Final answer:
Continental Airlines merged with United Airlines on October 1, 2010, which was part of a larger trend of consolidation in the industry following deregulation in 1978.
Step-by-step explanation:
Continental Airlines merged with United Airlines officially on October 1, 2010, leading to the creation of the world's then-largest airline. This merger was part of a wave of consolidations that swept the airline industry, as companies sought to become more competitive by combining operations and reducing costs. Moreover, this trend raised questions and concerns about the potential reduction of competition within the industry. The impact of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 was significant, as it deregulated the industry and led to various shifts, including bankruptcies and creation of new airlines which eventually also disappeared.