United Airlines Aims to Become America’s “Flag Carrier”

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said he wants the airline to reach a position where Americans view it as the country’s “flag carrier” and where it can compete with leading airlines from the Middle East and Asia.

“I want Americans, all Americans, to view United as the flag carrier of the United States and be proud of it. The same way someone in Dubai is proud of Emirates, I want Americans to feel the same way about United Airlines. That’s my goal,” Kirby said.

United Airlines continues to expand its international network as part of this strategy. Banking on strong international travel demand, the carrier is preparing to add 10 new international destinations to its network, including Okinawa and Ljubljana.