United hails ‘less uncertain world’ as summer booking demand rises

United Airlines expects reduced geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty in second half of 2025 amid rising demand from this month.

The US carrier reported a six point acceleration in booking demand while revealing a second quarter profit ahead of Wall Street expectations.

Pre-tax earnings came in at $1.2 billion as operating revenue rose by 1.7% to $15.2 billion over the same period last year.

The airline said: “Beginning in early July, United has seen a sequential six point acceleration in demand and a double-digit acceleration in business demand versus the second quarter. 

“The airline attributes this to less geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty and has updated its full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance to between $9 and $11, underscoring the resilience of United’s brand-loyal, revenue-diverse business model.”

Premium cabin revenue rose 5.6% year-on-year; revenue from basic economy was up 1.7% and loyalty revenue rose 8.7%.

Chief executive Scott Kirby said: “I am extremely proud of the team for executing a strong operation and navigating through a volatile macroeconomic period, while still growing earnings and pre-tax margin for the first half of the year.

"Importantly, United saw a positive shift in demand beginning in early July, and, like 2024, anticipates another inflection in industry supply in mid-August.

“The world is less uncertain today than it was during the first six months of 2025 and that gives us confidence about a strong finish to the year."

United’s operational performance during the second quarter continued “to lay a foundation” for its overall success. 

Consolidated on-time departures were the highest and seat cancellation rates the airline’s lowest for a second quarter since the pandemic.

Hubs in Newark, Los Angeles and San Francisco all achieved their best on-time departure for a second quarter since Covid. 

United posted a better on-time arrival rate at Newark Liberty International airport than all other major airlines at LaGuardia and JFK in New York.

The airline is to resume service to Tel Aviv on July 21.