Second US airline close to collapse

The world's second biggest airline last night warned it is on the verge of financial collapse. United Airlines says it could follow US Airways, the country's sixth biggest airline, which has filed for protective bankruptcy.

United lost $2 billion (£1.25 billion) after the 11 September terrorist attacks last year - the worst loss in the history of the industry - and has bled another $800 million this year. The airline lost two aircraft hijacked by terrorists in the attacks.