Computer crash delays thousands of United passengers

Technical difficulties caused major disruptions for US-based United Airlines on Thursday.

Travel Insurance News - 19/11/2012

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Technical difficulties caused major disruptions for US-based United Airlines on Thursday.

Reports said that the two-hour system crash held back some 250 flights, just as the airline was regaining momentum following a series of computer problems over the last several months.

Officials from the Chicago- and Houston-based airline said that the problem began at around 08:30 EST time and continued to affect the carrier’s systems throughout the day despite being repaired by 10:30am.

Spokesman Rahsaan Johnson said on behalf of the airline that the problem had crippled the airline’s communication systems, leaving United dispatchers disconnected from the firm’s offices and aircraft operating worldwide.

The news comes just weeks after the airline saw one the largest in an ongoing series of technical problems, as ticketing and check-in systems around the US failed leaving agents with no choice but to hand out hand-written boarding passes. The issues have been chronic since United officially began merging its systems with Continental early this year following a 2010 takeover.

United Continental Holdings Inc stock fell 47 cents on the news on a day when shares for numerous other US carriers saw gains.

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