Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Munoz acknowledged his right hand isn't 100 percent but recently began shaking hands instead of doing fist bumps. He is also now cleared to fly on commercial airlines instead of private jets, a precaution ordered by doctors to protect his weakened immune system.
Munoz battled through the near-term effects of his surgery and returned to full-time work in March. His return to work was characterized by an improvement in the company's operating performance and forged better labor relations — partly due to pressure from two hedge funds that hoped to see a shake-up in management.
Most recently, United hired Scott Kirby to serve as president. Analysts are enthusiastic over the new management hire, and so is Munoz.
"We have a new team, new processes, a new strategy," he told the Wall street Journal in the interview. "We've got the resources. There are no more holes in my management lineup."
He added that he is also eager to make up for lost time from when he was recuperating.
There are several challenges ahead, the Wall Street Journal noted. Specifically, margins at United Continental lag its peers, and the company needs to regain customers who defected to rivals over the past few years. The airline also needs to get rid of the misconception that it is a "docile" industry follower.
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