interest under the Program. The provisions of the Program shall be binding on all successors and permitted assigns of a Participant, including without limitation the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator or trustee of such estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the Participant’s creditors.

8.3 Unfunded, Unsecured Program. The Program shall constitute an unfunded, unsecured obligation of the Company to make payments of incentive compensation to certain individuals from its general assets in accordance with the Program. Each Award granted under the Program merely constitutes a mechanism for measuring such incentive compensation and does not constitute a property right or interest in the Company, any Subsidiary, or any of their assets. Neither the establishment of the Program, the granting of Awards, nor any other action taken in connection with the Program shall be deemed to create an escrow or trust fund of any kind.

8.4 No Rights of Participant. No Participant shall have any security or other interest in any assets or stock of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of participation in the Program (except after payment thereof to the Participant). Participants and all persons claiming under Participants shall rely solely on the unsecured promise of the Company set forth herein, and nothing in the Program, an Award or an Award Notice shall be construed to give a Participant or anyone claiming under a Participant any right, title, interest, or claim in or to any specific asset, fund, entity, reserve, account, or property of any kind whatsoever owned by the Company or any Subsidiary or in which the Company or any Subsidiary may have an interest now or in the future; but each Participant shall have the right to enforce any claim hereunder in the same manner as a general creditor. Neither the establishment of the Program nor participation hereunder shall create any right in any Participant to make any decision, or provide input with respect to any decision, relating to the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.

8.5 Clawback. Notwithstanding any provision in the Program to the contrary, the payments and benefits provided under the Program shall be subject to a clawback to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law including, without limitation, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any Securities and Exchange Commission rule.

8.6 Tax Withholding. The Company and the Subsidiaries shall deduct and withhold, or cause to be withheld, from a Participant’s payment made under the Program, or from any other payment to such Participant, an amount necessary to satisfy any and all tax withholding obligations arising under applicable local, state, federal, or foreign laws associated with such payment. The Company and the Subsidiaries may take any other action as may in their opinion be necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment and withholding of such taxes.

 

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8.7 No Effect on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Program or any Participant’s Award or Award Notice shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements affecting any Participant. Nothing in the Program shall be construed to affect the provisions of any other compensation plan or program maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary.

8.8 Subsidiaries. The Company may require any Subsidiary employing a Participant to assume and guarantee the Company’s obligations hereunder to such Participant, either at all times or solely in the event that such Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary.

8.9 Governing Law. The Program shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.

 

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Form of Annual Incentive Program Award Notice

Exhibit 10.44

ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARD NOTICE

to [NAME]

Pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Annual Incentive Program

Fiscal Year 20[    ]

1. The Program. This document constitutes your formal notice (the “Notice”) of a Performance Award under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program (as amended from time to time, the “Program”) adopted under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010 (as amended from time to time, the “Incentive Plan 2010”). This Notice evidences your right to participate in the Program with respect to the period commencing on January 1, 20[    ] and ending on December 31, 20[    ] (the “Fiscal Year”), subject to the terms of the Program and the Incentive Plan 2010. The effective date of your commencement in the Program with respect to this award is [            , 20    ].

2. The Goals. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) has established the following goal for the Fiscal Year, which must be met in order for you to receive an Annual Incentive Payment:

(a) The Performance Target must be achieved. Achievement of the Performance Target means that the Company’s Pre-tax Income with respect to the Fiscal Year equals or exceeds the Entry Level Pre-tax Income. The following are the levels of Pre-tax Income set by the Committee for the Fiscal Year:

i. Entry Level Pre-tax Income of $[            ];

ii. Target Level Pre-tax Income of $[            ]; and

iii. Stretch Level Pre-tax Income of $[            ].

(b) If a Change of Control occurs during the Fiscal Year, then the Pre-tax Income for the Fiscal Year will be deemed to be equal to $            .

