CHICAGO – United Airlines took the top spot among the major network carriers in on-time performance for the month of December, based on preliminary industry data. In the month, 76.4 percent of United’s flights were on-time in a month that experienced significant winter weather challenges along the East Coast and in the Midwest as well as the airline’s highest load factors of any previous December

Finishing first among the network carriers will result in a monthly bonus payment for employees and will mark the 10th time that United employees earned a bonus payout for their contribution to the company’s leading on-time performance result for 2009. For the year, United will pay out almost $32 million, meaning more than 39,000 front-line employees will earn $825 each for their achievements in on-time performance results.

Additionally, United’s customer satisfaction measurements for the month of December showed a 34% improvement compared to December 2008, which follows an all-time high customer satisfaction performance in November 2009 for cabin cleanliness, condition, and workability as well as employee courtesy index.

“Our people managed through enormous weather challenges and heavy holiday travel traffic and did an outstanding job of getting our customers where they needed to be safely and on time,” said John Tague, president, United Airlines. “We began 2009 with a goal of being the number one major network carrier in on-time performance. By working together, we are now consistently competing for the top spot in on-time performance, significantly improving customer satisfaction levels each month and doing all the things necessary for running a great airline.”

Launched in January 2009, United’s Arrival: 14 cash incentive program pays employees $100 for each month that the company finishes first among its network peers. If the company finishes second or achieves its internal goal, employees earn $65.