A United Airlines airplane at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, nov. 6, 2025.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images
United Airlines anticipates record earnings this year
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Strong demand for first-class tickets and corporate travel is boosting United’s bottom line.
United expects first-quarter earnings per share to range from $1 to $1.50, exceeding the $1.13 a share predicted by analysts. The carrier joins Delta Air Lines in forecasting perhaps record earnings for the year.Together,United and Delta accounted for nearly all of the U.S. airline industry’s profits during the first nine months of 2025, with other airlines scheduled to report their results later this month.
Despite a 1.6% decrease in unit revenue compared to the previous year, United reported a 9% increase in premium revenue during the fourth quarter and an 11% rise for the full year 2024. Sales of basic-economy tickets, designed to compete with budget airlines, increased by 7% in the final three months of 2025.
Airlines are increasingly focused on attracting revenue from higher-priced tickets, investing in upgraded cabins to justify premium fares.
United Airlines Q4 2025 Results vs. Expectations
- Earnings per share: $3.10 adjusted vs. $2.94 expected
- Revenue: $15.4 billion vs. $15.4 billion expected
The carrier’s fourth-quarter profit increased 6% year-over-year to $1.04 billion, or $3.19 a share, with capacity rising 6.5% from the same period in 2024. After accounting for one-time items, United’s adjusted earnings were $1.01 billion, or $3.10 a share.
United CEO Scott Kirby has voiced confidence in the airline’s growth strategy, stating last year that “customers are choosing us.”
The extended government shutdown during the fourth quarter negatively impacted United’s pre-tax results by $250 million. Air traffic controller shortages caused delays and initially dampened bookings,but travel demand ultimately rebounded,according to airline executives.
United reported adjusted full-year 2025 earnings of $10.20 a share, an 8% increase compared to the previous year, despite earlier forecasts of lower earnings. The airline’s adjusted net income for the year reached $3.5 billion, up 6% year-over-year.