In order to receive an Annual Incentive Payment for the Fiscal Year, the Program also requires that a payment must have been or will be made under the Company’s broad-based profit sharing plan to the participants in that plan with respect to the Fiscal Year (the “Broad Based Payment”).

3. Payment upon Achievement of the Goals. If (i) the Committee certifies in writing that the Performance Target has been met as of the end of the Fiscal Year, (ii) the Broad Based Payment has been or will be paid for the Fiscal Year, and (iii) you remain continuously employed by the Company or its subsidiaries through the last day of the Fiscal Year, then you will receive an Annual Incentive Payment as soon as reasonably practicable after the applicable certification by the Committee (but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the Fiscal Year) in an amount equal to a percentage of your Base Salary, which percentage shall be determined by adding:

(a) your Entry Incentive Percentage for the Fiscal Year ([    ]%), plus


(b) an additional     % (or prorated portion thereof) for each million dollars (or portion thereof) by which the Company’s Pre-tax Income exceeds the Entry Level Pre-tax Income, up to and including the Target Level Pre-tax Income (representing a Target Incentive Percentage of     %), plus

(c) if the Company’s Pre-tax Income for the Fiscal Year exceeds the Target Level Pre-tax Income for such period, an additional     % (or prorated portion thereof) for each million dollars (or portion thereof) by which the Company’s Pre-tax Income exceeds the Target Level Pre-tax Income, up to and including the Stretch Level Pre-tax Income (representing a Stretch Incentive Percentage of     %).

4. Continuous Employment Requirement. Receipt of an Annual Incentive Payment is conditioned on your continuous employment with the Company or its subsidiaries through the last day of the Fiscal Year (with limited exceptions, as described in the Program).

5. Pro-Rated Payment. Your Annual Incentive Payment may be prorated as provided in the Program under certain circumstances.

6. Negative Discretion. In general, and subject to limited exceptions (as described in the Program), the Committee will have the right to reduce or eliminate the Annual Incentive Payment that would otherwise be payable for the Fiscal Year if the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the end of the Fiscal Year; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all Participants who are otherwise entitled to receive an Annual Incentive Payment with respect to the Fiscal Year.

7. Program and Incentive Plan 2010 Control. Capitalized terms used in this Notice are defined in the Program. The Program and the Incentive Plan 2010 are hereby incorporated into this Notice by reference. All statements in this Notice are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Program and the Incentive Plan 2010. If you have any questions, or wish to obtain a copy of the Program or the Incentive Plan 2010, please contact                     .

 

2

Form of Long-Term Relative Performace Award Notice

Exhibit 10.45

LONG-TERM RELATIVE PERFORMANCE AWARD NOTICE

to [Name]

Pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Long-Term Relative Performance Program

Performance Period January 1, 20[    ] to December 31, 20[    ]

1. The Program. This document constitutes your formal Award Notice with respect to an Award as a Participant under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (as amended from time to time, the “Program”) adopted under the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010 (as amended from time to time, the “Incentive Plan 2010”). This Award Notice evidences your receipt of an Award under the Program with respect to the Performance Period commencing on January 1, 20[    ] and ending on December 31, 20[    ] (the “Performance Period”), subject to the terms of the Program and the Incentive Plan 2010. The effective date of your commencement in the Program with respect to this Award is [            , 20    ].

2. The Goal. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) has established a Performance Target for purposes of Awards under the Program.

(a) Performance Target. The Performance Target means the minimum level of Pre-tax Margin that must be achieved by the Company for the Performance Period in order for you to receive a Payment Amount. Achievement of the Performance Target for the Performance Period means that the Pre-tax Margin with respect to the Performance Period equals or exceeds the Entry Pre-tax Margin for the Performance Period. The entry, target, and stretch levels are as follows:

i. Entry Pre-tax Margin (which is more specifically defined in the Program) generally means the percentage determined by dividing the cumulative Pre-tax Income of all companies in the Industry Group (currently [                    ]) for the Performance Period by all such companies’ cumulative revenues over such period [[plus] [minus]          Basis Points];

ii. Target Pre-tax Margin is equal to Entry Pre-tax Margin plus          Basis Points; and

iii. Stretch Pre-tax Margin is equal to Target Pre-tax Margin plus          Basis Points.

