Strong performance in premium travel and loyalty helped lift United to higher profits for the final quarter and full 12 months of 2025 despite headwinds from tariffs, trade disputes, and a federal government shutdown.
The company reported full-year pre-tax earnings of $4.3 billion and net income of $3.4 billion. Diluted earnings per share of $10.20 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $10.62 for 2025 rose compared to 2024.
For the fourth quarter alone, United reported operating revenue of $15.4 billion and net income of just over $1 billion. Q4 revenue was the highest quarterly revenue in United’s history.
In a statement, CEO Scott Kirby attributed the gains to a business strategy built around winning and keeping “brand-loyal customers.”
Premium revenue climbed 9% for the fourth quarter and 11% for the full year, while loyalty revenue was up 10% for the fourth quarter and 9% for the full year. Revenue from basic economy grew 7% for the fourth quarter and 5% for the full year.
In an earnings call on Wednesday, United officials said a focus on efficiency and investments in technology are growing margins and delivering benefits for passengers. They also highlighted the strength of the airline’s international network, specifically transatlantic service and routes to Israel, though they acknowledged the somewhat precarious situation in the Caribbean.
Flights in the eastern Caribbean were temporarily canceled earlier this month when the U.S. military and law enforcement raided Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Looking forward to the rest of 2026, United said it expects to take delivery of over 100 narrowbody aircraft and approximately 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners this year. The new arrivals will be used to expand the carrier’s network, officials said.
United also plans to upgrade facilities at its Houston and Washington Dulles hubs.
