CHICAGO — United Airlines got a judge's final go-ahead yesterday to leave bankruptcy after a record three-year stay — a smaller and more efficient carrier than when it began its overhaul but challenged more than ever by near-record fuel costs.

The approval of its reorganization plan by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Eugene Wedoff removed the final obstacle to its targeted exit from Chapter 11 on Feb. 1.

Once free of bankruptcy, UAL Corp.'s United intends to be more competitive with its rivals while working its way back toward profitability, which has eluded it since 2000. It also plans to improve its operations, spending $400 million this year on refurbished airplane cabins, check-in kiosks, upgraded computer systems and ground equipment.

The latest surge in oil prices back toward $70 a barrel, far above the $50 average that management is counting on to get into the black this year, underscored how difficult it will be for even a restructured United to make money. The company has net losses of more than $15 billion since mid-2000.

But yesterday, the judge noted, was a time for exultation and relief for all involved with the nation's No. 2 airline that the reorganization is complete.

Despite the losses suffered by employees and UAL shareholders, Wedoff said there is "reason to feel good" about the confirmation of the plan, which settles the company's accounts with its creditors and sets out its new financing obligations.

"Three years ago United Airlines was, bluntly, in danger of dying, with all of its assets liquidated and all of its jobs lost," he said. Now, after restructuring its obligations, "once again it has the potential to be a profitable investment, a reliable business partner and a stable employer."

At 37 1/2 months and still counting, the restructuring has taken twice as long as the Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based company forecast. But the restructuring covered all facets of the company.

United used the protection of federal bankruptcy law to trim $7 billion in annual costs, including two rounds of employee pay cuts; eliminate about 25,000 jobs; dump its defined-benefit pensions and reduce its cost structure. It also shed more than 100 airplanes from its fleet, cut some U.S. flights and expanded internationally.

Chief Financial Officer Jack Brace said the restructuring was "every bit as difficult as we expected it to be and then some."

Nevertheless, CEO Glenn Tilton called yesterday an important day.

"We are concluding our restructuring work and look forward to competing in the marketplace and focusing on our customers without distraction," he said in a recorded message. With the changes United has made, he added, "Our competitors are likely concerned."

Tilton also thanked employees for their contributions, acknowledging that the last three years have been difficult because of the wage and benefit cuts and layoffs.

The airline's move to eliminate traditional pensions and replace them with less lucrative 401(k)-style ones prompted the biggest turmoil of its bankruptcy. That battle ended earlier this week when flight attendants ended a yearlong legal fight against the company and reached tentative agreement on a replacement retirement plan.

Some unions and industry experts say employee morale could still be an issue after United leaves bankruptcy, particularly with resentment high over the stock plan that will award 8 percent of the 125 million new UAL shares to 400 top managers.

Airline consultant Robert Mann suggested there could be a "lighter tone" to United's customer service, however, now that the cost-slashing of bankruptcy is behind it.

"Employees absorbed quite a burden in the bankruptcy process," said Mann, based in Port Washington, N.Y. "They will now feel that phase of the company's history is over and they can move on."

United itself must immediately start producing better financial results, he said, because of steep requirements to pay off its $3 billion in exit financing.

"The pressure is hardly off," Mann said. "It's just as much pressure as it has been, it's just without the albatross of bankruptcy hanging over it."

United now is a candidate to take part in an expected industry consolidation that already has seen US Airways join forces with America West in recent months, with other alliances or mergers anticipated. United is second only to AMR Corp.'s American Airlines among U.S. carriers.

"Consolidation is inevitable," Brace told reporters after the hearing. "What our restructuring has done is give us the ability to participate in consolidation or not."

An announcement on when and where its new stock will start trading is expected soon. Brace said both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market had approved it.