United Airlines stated that it could reach record profit levels in 2026 as it enters the year amid a strong demand environment. The company highlighted a noticeable increase in demand in recent weeks, particularly for premium seat sales, business travel, and basic economy tickets, indicating a favorable revenue mix across both high-yield and price-sensitive segments.
For 2026, the airline forecasts adjusted earnings per share in the range of 12–14 dollars, broadly in line with the market expectation of 13.16 dollars. For the first quarter, earnings per share are projected to be between 1 and 1.50 dollars, exceeding the analyst consensus of 1.13 dollars. With this outlook, United Airlines, alongside Delta Air Lines, stands out among U.S.-based carriers signaling the potential for record profitability in 2026. Notably, the two airlines generated nearly all of the total profit of the U.S. airline industry during the first nine months of 2025.
Despite a 1.6 percent year-on-year decline in unit revenues in the fourth quarter of 2025, United’s premium revenues increased by 9 percent during the same period and by 11 percent over the full year. Sales of basic economy tickets, which compete directly with low-cost carriers, rose by 7 percent in the final quarter of the year. Across the industry, airlines continue to invest in higher-yield business and first class cabins to strengthen revenue performance.
In the quarter ended December 31, United Airlines posted results above expectations. Adjusted earnings per share reached 3.10 dollars, surpassing forecasts of 2.94 dollars, while revenue totaled 15.4 billion dollars, in line with estimates. Net profit for the fourth quarter increased by 6 percent to 1.04 billion dollars, supported by a 6.5 percent rise in capacity. However, the company noted that a prolonged government shutdown during the quarter negatively affected pre-tax results by approximately 250 million dollars.
For full-year 2025, United Airlines reported adjusted earnings per share of 10.20 dollars and adjusted net income of 3.5 billion dollars, marking a 6 percent increase year on year.
