United boss Munoz returns home after heart attack

United Airlines boss Oscar Munoz has returned to his Chicago home from hospital after undergoing a heart transplant.
Munoz said in a statement to the US carrier’s staff: “I’m excited to let you know that today I’m headed to my Chicago home following my heart transplant. With the help of the amazing and caring team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, I feel as strong as ever.
“My doctors have been impressed with my progress and foresee a quick recovery. I feel great, and it won’t be long before we are working side by side again. Until that time, I expect to participate in key meetings and be involved in strategic planning.”
Munoz was appointed president and chief executive of United in September 2015, replacing Jeff Smisek who stepped down from his post as the result of an ongoing US federal investigation into alleged corruption.
However, Munoz suffered a heart attack on October 19, and United then appointed Brett Hart as acting chief executive.
In his statement, Munoz added: “My new heart makes me feel like I’ve been given a new set of wings, and that reinforces my confidence that, with the wings we all share, we can soar in our quest to make United a great airline for our customers and a cherished place to work.
“I will be relying on this sense of team purpose as I transition back. We have some important decisions ahead of us, and we can move forward with the necessary boldness only if we have a shared trust, confidence and respect.”
Pictured L-R: Dr Allen S. Anderson, Medical Director, Center for Heart Failure, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern Medicine (at left), Oscar Munoz and Dr Duc Pham, Director of the Northwestern Medicine Heart Transplant Program.