United reshuffles management as it prepares for uncertain recovery

United is reshuffling its management team to help the airline prepare for the near-term uncertainty of travel demand, new CE Scott Kirby told employees on Wednesday, as restrictions to keep the coronavirus from spreading are lifted. With stay-at-home orders easing across the US, airlines have pointed to slight improvements in air travel demand that had virtually disappeared in April. Still, the outlook remains uncertain. "Demand could be down 30% or it could be down 70%," Kirby said. Under the changes, Jon Roitman, currently United's senior vice president of airport and network operations, will replace Greg Hart as chief operations officer effective June 1. Hart will be taking a step back to focus on medium- and long-term issues including innovation on safety, hygiene, and operating efficiency as airlines prepare for drastic changes in the travel industry following the coronavirus outbreak. Hart will also be tasked with developing a more nimble cost structure, including labor costs.<br/>