April 30, 2013 – United Airlines announced today that it has become a sponsor of the U.S.-Japan TOMODACHI Initiative, which was launched following the Great East Japan Earthquake to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the United States and Japan. As part of the agreement, United will provide flight tickets to support the initiative’s student exchange program between the two countries. Each edition of United’s Japanese in-flight magazine for the next year will feature an article about the initiative’s activities, enhancing awareness in Japan and facilitating further support for the program.

 “As the largest air carrier in the United States with strong ties to Japan, it is a natural evolution for us to sponsor the TOMODACHI Initiative,” said Matt Miller, United’s Managing Director, Japan and Pacific Sales. “We hope to see increased exchanges between the youth of both countries as well as providing support to those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.”

After signing the sponsorship agreement on behalf of United, Miller shook hands with John V. Roos, the United States Ambassador to Japan.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome United Airlines into the family of companies and organizations who are supporting the TOMODACHI Initiative,” said Ambassador Roos  “Thanks to the generosity of United, the TOMODACHI Initiative will be able to further expand our exchange programs, bringing younger generations of Japanese and American citizens even closer together.”

United operates flights to Guam from Sendai Airport, which was closed in March 2011 as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The airline started operating interim flights immediately after the reopening of the airport in July 2011, resuming twice-weekly scheduled service in October 2011. In October 2012, service was restored to its pre-earthquake frequency of four weekly flights.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, United employees presented 1,000 folded paper cranes to Miyagi Prefecture as gesture of solidarity. They also collected donations from both co-workers and people outside the company to contribute to the Great East Japan Earthquake Miyagi Children’s Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational grants to orphans. In addition, immediately after the disaster United, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, began collecting contributions from frequent flyer program members.

 

About the TOMODACHI Initiative

Led by the United States Embassy in Japan and the U.S.-Japan Council, a public interest incorporated foundation, and assisted by the Japanese Government, as well as the corporations, organizations and individuals in Japan and the United States, the TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership that invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans. Based on the spirit of friendship that formed the basis for disaster relief operations in the Tohoku region following the Great East Japan Earthquake, called Operation Tomodachi, jointly performed by the United States Armed Forces and Japan Self Defense Forces, the initiative was launched to support Japan’s recovery from the disaster and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the United States and Japan over the long-term. The initiative intends to create new opportunities in the areas of the cultural exchange, education, business incubation, and development of leaders, thus developing the future “TOMODACHI generations” in Japan and the United States.

 About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,446 flights a day to more than 370 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on nearly 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United’s MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

 

For further information, please contact: