Already the U.S. carrier with the most flights across the Atlantic, United’s summer 2025 transatlantic schedule will be the largest in its history with more than 760 weekly flights. In addition to new flights, customers will have even more time to explore Venice, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Barcelona, Spain with earlier start dates next summer. The airline will also increase the number of weekly direct flights between Newark/New York-Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Newark/New York-Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Newark/New York–Athens, Greece.
United is also adding new direct flights from Tokyo–Narita to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Kaohsiung – destinations no other U.S. airline serves – and a new nonstop flight to Koror, Palau. These new flights will seamlessly connect in Tokyo to United’s transpacific services to five hub locations in the continental United States.
The summer expansion unlocks a wide range of experiences from reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and seeing sunshine at midnight to bucket list attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and Italy’s largest opera house.
United is the largest airline in the world** and flies to more international destinations than any other U.S. carrier. In total next summer, United will offer 800 daily flights to and from 147 international destinations – including 40 that no other U.S. airline serves.
All new flights are subject to government approval and will be available for sale on United.com and on the United app.
“No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. “Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers, whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.”
This expansion comes on the heels of the latest chapter of United’s award-winning Good Leads The Way brand advertising campaign, which debuted earlier this month. The latest iteration of the campaign highlights United’s position as the world’s largest airline and showcases how United’s network gives customers the most flexibility and options to travel across the globe.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
United will be the only U.S. airline to serve Mongolia, with seasonal nonstop service from Tokyo/Narita launching May 1. According to the country’s new Welcome to MonGOlia campaign, Ulaanbaatar is the gateway to some of the most untouched lands of Mongolia, which offers reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and dramatic landscapes, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Nearly half a million people visited Mongolia so far in 2024, up 25% compared to 2023, as the country continues to trend as one of the top places to visit in Asia. Most of that increase has come from Europe, South Korea and Japan – and United’s new service from Tokyo/Narita flights will give Americans a new, easy way to visit.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Starting July 11, United will be the only U.S. airline to offer direct service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a city known for its modern urban landscape, historical harbor and breathtaking nature. From its expansive street art scene to iconic sites, like the Pier-2 Art Center, Love River and Lotus Pond, the city is rich with activities for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
United’s new year-round service from Tokyo/Narita will provide an easy one-stop option for American travelers looking to visit the city, and complements the airline’s twice-daily, nonstop service between San Francisco–Taipei.
Dakar, Senegal
With United’s nonstop Washington/Dulles-Senegal flight, launching May 23, United will now fly to more destinations in Africa than any other U.S. carrier. Centrally located on Africa’s west coastline, Dakar is the gateway to Africa with pristine beaches, lush forests and rich archaeological history.
This year-round, three-times weekly service builds on the airline’s existing service to Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria and seasonal service to Marrakesh, Morocco; United’s new service to Dakar will help further Africa’s growing tourism industry, which has seen 13% more arrivals in the first quarter this year compared to the same period in 2023 according to the UN Tourism.
Nuuk, Greenland
Travelers will now have direct access to arctic adventure in Greenland via twice weekly seasonal service to its capital city, Nuuk from Newark/New York starting June 14. United will be the only carrier to connect the U.S. directly to Nuuk – the northernmost capital in the world, providing a gateway to world-class hiking and fascinating wildlife under the summer’s midnight sun.
Nuuk’s new international airport will open next month, and United’s new direct flights will make Greenland more accessible than ever for American travelers with a nonstop flight just over four hours long.
Palermo, Italy
United will serve five destinations in Italy beginning May 21 with the launch of its three-times weekly seasonal nonstop service between Newark/New York–Palermo. Travelers will be able to experience Sicily’s rich history, luxurious beaches and stunning architecture – including the famed Baroque church, Casa Professa, and Italy’s largest opera house, The Massimo.
