Manhattan —

The merger of United and Continental Airlines spurred profit increases and a 37 percent rise in stock price in the past year. But some workers and and customers aren’t pleased with   United, the world’s largest carrier by number of destinations served. United also upended some New York customers with its recently announced plans to move out of Kennedy Airport, and shift its West Coast flights to its Newark Airport hub.

United Vice Chairman Jim Compton spoke, during the annual conference of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, about steps the airline is taking to address its challenges.