United to Shrink Corporate Workforce

The airline says A.I. is making processes more efficient.

Ryan Ewing
United 737 MAX 9
A United Boeing 737 MAX 9. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
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Key Takeaways:

  • United Airlines is reducing its corporate workforce, having cut 4% this year and planning another 4% reduction in 2026.
  • These workforce reductions are primarily driven by process improvements and increased efficiency, largely enabled by AI technology.
  • United's CFO stated that AI is being utilized to make the headquarters management team more efficient, alongside other tech upgrades for operations and maintenance.
  • This trend extends beyond United, with other airlines like Lufthansa also planning significant job cuts by 2030 due to efficiency boosts from AI.
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United is planning to further shrink its corporate workforce next year, citing process improvements enabled by AI.

During a third-quarter earnings call on Thursday, the Chicago-based carrier said its corporate workforce was reduced by 4% this year. In 2026, this trend is slated to continue with a 4% reduction.

“We’re not just looking to make our operation more efficient,” United CFO Mike Leskinen said during the call. “We’re making process changes and using AI to make the work of our headquarters management team more efficient too.”

Leskinen noted other tech upgrades, including for operations and maintenance.

Other airlines have echoed United’s comments about A.I. By 2030, Lufthansa said it will cut 4,000 jobs as the airline looks to boost efficiency.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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