United Airlines has closed 2025 on a high note, beating Wall Street expectations and posting its strongest revenue performance in company history, as brand-loyal customers, premium travel demand and operational reliability powered earnings growth across the year.
The U.S. carrier reported full-year diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $10.20, up 8% year-over-year, while adjusted EPS rose to $10.62, positioning United as the only major U.S. airline to grow adjusted earnings in FY2025.
For the fourth quarter alone, United delivered diluted EPS of $3.19 on record quarterly revenue of $15.4 billion, the highest in the airline’s history.
Total operating revenue for 2025 climbed 3.5% to $59.1 billion, also a company record, while pre-tax earnings reached $4.3 billion with a margin of 7.3%. United generated $8.4 billion in operating cash flow and $2.7 billion in free cash flow, strengthening its balance sheet and funding expansion plans.
The Airline’s CEO, Scott Kirby, said: “Our results are built on winning more and more brand-loyal customers — it’s clear they get the most value flying United”, noting that momentum is carrying into 2026.
Record Passengers, Fewer Cancellations
Operationally, United flew a record 181 million passengers in 2025, averaging nearly 500,000 customers daily, while achieving the lowest seat cancellation rate in company history among large U.S. network airlines.
United Express recorded 134 days without a single cancellation, and its Connection Saver technology prevented more than one million missed connections, a 42% jump from 2024.
Premium and loyalty travel continued to fuel growth. In the fourth quarter, premium revenue rose 9% and loyalty revenue climbed 10%, while full-year premium revenue increased 11%.
November also delivered United’s highest-ever Net Promoter Score, reflecting rising customer satisfaction.
Big Fleet, Big Tech Push
United is doubling down on product upgrades and technology. Starlink Wi-Fi is now installed on most of the United Express fleet, with mainline installations accelerating through 2026.
Next year, the airline expects delivery of over 100 narrow-body aircraft and about 20 Boeing 787 widebodies, the largest widebody intake by a U.S. airline in decades. These will support profitable expansion across domestic and international routes.
Airport upgrades are also planned at major hubs including Washington Dulles and Houston, alongside expanded lounges and premium cabin offerings.
Africa Remains on the Map
For African travellers, United’s strong performance underpins its growing presence on the continent. The airline currently operates services to Accra, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos and Marrakesh, linking Africa directly to its global network across North America, Europe and Asia.
With record revenues, stronger cash flow and continued fleet expansion, United said it is well-positioned to grow its international footprint and enhance the customer experience in 2026.
As Kirby put it: “This was the highest-revenue quarter in United’s history and the momentum is continuing into 2026″.