United Airlines reports record results in 2024 and positions itself for a promising 2025
The airline ended the year with strong financial and operational performance, standing out for its international expansion and improvements in the customer experience
United Airlines presented its financial and operational results for 2024, reporting a significant increase in revenue, operational efficiency, and global network expansion. The company recorded adjusted earnings* of $4.6 billion, with an adjusted margin of 8.1%, and achieved a historic record in passenger transportation.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, United reported operating revenue of $14.7 billion, representing a 7.8% growth compared to the same period in 2023. Earnings reached $1.3 billion, with a margin of 8.9%, while diluted earnings per share stood at $2.95 ($3.26 adjusted).
For the full year, the airline achieved a free cash flow of $3.4 billion, with available liquidity of $17.4 billion at year-end.
Operational performance
The airline performed well in on-time departures, leading in punctuality across the seven major hubs it operates in the United States. Throughout 2024, it operated a record 88 days without cancellations on United Express flights and offered its largest international schedule, with 700 daily flights to 133 destinations across 67 countries. Additionally, the airline inaugurated nine new international routes set to begin in the summer of 2025, including unique destinations such as Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Nuuk (Greenland), and Palermo (Italy).
Domestically, the company operated 1.3 million flights to over 200 cities, exceeding its capacity by 11% compared to the previous year.
Innovation in customer experience
The airline implemented various technological and operational improvements focused on the passenger experience. These include:
• The integration of high-speed Wi-Fi in partnership with SpaceX.
• AI-driven tools to provide real-time updates.
• Spanish translations in its mobile app.
• New wine options in Polaris® and Economy cabins, sourced from independent brands.
Additionally, United introduced a pooling system in its MileagePlus program, allowing customers to share miles between linked accounts—a first in the U.S. airline industry.
Projections for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, United Airlines anticipates strong demand, with expectations for revenue growth per available seat mile in both domestic and international markets. The company will also continue to expand its network, focusing on increasing its transatlantic and transpacific connectivity, while consolidating its position in exclusive destinations not served by other U.S. airlines.
*: All reported results were calculated before the application of taxes.
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