ASIM, Apr 01
United Airlines (UAL) today reported a first-quarter profit, delivering firstquarter pre-tax earnings of $0.9 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 6.0%, up 2.3 points year-over-year. United delivered adjusted pre-tax earnings1 of $0.5 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1 of 3.4%, up 0.4 points yearover-year.
“These are results our employees can be proud of, and they show the resilience of our long-term strategy,
even in the face of escalating fuel expense,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “Our strong financial position and success in winning brand-loyal customers enabled United to quickly make tactical adjustments to higher fuel prices while maintaining our long-term focus.”
“Moments of uncertainty for the airline industry may also create opportunity for United,” Kirby said. “We
have demonstrated quarter after quarter that we are built to withstand disruptions, and this moment is no
different. We’ll stay nimble in the short term while continuing to grow the airline and invest in our customers, product and people.”
United delivered strong first-quarter results despite challenges, including a $340 million increase in fuel
expense compared to the first quarter of 2025. United’s capacity and revenue initiatives are intended to recapture this increase over the long term while maintaining the offerings that are winning brand-loyal customers. United’s diverse revenue streams remained resilient, including premium revenue up 14% compared to the first quarter of 2025, loyalty revenue up 13%, and revenue from Basic Economy up 7%. Business revenue also remained strong at up 14% for the first quarter. The first quarter was United’s highest-revenue first quarter ever, with positive PRASM growth in every region.