(b) Change of Control. If a Change of Control occurs during the Performance Period, then the Company’s Pre-tax Margin for the Performance Period will be deemed to equal the Entry Pre-tax Margin plus          Basis Points.

3. Payout upon Achievement of Goal. If the Company’s Pre-tax Margin for the Performance Period equals or exceeds the Entry Pre-tax Margin for the Performance Period and you have remained continuously employed by the Company or a subsidiary through the


end of the Performance Period, then the Payment Amount with respect to this Award will be an amount equal to (A) your Payout Percentage times (B) your Base Amount. Your Payout Percentage and Base Amount will be determined under the Program. As of the date of this Award, your Payout Percentage and Base Amount are as follows:

(a) Payout Percentage. Your Payout Percentage is equal to     % (representing the Entry Level LTIP Percentage), plus (1) an additional     % for each Basis Point by which the Company’s Pre-tax Margin with respect to the Performance Period exceeds the Entry Pre-tax Margin with respect to the Performance Period, up to and including the Target Pre-tax Margin (representing a Target Level LTIP Percentage of     %), and (2) an additional     % for each Basis Point by which the Company’s Pre-tax Margin with respect to the Performance Period exceeds the Target Pre-tax Margin with respect to such period, up to and including the Stretch Pre-tax Margin (representing a Stretch Level LTIP Percentage of     %).

(b) Base Amount. Your Base Amount is equal to $            .

4. Continuous Employment Required. Receipt of a Payment Amount is conditioned on your continuous employment with the Company or its subsidiaries through the last day of the Performance Period (with limited exceptions, as described in the Program).

5. Pro-Rated Payment. Your Payment Amount may be prorated as provided in the Program under certain circumstances.

6. Negative Discretion. In general, and subject to limited exceptions (as described in the Program), the Committee will have the right to reduce or eliminate the Payment Amount that would otherwise be payable for the Performance Period if the Committee determines in its discretion that such reduction or elimination is appropriate and in the best interest of the Company based on the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments and cash readily accessible under the Company’s unused lines of credit as of the end of the Performance Period; provided, however, that any such reduction or elimination shall apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all Participants who are otherwise entitled to receive a Payment Amount with respect to the Performance Period.

7. Program and Incentive Plan 2010 Control. Capitalized terms used in this Award Notice are defined in the Program. The Program and the Incentive Plan 2010 are hereby incorporated into this Award Notice by reference. All statements in this Award Notice are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Program and the Incentive Plan 2010. If you have any questions, or wish to obtain a copy of the Program or the Incentive Plan 2010, please contact                     .

 

2

Description of Benefits for Board of Directors

Exhibit 10.46

Description of Compensation and Benefits for Directors

Cash Compensation of Non-employee Directors. Active non-employee directors elected by the holders of the Company Common Stock receive the following cash and equity compensation: (i) annual cash retainer of $80,000; (ii) annual equity grant of $80,000 of Restricted Stock Units; (ii) Chair of the Audit Committee receives $20,000 per year and members receive $10,000 per year; (iii) Chair of the Compensation, Executive, Finance, and Nominating/Governance Committees receive $15,000 per year and members receive $7,500 per year; and (iv) Co-Chairs of the Public Responsibility Committee receive $10,000 per year and members receive $5,000 per year.

Travel Benefits for Directors.

UATP Travel Card. Each director will receive a UATP Travel Card to be used for leisure travel on the Continental and United systems. The annual travel limit of the UATP card is currently $40,000.

Space Available Travel. In addition to the UATP Travel Card, each director and his or her eligible family members will receive space available flight passes (which shall be the highest priority space available flight passes).

