United Appoints New Chief Operations Officer, Opens New Hangar

United Continental Holdings, Inc. today announced that Greg Hart will be named executive vice president and chief operations officer, succeeding Pete McDonald, who is retiring after nearly 45 years with United. In his new position, Hart will be responsible for airport operations, cargo, technical operations, network operations, flight operations, in-flight service, safety and food services.

"We will miss Pete, and congratulate him on his retirement," said Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Smisek. "His leadership and tremendous knowledge of our business have been great assets to United. Our team and our Board of Directors are confident that Greg will successfully lead our operations groups as we focus on improving our operational quality and efficiency while running an on-time airline with great customer service."

Hart previously served as United's senior vice president of technical operations. He earlier held the role of senior vice president network. Hart joined the airline in 1997 and held various leadership positions including vice president of network strategy, staff vice president of domestic scheduling and managing director of corporate development.

Meanwhile, the carrier has opened a wide body aircraft maintenance hangar at Washington Dulles International Airport. According to a report by ATW, the airline invested nearly $45 million to construct the facility, which will handle two wide body or several narrow body aircraft simultaneously.