Nine days after a surprise heart-transplant operation, Oscar Munoz, United Continental Holdings Inc. 's chief executive, on Friday said that his recovery is proceeding well and he was leaving the hospital to go to his Chicago home.
"I feel as strong as ever," Mr. Munoz told employees in a letter released by the company. "I feel great, and it won't be long before we are working side by side again."
Mr. Munoz, who recently turned 57, was stricken by a heart attack in October, just six weeks after taking the top job at the nation's No. 3 carrier by traffic. Chicago-based United is being led in the interim by former general counsel Brett Hart, who is acting CEO.
United had expected Mr. Munoz to return from medical leave sometime in the current quarter. But upon disclosing the heart transplant last week, United said his return date may slip to the beginning of the second quarter.
The employee letter Friday included a photo of Mr. Munoz and two members of his medical team at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he underwent the surgery after being treated there for the heart attack. Mr. Munoz was wearing a dress shirt and sport coat and was smiling widely, flanked by two transplant doctors in white coats. United said it is the first photo released of him since the medical woes.
Mr. Munoz said he was leaving the hospital Friday and is "headed to my Chicago home." He said the doctors "have been impressed with my progress and foresee a quick recovery." Until he returns to his job full time, Mr. Munoz said he expects to "participate in key meetings and be involved in strategic planning."
In his short time on the job, the CEO outlined a new strategy to improve employee morale, customer service and punctuality. The company already has made progress on all of those fronts.
Mr. Munoz said Friday that he has confidence United can become a great airline for customers and a cherished place to work.
"We have some important decisions ahead of us," he said, thanking employees for their support during his time away.
Write to Susan Carey at susan.carey@wsj.com
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