Tax Gross Up. Each director will be entitled to an annual tax gross-up payment for travel of up to $27,500 (subject to annual adjustment). The gross-up is intended to reimburse a director for taxes incurred as a result of including the leisure travel benefits in his or her income.

Club Membership. Each director and a director’s spouse or qualified domestic partner will receive a membership in the Continental Presidents Club and United Red Carpet Club (or any successor program).

Frequent Flyer Status. Each director and a director’s spouse or qualified domestic partner will receive Presidential Platinum Elite OnePass Cards and 1K Global Services Status (or similar cards valid on both United and Continental).

Lifetime Benefits. A director who (i) served as a member of the Board on October 1, 2010 or (ii) becomes a member of the Board following October 1, 2010 and attains at least five consecutive years of service, shall be eligible to receive, along with his or her spouse or qualified domestic partner, a UATP Travel Card, club membership and frequent flyer status for his or her lifetime. Directors who were eligible to receive reimbursement for taxes incurred on post-separation flight benefits pursuant to a similar policy with UAL Corporation or Continental Airlines, Inc. prior to the merger will also receive tax gross-up payments for the lifetime of director.

Survivorship Benefits. Non-employee directors elected by the holders of the Company Common Stock who served as a member of the Board on October 1, 2010 will have certain survivorship benefits, which are also available to such director’s surviving spouse or qualified domestic partner and children. The survivorship benefits shall include an annual survivor travel limit granted annually on January 1 of each calendar year during the ten calendar year period beginning January 1st of the calendar year following the director’s death and ending on December 31st of the year of the tenth anniversary of the non-employee director’s death (such annual survivor benefit amount to be a travel limit of $10,000).

Charitable Tickets. Each active non-employee director elected by the holders of the Company Common Stock will receive 10 round-trip tickets annually to donate to qualified charities.

Charitable Contribution Matching Program. The Company will provide support to nonprofit organizations to which an active director makes a personal commitment in the amount of $20,000 per year. In the case of each ALPA and IAM director, the Company will provide support to organizations to which the director or their respective union contributes up to $20,000 per year in the aggregate.


Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance and Indemnification. The Company has a policy which provides liability insurance for directors and officers of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company also provides indemnification for directors as set forth in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Continental Holdings, Inc..

Letter Agreement - Glenn F. Tilton

Exhibit 10.52

October 1, 2010

Mr. Glenn F. Tilton

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

UAL Corporation

77 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60601

Dear Glenn:

As you know, UAL Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“UAL”), Continental Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Continental”) and JT Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of UAL (“Merger Sub”), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 2, 2010 (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into Continental (the “Merger”) and, as a result of which, Continental will become a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL (which will be renamed United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“United Continental”)) upon the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”). Upon the Effective Time, you will cease to be the Chief Executive Officer of UAL and United Airlines, Inc. (“UA”, and UAL and UA sometimes collectively referred to as “United”) and the President of UAL, you will retire from United, and you will become non-executive chairman (“Chairman”) of the Board of Directors of United Continental (the “United Continental Board”). It is anticipated that you will serve as Chairman of the United Continental Board until the later of (a) the second anniversary of the Effective Time and (b) December 31, 2012 (the later of such dates, the “Chairman Retirement Date”).

This letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) sets forth the terms of your compensation as Chairman of the United Continental Board. It is hereby agreed by United and you as follows:

1. Standard Non-Employee Director Compensation. While serving as Chairman, you will receive the same compensation paid to other non-employee directors of the United Continental Board.

2. Additional Annual Cash Retainer. Until the Chairman Retirement Date (or such earlier date on which your service as Chairman terminates), you will receive an additional annual cash retainer of $600,000, payable pursuant to the same schedule as the regular annual cash retainer paid to other non-employee directors of the United Continental Board.

