United Airlines has prepared for the worst but expects the best of a critical computer switchover that was scheduled to begin after midnight.
This last step in United’s $3.2 billion “merger of equals” with Continental Airlines – one that creates the world’s largest airline – may be the trickiest and could impact customers the most.
Called a “cutover,” tomorrow’s move to a combined system involves massive amounts of data about flight schedules, reservations, fares and frequent-flier miles.
The information will migrate from United’s Apollo system to Continental’s SHARES system. Both and will be taken down at about midnight and are to emerge about four hours later as with the look and feel of .
” We’re confident that the cutover will go well,” said United spokesman Rahsaan Johnson . “We’ve already migrated a fair amount of data.”
More than 10,000 employees have received training in the new system, there have been four dress rehearsals and weekend staffing has been increased at airports. Continental agents accustomed to the computer system will work with United employees at ticket counters and gates.
Extra personnel will be on hand to assist passengers, Johnson said, adding, “We know that there will be people who will be confused about where to go.”
Johnson said Denver International Airport officials, Denver police, Transportation Security Administration and others have been notified of the changeover, a step Johnson added was “in the interest of sharing information.”
Continental has disappeared from the skies, and from airport signage and tickets. Its gold globe insignia will survive on the blue tails of the United planes, the majority of which will be repainted by year’s end.
At DIA, Continental ticketing and checkin already had been moved to United counters. Continental operated three gates – B16, B18 and B20 – which are adjacent to United’s gates and are being used by United.
Other airlines have had mixed results when they have undertaken the complicated computer change. In 2007, when US Airways and America West combined systems, there were delayed flights and long lines at checkin counters when the merged system didn’t communicate with self-service airport terminals.
The change was relatively smooth for Delta and Northwest customers in 2010 when the last of a phased-in computer transition was completed.
While some industry experts warn of possible lost reservations and luggage, aviation consultant Mike Boyd of Evergreen predicted nothing will happen.
“Judging by the way this merger has handled,” Boyd said, ” it will be smooth as silk, a non-event.”
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
