United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz is expecting to return to work in early 2016 after suffering a heart attack last month.
Munoz was taken ill last month after only six weeks in the job. He had replaced former CEO Jeff Smisek, who stepped down following a connection with a US federal investigation into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Brett Hart, who was previously United’s executive VP and general counsel, has been running the company since Munoz’s heart attack.
Munoz said in a letter to United staff that he was “on the road to recovery” and expected to be back at work early next year.
“My time away will be a little longer than I would like, but based upon discussion with my doctors I will be back in the first quarter,” he said.
“I'm personally grateful to Brett and the entire management team for their leadership and for embracing United's new direction.
“As I'm sure you can appreciate, this has been a difficult time for me and my family. Your messages of encouragement have helped profoundly."