United Airlines may achieve record profits following a strong start to 2026, as the carrier signals confidence in sustained travel demand and a surge in higher-yield ticket sales. In a statement released Tuesday, the airline said recent performance across premium cabins, business travel, and low-cost fares has positioned it for what could be its most profitable year yet.
The Chicago-based carrier now expects adjusted earnings per share to land between $12 and $14 for the full year, closely matching Wall Street’s consensus forecast of $13.16. For the first quarter alone, United projects earnings of $1 to $1.50 per share, slightly above analysts’ expectations of $1.13.
Industry Leaders Signal a Profitable Year Ahead
United is not alone in its optimism. Rival Delta Air Lines has also hinted at a potential record year, with both companies accounting for nearly all U.S. airline industry profits during the first nine months of 2025. While several competitors are set to release earnings later this month, early indicators suggest the industry’s top players are pulling further ahead.
Despite a modest 1.6% decline in unit revenue during the fourth quarter, United saw notable strength in its premium segments. Revenue from high-end cabins climbed 9% in the quarter and 11% for the full year compared with 2024. Sales of restrictive basic-economy tickets, designed to compete with ultra-low-cost carriers, rose 7% in the final months of 2025.
Premium Travel Drives Growth Strategy
Airlines across the sector are aggressively expanding premium offerings, racing to introduce refreshed cabins and first-class upgrades that command higher fares. United’s strategy appears to be paying off, as demand for upscale travel continues to outperform expectations.
For the quarter ending December 31, United delivered results largely in line with market forecasts:
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Adjusted earnings per share: $3.10 (vs. $2.94 expected)
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Revenue: $15.4 billion (in line with expectations)
Fourth-quarter profit climbed 6% year over year to $1.04 billion, or $3.19 per share, while capacity expanded 6.5%. After excluding one-time items, adjusted earnings reached $1.01 billion, or $3.10 per share.
Leadership Confidence Amid Operational Challenges
CEO Scott Kirby has repeatedly voiced confidence in the airline’s long-term strategy, noting that “customers are choosing us” as United continues to refine its network and onboard experience.
The carrier did face challenges late last year. A prolonged government shutdown weighed on pretax results by roughly $250 million, and air traffic controller shortages triggered delays and softer bookings. Still, executives said demand rebounded quickly as travel recovered.
For full-year 2025, United reported adjusted earnings of $10.20 per share, an 8% increase from the prior year, along with $3.5 billion in adjusted net income, up 6%. Those results followed an earlier downward revision to forecasts, underscoring how sharply momentum improved toward year-end.
With premium travel booming and business demand holding firm, United Airlines may achieve record profits following a strong start to 2026, positioning itself as one of the strongest performers in a rapidly consolidating aviation market.
