United Airlines Overview
United Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest airlines in the world, with a fleet of over 800 aircraft and serving more than 210 destinations in the United States and over 120 international destinations.
The airline was founded in 1926 and has since grown to become a global leader in the aviation industry. It is a founding member of the Star Alliance, which is the world’s largest airline alliance, and has codeshare agreements with many other airlines.
United Airlines offers a range of travel classes, including Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Passengers can earn and redeem miles through the airline’s MileagePlus loyalty program, which offers a range of benefits such as priority boarding, lounge access, and free checked baggage.
In recent years, United Airlines has made significant investments in its fleet and technology to improve the passenger experience. The airline is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon emissions and become more environmentally friendly.
History of United Airlines
United Airlines has a rich history that dates back to 1926 when Walter Varney founded Varney Air Lines in Boise, Idaho. In 1931, Varney Air Lines merged with National Air Transport to form United Aircraft and Transport Corporation (UATC). The UATC was the first airline holding company in the United States and included Boeing Airplane Company, Pratt & Whitney, and United Air Lines.
In 1934, the Air Mail Act forced the UATC to divest itself of its airline division, United Air Lines. As a result, United Air Lines became a separate company and continued to grow over the years. In 1954, United Air Lines became the first airline to offer coast-to-coast jet service with the introduction of the Boeing 707.
Over the years, United Air Lines has continued to innovate and expand its operations. In 2010, United Air Lines merged with Continental Airlines to form United Continental Holdings, Inc. Today, United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, serving destinations across the United States and around the globe.
Fleet Information
Current Fleet
United Airlines operates a fleet of 919 aircraft, making it the third largest commercial airline fleet in the world. The fleet is primarily composed of Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and all Boeing widebody aircraft. The average age of United’s fleet is 16.4 years, making it the oldest fleet among major US airlines.
As of July 2023, United’s fleet consists of the following aircraft:
| Aircraft Type | Number of Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Airbus A319 | 67 |
| Airbus A320 | 99 |
| Airbus A321 | 71 |
| Boeing 737-700 | 46 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 141 |
| Boeing 737 MAX 9 | 30 |
| Boeing 757-200 | 21 |
| Boeing 767-300ER | 38 |
| Boeing 777-200ER | 19 |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 22 |
| Boeing 787-8 | 12 |
| Boeing 787-9 | 146 |
| Boeing 787-10 | 7 |
Historical Fleet
Over the years, United Airlines has operated a variety of aircraft types. Some of the notable aircraft that have been part of United’s historical fleet include the Boeing 747, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and the Boeing 727. These aircraft have since been retired from the fleet.
United also operated a fleet of regional jets under the United Express brand. These aircraft are operated by regional airlines on behalf of United Airlines. As of July 2023, the United Express fleet consists of the following aircraft:
| Aircraft Type | Number of Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Embraer E175 | 153 |
| Bombardier CRJ700 | 32 |
| Bombardier CRJ550 | 20 |
| Embraer E145 | 50 |
Overall, United Airlines has a diverse fleet of aircraft that allows it to serve a wide range of destinations around the world.
Inflight Services
United Airlines offers a range of inflight services to ensure passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience. Here are some of the inflight services available:
Inflight Entertainment
United Airlines offers a variety of entertainment options to keep passengers entertained during their flight. Passengers can enjoy United Private Screening, which is a free service that offers a range of movies, TV shows, and music. The availability of this service depends on the type of plane passengers are on.
Cabin Classes
United Airlines offers a range of cabin classes to suit the needs of different passengers. The cabin classes available include United Polaris Business Class, United Premium Plus, United Economy Plus, and United Economy. Each cabin class offers different amenities and services.
Meals and Beverages
United Airlines offers a range of meals and beverages to passengers on their flights. The meals available depend on the length of the flight and the cabin class. Passengers can also request special meals, such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals, in advance. United Airlines also offers a range of beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Overall, United Airlines strives to provide a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience for all passengers.
United Airlines Destinations
United Airlines flies to over 190 destinations worldwide, including more than 100 international destinations across 6 continents. Some of the most popular destinations include:
- London: United Airlines operates flights to London’s Heathrow Airport from several US cities, including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
- Tokyo: United Airlines flies to Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports from several US cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark.
- Sydney: United Airlines operates flights to Sydney from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Mexico City: United Airlines flies to Mexico City from several US cities, including Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- Toronto: United Airlines operates flights to Toronto from several US cities, including Newark, Chicago, and Denver.
In addition to these popular destinations, United Airlines also serves many other cities across the United States and around the world. United Airlines destinations include major cities such as Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, and Beijing, as well as smaller cities like Asheville, North Carolina and Kona, Hawaii.
No matter where you’re traveling, United Airlines is likely to have a flight that will get you there. With a comprehensive network of destinations and a commitment to customer service, United Airlines is a top choice for travelers around the world.