This new flight builds on United’s existing service to Venice, Naples, Milan and Rome, including the only U.S. carrier serving Italy from the West Coast. The flight will operate on a Boeing 767-400, making United the only airline with lie-flat Business Class seats between the U.S. and Palermo. With the surging travel demand to Italy anticipated to continue into 2025, United will now offer more access to the country than ever before with a direct link to the most popular destination in Sicily.
Bilbao, Spain
United is expanding its leading network in Spain and will be the only U.S. airline with nonstop service to Bilbao, with service from Newark/New York launching May 31. As the largest city in the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao is a hub of architecture, culture and cuisine. From visiting the iconic Guggenheim Museum to enjoying famous Basque pinxtos, this Spanish gem gives an avant-garde city experience and connects visitors to the incredible landscapes of Northern Spain, including coastal destinations, like Gexto and Donostia-San Sebastian.
United serves six destinations in Spain – the most of any U.S. carrier – and is the only carrier to directly connect Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Malaga, and Bilbao to the U.S., in addition to its service to Barcelona and Madrid. According to the Basque Country Tourism, 2024 was a historical year of travel to the region, and United’s new three times weekly flight will provide unparalleled access to Northern Spain.
Madeira Island and Faro, Portugal
Next summer, United will now serve five destinations in Portugal – the most of any U.S. carrier – and is the only U.S. airline serving Porto, Ponta Delgada, Madeira Island and Faro. The new service to Faro will have four times weekly flights starting May 16, and Madeira Island will have three times weekly flights starting June 7. This builds on United’s existing service to Lisbon from Newark/New York and Washington/Dulles. Both new seasonal flights will be served from United’s hub at Newark/New York.
The World Travel & Tourism Council 2024 Economic Impact Research predicted 2024 would be a historic year for tourism in Portugal, and that momentum is expected to continue into 2025. For the first time, customers will have direct access to Madeira Island – a tropical escape known for its towering cliffs, seaside towns, green mountains, natural pools, waterfalls and beaches – and Faro, which provides access to the Algarve region’s famed stretches of beaches, golden cliffs, luxurious spas, thermal baths and internationally acclaimed golf courses.
Expanded Global Service
In addition to the new destinations coming to United’s global network, the airline will also expand service to some its most popular international destinations.
United will add a year-round, nonstop flight between Tokyo/Narita–Koror, Palau. United is the only U.S. airline to serve Palau, with its existing service from Guam and Manila, and this new flight will enable easy one-stop connections for travelers coming from the U.S. to experience the pristine marine ecosystems. With nearly 350 islands in Palau, visitors can plan the ultimate underwater adventure with snorkeling or scuba diving to see the diverse coral and fish in the Pacific.
Starting May 22, United will begin seasonal daily nonstop flying to Venice, Italy from Washington/Dulles, complementing its existing service from Newark/New York. The airline will also begin seasonal, four-times weekly Washington/Dulles-Nice, France flights on May 24, in addition to its existing daily seasonal service from Newark/New York.
United will resume service to several destinations earlier in the season to give customers more time to explore next summer. From Newark / New York, United will resume service to Athens, Greece on March 6; Venice, Italy on March 29 and Dubrovnik, Croatia, which will also increase to daily service, on May 1. Additionally on May 1, United will resume service between San Francisco-Barcelona and Chicago O’Hare – Athens, which will be operated on a larger Boeing 787-10 aircraft. The airline will also increase its flying between Newark / New York and Palma de Mallorca, Spain with four weekly flights.
Mexico and Central America Expansion
On top of United’s historic expansion across the Atlantic and Pacific, United is also growing its network in Mexico and Central America. Starting April 5, United will be the first and only airline to connect the United States to Puerto Escondido, Mexico with a nonstop once weekly, year-round flight from Houston operated by United Express partner Mesa Airlines on Embraer 175 aircraft. With this new flight, United will serve 23 destinations in Mexico, and 65 destinations in the broader Latin and Caribbean region following the recent addition of Dominica service from Newark / New York launching on February 15, 2025.
Starting May 22, United also will add a new daily flight between San Francisco and San Jose, Costa Rica utilizing Boeing 737-MAX8 aircraft. United will now connect San Jose with all seven of its U.S. hubs, further building on its position as the largest U.S. carrier to Costa Rica and Central America.
Latest Chapter of ‘Good Leads The Way’ Ad Campaign
This expansion is celebrated in the latest chapter of the airline’s award-winning Good Leads The Way brand advertising campaign. A series of new films and other ad units running across national broadcast television, streaming, out-of-home, digital and social media highlight United’s position as the world’s largest airline and showcase how its network gives customers the most flexibility and options to travel across the globe.
Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results: Exceeds Earnings Per Share Expectations
The company had pre-tax earnings of $1.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 8.7%; adjusted pre-tax earnings1 of $1.4 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1 of 9.7%. The company also achieved diluted earnings per share of $2.90; adjusted diluted earnings per share1 of $3.33, ahead of the third-quarter 2024 guidance provided at the start of the quarter of $2.75 to $3.25.
The company produced strong financial and operational results in the quarter. As the company expected, revenue trends improved as the industry reached an inflection point in the quarter with unprofitable capacity exiting the market. Domestic unit revenue was positive year-over-year in August and September. Demand continues to be strong for the United product: Corporate revenues were up 13% year over year in September, and in the quarter premium revenues continued to remain resilient and were up 5% year over year and revenue from Basic Economy was up 20% year over year.
“I appreciate the entire United team coming together to take care of our customers by operating a safe and on-time airline this summer,” said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. “As predicted, unproductive capacity left the market in mid-August, and we saw a clear inflection point in our revenue trends that propelled United to exceed Q3 expectations. A prosperous summer 2024 is just the beginning as our improved customer experience combined with United Next positions the airline at the top of the industry for the foreseeable future.”
Third-Quarter Financial Results
- Capacity up 4.1% compared to third-quarter 2023.
- Total operating revenue of $14.8 billion, up 2.5% compared to third-quarter 2023.
- TRASM down 1.6% compared to third-quarter 2023.
- CASM up 0.1%, and CASM-ex up 6.5%, compared to third-quarter 2023.
- Pre-tax earnings of $1.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 8.7%; adjusted pre-tax earnings of $1.4 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 9.7%.
- Net income of $1.0 billion; adjusted net income1 of $1.1 billion.
- Diluted earnings per share of $2.90; adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.33.
- Average fuel price per gallon of $2.56.
- Ending available liquidity of $17.1 billion.
- Total debt and finance lease obligations of $25.7 billion at quarter end.
- Voluntarily pre-paid the remaining $1.8 billion outstanding balance of the MileagePlus term loan with an interest rate near 11%.
- Net leverage of 2.7x.
Key Highlights
- United announced an industry-leading agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s Wi-Fi service to more than 1,000 of the airline’s mainline and regional aircraft, providing customers free, fast, reliable internet connectivity on passenger flights as soon as late 2025.
- Last week, United announced the largest international expansion in the airline’s history, bringing service to eight new Atlantic and Pacific destinations in summer 2025 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Faro, Portugal; Palermo, Italy; Dakar, Senegal; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal; Nuuk, Greenland; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan). United will serve more international destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific than all other U.S. carriers combined with 800 daily flights to and from 147 international destinations, including nearly 40 not served by any other U.S. airline.
- Increased third quarter customer satisfaction ratings by 5.4 points year over year as measured by the Net Promoter Score scale, with improvements to important touchpoints like baggage, inflight entertainment and food and beverage.
- Ranked first in on time departure and second in on time arrival amongst major U.S. airlines for the third quarter, with the best on time departure in the months of August and September.
- United became the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
- United signed an agreement with SkyWest to begin operating the CRJ550 as part of the United Express portfolio, with 11 init