3. Additional Annual Equity Retainer. At or promptly following the first meeting of the United Continental Board that occurs following the Effective Time, you will receive an additional equity retainer of restricted stock units of United Continental common stock (“RSUs”) with a grant date value of $150,000 pursuant to the 2006


Director Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (or any successor plan thereto) (the “DEIP”). At or promptly following the first meeting of the United Continental Board that occurs following the first anniversary of the Effective Time, provided that your service as Chairman has not terminated, you will receive an additional equity retainer of RSUs with a grant date value of $150,000 pursuant to the DEIP. The number of RSUs that you will receive on each grant date will equal the quotient of (A) $150,000 and (B) the closing price of United Continental common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the applicable grant date (rounded down to the nearest whole number). The RSUs will vest upon the earliest of (a) the first anniversary of the applicable grant date, (b) the Chairman Retirement Date, (c) termination of your service as Chairman due to your death, Disability or removal without Cause (including, without limitation, as a result of your failure to be re-elected to the United Continental Board by United Continental’s stockholders), (“Disability” and “Cause”, each as defined in the Employment Agreement (as defined in Section 15 below)) and (d) your retirement as Chairman with the consent of the United Continental Board (each such termination in the foregoing clauses (c) and (d), a “Qualifying Chairman Termination”). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that your service as Chairman terminates prior to the Chairman Retirement Date for any reason other than a Qualifying Chairman Termination, you will immediately forfeit any unvested RSUs and will have no further rights with respect thereto.

4. Travel Privileges. While serving as Chairman, you will receive the same travel privileges provided to other non-employee directors of the United Continental Board. Upon termination of your service on the United Continental Board, you will receive the same travel privileges provided to other non-employee directors who retire from the United Continental Board following the Effective Time.

5. Company Car and Driver. Until the Chairman Retirement Date (or such earlier date on which your service as Chairman terminates), you will be provided with the use of a car and driver for both business and personal use at a level consistent with the level provided to you by United immediately prior to the Effective Time.

6. Office Space and Administrative Support. Until the Chairman Retirement Date (or such earlier date on which your service as Chairman terminates) and for a period of ten years thereafter, you will be provided with (a) office space at 77 W. Wacker Drive, 40th floor, Chicago, IL or at such other location as may be agreed to by you and United Continental from time to time and (b) full-time administrative support.

7. Reimbursement of Professional Fees. United Continental will pay on your behalf all bills rendered to you by your attorneys in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Letter Agreement; provided, however, that the amount of professional fees payable hereunder will not exceed $15,000.

8. Governing Law. This Letter Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflicts of laws principles.


9. Amendment. No provision of this Letter Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except by a written document signed by you and a duly authorized officer of United Continental.

10. Dispute Resolution. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Letter Agreement will be settled in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Section 10(h) of the Employment Agreement.

11. Tax Matters. To the extent consistent with applicable law, United Continental will not withhold or deduct from any amounts payable under this Letter Agreement any amount or amounts in respect of income taxes or other employment taxes of any other nature on your behalf. You will be solely responsible for the payment of any federal, state, local or other income and/or self-employment taxes in respect of the amounts payable to you under this Letter Agreement.

12. Successors and Assigns. This Letter Agreement is personal to you and may not be assigned or delegated by you or transferred in any manner whatsoever, nor are such obligations subject to involuntary alienation, assignment or transfer. This Letter Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. This Letter Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of United Continental’s successors and assigns. As used in this Letter Agreement, the term “United Continental” includes any successor to United Continental’s business and/or assets that assumes and agrees to perform this Letter Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

13. Construction. Whenever possible, each provision of this Letter Agreement will be interpreted so that it is valid under applicable law. If any provision of this Letter Agreement is to an extent declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction under the applicable law, that provision will remain effective to the extent not declared invalid. The remainder of this Letter Agreement will also continue to be valid to the extent it is consistent with the essential intent and principles of this Letter Agreement, and the entire Letter Agreement will continue to be valid in other jurisdictions.