Frequent Flyer Program – MileagePlus
United Airlines offers a frequent flyer program called MileagePlus that allows customers to earn and redeem miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. The program has several membership tiers, including Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K, each with its own set of benefits.
Members can earn miles by flying with United Airlines and its partners, as well as by using United co-branded credit cards, shopping with MileagePlus partners, and more. The miles earned can be used to book flights, upgrade to a higher class of service, or purchase merchandise from the MileagePlus shopping portal.
MileagePlus members also have access to exclusive benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access, depending on their membership tier. The program has no blackout dates, and miles do not expire as long as there is account activity every 18 months.
Overall, MileagePlus is a valuable loyalty program for frequent United Airlines customers, offering a range of benefits and opportunities to earn and redeem miles.
United Airlines Partnerships
United Airlines has formed strategic partnerships with several airlines across the world, allowing customers to earn and redeem miles on partner airlines. These partnerships provide travelers with more options for destinations and flight schedules.
Star Alliance
United Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, a global airline alliance that includes 26 airlines. Customers can earn and redeem miles on any Star Alliance member airline, providing access to over 1,300 destinations worldwide. Additionally, United Airlines customers can enjoy lounge access and priority boarding when flying with Star Alliance airlines.
Codeshare Agreements
United Airlines has codeshare agreements with several airlines, allowing customers to book flights on partner airlines under the United Airlines name and earn MileagePlus miles. Codeshare agreements also provide seamless connections between flights, making travel more convenient for customers. Some of United Airlines’ codeshare partners include Air Canada, Lufthansa, and ANA.
In summary, United Airlines’ partnerships with Star Alliance and codeshare agreements with other airlines provide customers with more options for destinations, flight schedules, and seamless connections.
Corporate Social Responsibility
United Airlines has a strong commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The airline has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact, including a plan to become 100% green by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on traditional offsets.
CSR is embedded in the business philosophy of United Airlines. The company’s business operations and processes are designed in a way that they do not become an obstacle or a burden in the way of people’s and the environment’s wellbeing. United Airlines has also implemented several initiatives to promote sustainability, including reducing waste and promoting recycling, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption.
United Airlines’ CSR efforts extend beyond the environment. The company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting local communities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees and customers. The airline has implemented several programs to promote diversity and inclusion, including employee resource groups, diversity training, and partnerships with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion.
United Airlines’ commitment to CSR is reflected in its Corporate Responsibility Report, which sets out the company’s sustainability performance and policies towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. The report is available on the United Airlines website and provides detailed information on the company’s CSR initiatives.
Financial Performance
United Airlines has been reporting strong financial performance in recent quarters. According to their second quarter 2022 financial results [1], the company achieved record-setting financial performance, delivering its first profitable quarter since COVID-19 began, despite record-high fuel prices.
In the third quarter of 2022, United Airlines solidly beat expectations, and expects their fourth-quarter adjusted operating margin to exceed their 2019 margin [2].
In the fourth quarter and full-year 2022, United Airlines exceeded their adjusted operating margin guidance [3]. The company achieved a 9.1% pre-tax margin ahead of schedule in Q4, which is a strong result in the airline industry.
Overall, United Airlines has been performing well financially in recent quarters, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and other external factors.
Major Challenges and Controversies
United Airlines has faced a number of major challenges and controversies in recent years that have impacted its reputation and bottom line. Some of the most notable incidents include:
- Passenger dragging incident: In 2017, United Airlines faced significant backlash after a passenger was forcibly dragged off an overbooked flight. The incident was caught on video and quickly went viral, leading to widespread outrage and calls for a boycott of the airline.
- Pet deaths: United Airlines has also faced criticism for several incidents involving the death of pets on its flights. In 2018, a French bulldog died after a flight attendant insisted that it be stored in an overhead bin. The incident sparked outrage and renewed calls for better treatment of animals on flights.
- Poor customer service: United Airlines has also been criticized for poor customer service, including long wait times, flight delays, and lost luggage. In 2019, the airline was ranked last among major U.S. carriers in the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
These incidents have had a significant impact on United Airlines’ reputation and bottom line, with the airline facing widespread criticism and calls for change. Despite these challenges, the airline has taken steps to improve its customer service and safety policies in recent years.
Future Plans and Projections
United Airlines has set ambitious growth targets for the next few years. The airline giant plans to shift its fleet to significantly larger aircraft by 2026 to improve its profitability. United Airlines expects to add 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 70 Airbus A321neo planes to its fleet by 2026.
The airline also plans to expand its international network with new routes to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. United Airlines aims to increase its capacity by 4% to 6% annually from 2022 to 2026. The airline expects to generate $3 billion in incremental annual revenue by 2026.
United Airlines is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint. The airline plans to purchase 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2050 and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050. United Airlines is investing in new technology and sustainable aviation fuel to achieve its environmental goals.
In summary, United Airlines has set ambitious growth targets and environmental goals for the next few years. The airline plans to expand its fleet, add new routes, and increase its capacity while reducing its carbon footprint.