United Airlines, the world's largest airline by fleet size, has closed 2024 with exceptionally strong results. The company was able to show a better than average performance, especially in the last months of the year, including the festive holidays. On January 22, 2025, the US airline giant presented its annual results and a positive outlook for the coming year. CEO Scott Kirby forecast a double-digit pre-tax margin for 2025, which is further confirmation of United Airlines' continued strong position in the global aviation market.
In 2024, United Airlines not only performed financially, but also set a new record in terms of the number of passengers carried. With a total of almost 174 million passengers carried, the airline surpassed the previous record, cementing its place as one of the leading players in international air transport. It is particularly noteworthy that in December 2024, United Airlines recorded the busiest three days in the company's history, underlining the growing popularity and high demand for its services.
"United Airlines has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with a unique strategy. Our employees have performed outstandingly, and this has resulted in a structurally and permanently changed aviation market," said Scott Kirby in a statement on the results. Kirby emphasized that 2024 was a strong year overall for United Airlines. The company is still on track to become the world's leading airline, and demand is helping the group move into a promising future. For 2025, the CEO expects demand to continue to increase, putting the airline on track for double-digit pre-tax margins.
Fourth quarter figures: A profitable finish
The fourth quarter of 2024 was particularly successful for United Airlines. Capacity was increased by 2023 percent compared to the same period in 6,2, resulting in a significant increase in revenue. The airline was able to achieve a profit of $985 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of 64 percent compared to the previous year. This clearly shows the company's positive development and ability to efficiently meet passenger demand.
The development in the individual revenue areas is particularly noteworthy. In the premium segment, which includes first class and business class services, revenue rose by 10 percent. United Airlines also recorded a 7 percent increase in revenue in the corporate business, indicating increasing demand for business travel. However, the biggest growth spurt came from the economy segment, where revenue increased by 20 percent compared to the previous year. This reflects the increased interest of private customers, who are increasingly booking flights again after pandemic restrictions were largely lifted.
Outlook for the first quarter of 2025
The outlook for the first quarter of 2025 is also promising. United Airlines forecasts first-quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 75 cents to $1,25, above the 56 cents forecast by Bloomberg, suggesting the company will continue to benefit from stable demand and continued strong financial performance as it enters 2025.
For the full year 2024, United Airlines reported adjusted pre-tax profits of $4,6 billion, representing a pre-tax margin of 8,1 percent. This is further evidence of the successful implementation of the company's strategy. Net profit increased from $2,6 billion in 2023 to $3,1 billion in 2024, underscoring the airline's success in a market environment marked by uncertainty.
Strong market position and strategic orientation
United Airlines' positive performance in 2024 shows not only that the airline has a stable market position, but also that it has mastered the challenges of recent years well. Like other airlines, United Airlines was under enormous pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company managed to adapt quickly and meet the demand for air travel again. Thanks to a clear strategic direction and efficient operational management, United Airlines was not only able to maintain its market position, but also increase profitability.
A key part of United Airlines' strategy was to increase demand by expanding its international network, especially after the pandemic. The airline has targeted its capacities at growing markets, strengthening its premium services and economy class. This has enabled the airline to meet the needs of different customer groups and expand its market share.
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