United Airlines said its CEO Oscar Munoz underwent a heart transplant and is in recovery.
A statement issued by the carrier said the surgery was ‘the preferred treatment’ and not a response to any setback in his recovery after a heart attack in October.
Munoz’ scheduled return to work will likely be pegged back to ‘the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter.’
"The United team wishes Oscar well during his recovery," the United statement said, and will provide another update later today.
Munoz suffered a heart attack just five weeks after assuming the CEO role following the ousting of Jeff Smisek.
Brett Hart, the company’s general counsel, is currently at the helm as acting CEO.
