United Airlines (UAL) Q1 2026 earnings
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- United Airlines lowered its 2026 adjusted earnings forecast to $7-$11 per share from the previous $12-$14 range, citing rising jet fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict.
- The airline expects fuel costs to average $4.30 per gallon in Q2 and plans to cover 40%-50% of the fuel price increase through revenue in Q2, improving to nearly full coverage by year-end.
- United reported Q1 adjusted earnings per share of $1.19, beating the $1.07 expected, with revenue rising over 10% year-over-year to $14.61 billion and net income increasing 80% to $699 million.
- The carrier is reducing flight capacity growth for the year to flat or up 2% in H2, down from 3.4% growth in Q1, as it adjusts schedules to manage higher fuel costs.
- CEO Scott Kirby may address potential merger ambitions during the upcoming earnings call, amid previous discussions about a merger with American Airlines, which both companies and President Trump have opposed.