14. Entire Agreement. This Letter Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the matters specifically contemplated by this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement will be effective immediately upon execution by each party hereto, provided that if the Effective Time does not occur, this Letter Agreement will be null and void with effect as of the date that the Merger Agreement terminates and none of you, United or United Continental will have any further obligations hereunder.

15. Effect of Letter Agreement on the Employment Agreement. This Letter Agreement will not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, reduce, eliminate or constitute a waiver of, or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of, any party to the employment agreement between you and United dated as of September 5, 2002 and amended as of December 8, 2002 by Amendment No. 1, February 17, 2003 by Amendment No. 2, September 29, 2006 by Amendment No. 3, September 25, 2008 by


Amendment No. 4 and June 21, 2010 by Amendment No. 5 ( the “Employment Agreement”), and will not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations and covenants or agreements contained in the Employment Agreement, all of which will continue in full force and effect.

16. Notices. All notices and other communications under this Letter Agreement will be made in writing and all such notices and communications will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to United Continental:    United Continental Holdings, Inc.
   77 W. Wacker Drive
   Chicago, Illinois 60601
   Attn: Executive Vice President & General Counsel
   Fax: (312) 997-8180
If to you:    At your address most recently on file with United Continental

or to such other address as you or United Continental may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address will be effective only upon receipt.

17. Miscellaneous. This Letter Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Letter Agreement. The captions used in connection with the Sections of this Letter Agreement are inserted only for the purpose of reference and such captions will not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any other manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of this Letter Agreement or any part thereof, nor will such captions otherwise be given any legal effect.

[Remainder of this page is intentionally blank]


If the foregoing correctly sets forth your understanding, please indicate your acceptance of the terms hereof by signing in the appropriate space provided below and returning to United the enclosed duplicate originals of this Letter Agreement.

 

    Very truly yours,
ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF THE DATE FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN:     UAL CORPORATION,
      by    

  /s/ Glenn F. Tilton

       

  /s/ Thomas J. Sabatino Jr.

  Glenn F. Tilton           Name:   Thomas J. Sabatino, Jr.
          Title:   Senior Vice President,
         

General Counsel &

Corporate Secretary

Subsidiaries

Exhibit 21

United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc.

Subsidiaries

(as of February 22, 2011)

 

    

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

United Continental Holdings, Inc.    Delaware
(Wholly-owned subsidiaries):   
Air Wis Services, Inc.    Wisconsin
Continental Airlines, Inc.    Delaware
Four Star Insurance Company, Ltd.    Bermuda
UAL Benefits Management, Inc.    Delaware
United Air Lines, Inc.    Delaware
Air Wis Services, Inc.   
(Wholly-owned subsidiary):   
Air Wisconsin, Inc.    Wisconsin
Air Wis Services, Inc. (999 shares) and United Air Lines, Inc. (1 share)
Domicile Management Services, Inc.    Delaware
Continental Airlines, Inc.   
(Wholly-owned subsidiaries)   
Air Micronesia, Inc.    Delaware
CAL Cargo, S.A. de C.V.    Mexico
CALFINCO Inc.    Delaware
Century Casualty Company    Vermont
Continental Airlines de Mexico, S.A.    Mexico
Continental Airlines Domain Name Limited    England
Continental Airlines Finance Trust II    Delaware
Continental Airlines Fuel Purchasing Group, LLC    Delaware

Continental Airlines, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan for Pilots Trust Agreement

   Delaware
Continental Airlines Purchasing Holdings LLC    Delaware
Continental Express, Inc.    Delaware
Presidents Club of Guam, Inc.    Delaware
Air Micronesia, Inc.   
(Wholly-owned subsidiary)   
Continental Micronesia, Inc.    Delaware
Continental Airlines Purchasing Holdings LLC   
( 99% ownership, 1% ownership by Continental Airlines, Inc.)
Continental Airlines Purchasing Services LLC    Delaware
United Air Lines, Inc.   
(Wholly-owned subsidiaries):   
Covia LLC    Delaware
Kion de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.    Mexico
Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC    Delaware
United Aviation Fuels Corporation    Delaware
United Cogen, Inc.    Delaware
United Vacations, Inc.    Delaware


Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC   
(Wholly-owned subsidiary):   
MPH I, Inc.    Delaware
Mileage Plus, Inc.    Delaware
MPH I, Inc.   
(Wholly-owned subsidiary):   
Mileage Plus Marketing, Inc.    Delaware

Covia LLC currently owns a 55.9949803% equity interest in the Galileo Japan Partnership, a Delaware general partnership.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-167801 on Form S-4, Registration Statement Nos, 333-165084, 333-158738, 333-151778, 333-150986, 333-131434, on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-155794 on Form S-3 of our report dated February 25, 2010, except for Note 1 (Reclassifications) and Note 10, as to which the date is February 22, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to retrospective reclassifications of revenue and expenses in its statements of consolidated operations and an explanatory paragraph relating to a change in reportable segments) appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of United Continental Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 22, 2011
Concent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-167801),

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-165084),

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-158738),

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151778),

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-150986),

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-131434),

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-155794);

of our reports dated February 22, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of United Continental Holdings, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of United Continental Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, IL
February 22, 2011
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-155794 on Form S-3 of our report dated February 25, 2010, except for Note 1 (Reclassifications) and Note 10, as to which the date is February 22, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of United Air Lines, Inc. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to retrospective reclassifications of revenue and expenses in its statements of consolidated operations and an explanatory paragraph relating to a change in reportable segments) appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of United Air Lines, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 22, 2011
Concent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.4

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-155794) of United Air Lines, Inc. of our report dated February 22, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of United Air Lines, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of United Air Lines, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, IL

February 22, 2011

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.5

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-158781) of Continental Airlines, Inc. and in the related Prospectus, of our report dated February 22, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Continental Airlines, Inc. included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Continental Airlines, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Houston, Texas  
February 22, 2011  
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of UAL

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)

(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I, Jeffery A. Smisek, certify that:

 

(1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”);

 

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

(4) The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(5) The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

Jeffery A. Smisek
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 22, 2011
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of UAL

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)

(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I, Zane C. Rowe, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”);

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 22, 2011
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of United

Exhibit 31.3

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)

(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I, Jeffery A. Smisek, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of United Air Lines, Inc. (the “Company”);

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

Jeffery A. Smisek

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 22, 2011
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of United

Exhibit 31.4

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)

(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I, Zane C. Rowe, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of United Air Lines, Inc. (the “Company”);

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 22, 2011
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of Continental

Exhibit 31.5

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)

(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I, Jeffery A. Smisek, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of Continental Airlines, Inc. (the “Company”);

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

Jeffery A. Smisek

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 22, 2011

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of Continental

Exhibit 31.6

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)

(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I, Zane C. Rowe, certify that:

 

  (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of Continental Airlines, Inc. (the “Company”);

 

  (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  (4) The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  (5) The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  /s/ Zane C. Rowe
 

Zane C. Rowe

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: February 22, 2011

 

Certification of the CEO and CFO of UAL

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

Each undersigned officer certifies that to the best of his knowledge based on a review of the annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Report”):

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Date: February 22, 2011

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

Jeffery A. Smisek

President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Certification of the CEO and CFO of United

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of United Air Lines, Inc.

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

Each undersigned officer certifies that to the best of his knowledge based on a review of the annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of United Air Lines, Inc. (the “Report”):

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of United Air Lines, Inc.

Date: February 22, 2011

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

Jeffery A. Smisek

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Certification of the CEO and CFO of Continental

Exhibit 32.3

Certification of Continental Airlines, Inc.

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

Each undersigned officer certifies that to the best of his knowledge based on a review of the annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010 of Continental Airlines, Inc. (the “Report”):

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Continental Airlines, Inc.

Date: February 22, 2011

 

/s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

Jeffery A. Smisek

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Zane C. Rowe

Zane C. Rowe

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer