CHICAGO, April 1, 2009 – Citing rising fuel costs and declining passegner traffic, United Airlines® has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Friday, April 3 will be United's last day of operations, as its assets are liquidated to repay creditors for billions in unpaid debt.

Glen Tilton, United's Chief Executive Officer, issued a statement to employees this morning thanking them for their hard work and for paying for his lavish bonuses as he drove the airline into the ground...