Continental-United Merge, Customers Approve!

Sylvain Duford over at the Sylvain's Panama Adventure blog has some crunchy news for all of us commercial flights regulars. With Continental and United merging to form the number 1 commercial flights, inhabitants of Panama who also are members of the Star Alliance will benefit from a much wider selection of destination to choose from:

Given that I have lots of Star Alliance points, this merger is going to make it much easier for us to travel in and out of Panama where Continental has a strong presence. And since Continental is a majority share owner in Panama’s COPA Airlines, that should open lots of doors to all of Latin America!

Most of the time, when we think merger, we think quality downgrade, loss of customer care, and mostly brand confusion. Hiwever, this historical American fusion seems to be the entire opposite. Merging allows to expand each customer's destination choice without the sweat of going through yet another airline company. Obviously, as mentionned above, holders of fidelity cards are probably the most rewarded by this merger.

However, customers are not the only ones benefiting from this new merged mega-company. Here is an excerpt from the Let's Fly Together Website:

Customers and Communities to Benefit from Greater, Easier Access to World’s Most Comprehensive Network; Preserves and Enhances Service to Small Communities

Employees to Benefit from Enhanced Long-Term Career Opportunities and Greater Stability as Part of Stronger Global Competitor

Shareholders to Benefit from Strong Financial Foundation, Expected Net Annual Synergies of $1.0 Billion to $1.2 Billion and Sustainable Long-Term Value

Award-Winning Customer Service Combines With Industry-Leading On-Time Performance

Industry-Leading Frequent Flyer Program Provides More Opportunities to Earn and Redeem Miles Worldwide

Existing Alliance Partnership Provides Platform for Smooth Integration

Name of Airline Will be United with Continental’s Logo and Livery

Well, there is probably some dirt associated with this merger, but it's certainly well-hidden behind this pile of customer goodnes :)