United Airlines Shows Better-Than-Expected Quarterly Performance

United Airlines has beaten market expectations by delivering a set of second quarter financial results toward the upper end of its guidance.

The airline delivered pre-tax profits of $1bn and operating revenue of $17.7bn; with flight capacity up 3.5% year-on-year.

Diverse revenue streams all contributed to this quarter's success and United's ongoing resilience: Premium revenue was up 16% compared to the second quarter of 2025, revenue from Basic Economy was up 11%, loyalty revenue was up 11% and cargo revenue was up 23%. Close-in demand remained robust with contracted business revenue up 27% in the quarter. The economy cabin continues to recover with unit revenue up 12%, marking two consecutive quarters of positive growth.

"Our results show why we have been investing in customer improvements throughout every cabin and winning brand-loyal customers," said United CEO Scott Kirby.

"United is built to thrive in every environment, and when oil prices spiked in March, we quickly and decisively acted to adjust our schedules, while simultaneously doubling down on our customer investments. Our brand-loyal customers value their travel on United whether they are in Polaris or in Economy. Our network expansions, investment in Starlink, and innovations such as Relax Row are giving customers new reasons to choose United."