United Airlines Set a Passenger Record in 2018

Image: PHOTO: United flight attendant greeting passenger. (photo courtesy of United Airlines)
Image: PHOTO: United flight attendant greeting passenger. (photo courtesy of United Airlines)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 1:22 PM ET, Wed January 16, 2019

United Airlines saw more passengers on their flights in 2018 than any other year prior, giving the airline a big boost for the new year.

The record passenger numbers had something to do with United having the most mainline departures and the fewest cancellations the airline has ever recorded in a year. Both resulted in more customers departing on-time in 2018 than in previous years.

And that's not all the good news United announced today.

The airline saw more than 1.7 million flights in 2018 and had nearly 250,000 flights leaving on-time during the first departures of the day. Even during the December holiday season, they performed exceptionally by having the most on-time departure performances during any holiday period in the airline's history.

Beyond on-time flights, in 2018 United customers were provided new boarding processes to reduce time spent in line and more personal entertainment device options on all aircrafts. Plus, they were able to fly on 93 new United routes, the most routes added by any U.S. airline in 2018.

To top it all off, United Airlines reported a full-year net income of $2.1 billion

"United's financial performance is a testament to the successful implementation of the first year of our strategic plan and to the record-setting operational performance powered by the more than 90,000 airline professionals who work at United," said Oscar Munoz, chief executive officer of United Airlines.

"United delivered proof, not just promises in 2018 - even in the face of significant headwinds from higher than expected fuel costs. It's why I couldn't be more proud of our winning culture and customer-focused team and continue to be enthusiastic about United's bright future."


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