United taps former FAA chief Jane Garvey as chairman

United Continental’s board named former FAA boss Jane Garvey to be chairman, as the carrier works to improve operations and close a profit gap with rivals. Garvey succeeds Robert Milton, a former Air Canada CEO who led United’s board for two years and announced plans last month to step down. Garvey, who guided the FAA through the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, serves as North America chairman of investment firm Meridiam Infrastructure. She joined United’s board in 2009. As non-executive chairman, Garvey will oversee United CEO Oscar Munoz’s effort to widen profit margins to the levels enjoyed by Delta and American Airlines. United is also weighing an order of long-range jetliners and looking for a new CFO to work alongside President Scott Kirby, who is spearheading an expansion plan focused on winning back market share in key hubs such as Chicago and Denver.<br/>