San Francisco In Running For Headquarters Move

Just days after UAL Corp. announced it would fire 1,000 salaried and management workers to save $100 million, the parent company of United Airlines announced it is considering a headquarters relocation to cut even more costs. Possible locations include San Francisco, Denver and even downtown Chicago... just a stone's throw from the company's current headquarters adjacent O'Hare International.

United officials discussed a possible move last week with San Francisco airport and city officials, but airline spokesman Brandon Borrman told the Associated Press those talks are in the early stages. United Airlines currently operates half of the flights at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Meanwhile San Francisco was doing its best to woo the carrier. "We're making the case that if they want to remake their corporate image, San Francisco is a good place to be," said Jesse Blout, the city's economic development director.

Just four months after emerging from bankruptcy protection, Borrman says United does not have a timeline for making a decision. "We're looking at all options. It's about what makes the best sense financially and operationally."

Blout was skeptical of a San Francisco move. "[We] may have been shortlisted, but United is fishing for the best offer they can get."

If the company does move, Borrman said, some employees would remain at UAL's existing location in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village, IL.

FMI: www.ual.com