United Airlines president and CEO Oscar Munoz was released from the hospital after a successful heart transplant surgery last Jan. 6. The airline released a statement from Munoz on Friday saying that the CEO is heading back to his Chicago home and will be back in the office very soon, per the United Airlines Newsroom.

"My family and I are deeply grateful for your thoughts and prayers. It's given us strength and lifted our spirits. I'm excited to let you know that today I'm headed to my Chicago home following my heart transplant," Munoz wrote. "With the help of the amazing and caring team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, I feel as strong as ever."

"My doctors have been impressed with my progress and foresee a quick recovery. I feel great, and it won't be long before we are working side by side again. Until that time, I expect to participate in key meetings and be involved in strategic planning," he added.

The 57-year-old became CEO after Jeff Smisek handed in his resignation on Sept. 8, 2015 while in the middle of a federal investigation about corruption. According to the New York Times, Smisek allegedly exchanged favors with former New York and New Jersey Port Authority Chairman David Sampson back in February. It prompted an internal investigation by United Airlines with the help of Chicago law firm, Jenner & Block.

In a report from CNN, Munoz suffered a heart attack five weeks into his term back in October and a device was implanted to help in his recovery. However, doctors suggested that a heart transplant is the long-term solution and underwent the procedure on Jan. 6

The transplant was a success with doctors from Northwestern Memorial Hospital saying that recovery in this type of procedure is very swift and patients are ready to be released in a few days. In Munoz's case, he was discharged from the hospital after nine days and could be back in the first quarter of the year.

In his absence, United Airlines executive vice president and general counsel Brett Hart was named acting CEO. The airline company is still facing allegations left by Smisek, fluctuating stock price and many customer complaints that led to a $2.7 million fine from the United States Department of Transportation.

Despite the notoriety of United Airlines services, Munoz added on his statement letter that the company received the highest customer satisfaction performance rating in the past three years during the holiday season. United Airlines is also planning to develop new technologies for customer services and a better plane parking system that will reduce taxi times during a winter storm, per the Los Angeles Times.