BEIJING, May 30 (Reuters) - Jack Creighton, chief executive of UAL Corp. (UAL), parent of number two U.S. carrier United Airlines, said on Thursday he expects his replacement to be chosen within the next four months. "It will take two to four months to find someone," Creighton told reporters in Beijing. Creighton stepped in last October after former CEO James Goodwin quit amid heavy criticism surrounding a letter he sent to employees saying the airline could perish unless financial losses stopped. Industry analysts said then the search for a new chief at United could take at least six months as the carrier struggled with depressed business after the September 11 attacks and large labor unions angry at proposed wage concessions. Creighton, 69, said he thought the list of potential candidates would be long. "I think there are many people out there who would jump at the opportunity to lead a quality airline like United and take on the challenge or managing an industry leader in these very, very challenging and exciting times," Creighton said. ©2002 Reuters Limited.