Jake Brace Costs Quotations

We took the view early in the case that we were going to take full advantage of every opportunity that bankruptcy gives us to fix our situation, and we have done just that. We also took advantage of all of the opportunities to save costs that aren't necessary, enabled by the bankruptcy process.

Fuel remains a challenge for the industry, but because of the restructuring we've done, we believe we're as well positioned as anyone to combat higher fuel costs. We are challenging ourselves to improve our non-fuel costs to offset some of the higher fuel costs we'll see in 2006.

This is very normal for bankruptcies ... (and) has nothing to do with the operation of the business at all, ... The industry still has a number of challenges, fuel costs chief among them, but we're pleased with our results.

The numbers tell the story. Year to date in 2005, the company's operating earnings improved by over $450 million, despite fuel costs that are $1.3 billion higher than last year. When United exits bankruptcy in February 2006, we will be ready to compete aggressively with the best carriers in a way that is distinctly United.

Our approach is clearly working, as the numbers show. We have substantially improved our financial performance despite dramatic increases in fuel costs over the last 12 months. And United has one of the best operating records in the industry -- in on-time departures, baggage handling, fewest customer complaints and other areas helping us to outpace the industry in unit revenue.