Continental Airlines Inc. CEO Larry Kellner said Monday that his company has no plans to merge with another carrier despite industry speculation it could join forces with United Airlines.
"We're in a position that is very good competitively. We're in a position where we can grow. And we're in a position where I'd prefer to remain independent," Kellner said at a luncheon celebrating the Houston, Texas,-based company's 40th anniversary of service to Mexico at the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.
Kellner said he did not plan to meet with United officials while in Mexico City. United officials in Mexico who attended the luncheon confirmed that.
"We just came to hear the head of Continental's positions because he is always very interesting," said Jesus Noguez, general manager of United in Latin America.
Last week, Crain's Chicago Business reported that United had hired an investment banker adding credence to widespread industry talk that it could merge with a carrier such as Continental or Delta Air Lines.
Kellner said in the next few years Continental plans to increase flights and seats to its 30 destinations in Mexico, and may expand service to one or two more Mexican airports.
Continental officials said the airline will continue to provide service to the state of Oaxaca, despite civil unrest in the region. Flights to the Yucatan Peninsula, reduced following several hurricanes last year, will also be fully restored by December, officials said.
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