United Airlines reported international profit margins as being “well above” pre-pandemic 2019 levels in the last quarter.
A record transatlantic schedule was operated, 32% more than the equivalent period in 2019 and 10% above the next largest US carrier.
Total international capacity rose by 27%. Meanwhile, US domestic margins returned to 2019 levels in the three months to June 30.
Pre-tax income for the period soared by 200% year-on-year to hit $1.4 billion based on a rise in total revenues by 17% to $14.1 billion as United carried the highest volume of revenue passengers since before Covid.
A record average of more than 2,400 daily flights were operated across the overall network in the airline’s second quarter.
A second expansion of its Pacific flying this autumn will see new flights to Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo (Narita) as the airline looks to capitalise on demand for international travel,
The success of the international business is to be maximised with the largest widebody aircraft order in history announced with Boeing last December.
Chief executive Scott Kirby said: “United’s financial performance in the second quarter and our outlook for the remainder of the year and beyond make it clear that ‘United Next’ [expansion plan] is working and is the right strategy at the right time.
“Our focus now is on executing that strategy well – because we know it will deliver huge benefits for our customers, our employees and our owners.”