EU approves United and Continental merger

The planned merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines has been granted unconditional clearance from the European Commission.

The Commission said the merger will not give rise to concerns on any specific route.

The airlines still need approval from US regulators but believe they are on track to complete the transaction by the end of this year.

"We are pleased to have received this clearance from the European Union, a significant market for our combined new company, and we continue to work cooperatively with the U.S Department of Justice toward an expeditious completion of our merger, which will benefit our customers, our people, our shareholders and the communities we serve," said Glenn Tilton, UAL Corporation chairman, president and CEO