After leading United through 29 years of growth, President William A. Patterson moved into the chairman's office in 1963. United's new president, George Keck, continued the company's momentum by acquiring second-generation jetliners and seeking United's first trans-Pacific route beyond Hawaii. In late 1968, Keck also formed UAL, Inc., a holding company that would allow United to diversify.

New Technology, New Leadership...
It was a decade of momentous changes. Between 1959 and 1969, United transitioned from the technology of propellers and reciprocating engines to the new science of jet propulsion. In the same period, the company established its undisputed position as the world's largest commercial airline when it merged with Capital Airlines, then the fifth largest air transport company in the United States. At the same time, United made its first serious attempts at globalization with the filing of extensive route applications to Asia. More than its aircraft and route developments, however, three other very significant events would change the course of future events at United:

• On Sept 26, 1963, George Keck was elected president of United and William Patterson was named chairman of the board and CEO.
• UAL, Inc., incorporated December 30, 1968 as a holding company with United a wholly owned subsidiary. This action formally approved by stockholders at their annual meeting a few months later.
• Before the decade ended, the Civil Aeronautics Board issued its devastating decision in the Transpacific Route Case, denying United's application for routes to Asia.