Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO, revealed a surge in travel demand starting July 2025, driven by corporate and premium consumer bookings, particularly for Thanksgiving and holidays.
United Airlines prioritises employee training and customer experience, with investments in seatback entertainment and technology improving passenger satisfaction.
Air traffic control delays, responsible for 90pc of US flight disruptions, remain a challenge, though Kirby praises FAA efforts to modernise systems.
Newark, United’s key hub, achieved its most reliable summer in 2025 due to FAA slot controls, with 14,000 staff and plans to add 2,000 more annually.
United maintains triple pre-pandemic cash reserves to avoid furloughs and fund long-term investments, including the largest aircraft orders in aviation history.
Scott Kirby shared: “At the end of June, it was like a light switch got flipped, with demand accelerating into September. Our employees are the face of United, and their care for customers drives our brand loyalty. Newark is a crown jewel, now the most reliable summer we’ve had, thanks to FAA changes.”
