United Airlines is making some significant changes for passengers that may impact their travel experience in the future.
After releasing its Q1 earnings report on April 15, the airline revealed that despite strong financial performance and a surge in demand for international travel and premium seating, it’s seeing a downward shift in another part of the business.
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With interest in domestic travel lower, the airline said it will begin scaling back on domestic flights starting in the third quarter by “removing 4 percentage points of scheduled domestic capacity.”
Other adjustments will be made in order to keep a “competitive advantage,” with United “continuing to make prudent adjustments to the utilization rate of its fleet, including ongoing reductions in off-peak flying on lower demand days.”
The Chicago-based airline said this approach would continue into the fourth quarter of the year, meaning if you’re looking to book flights, you may see fewer options available depending on travel dates.
As previously revealed, United is also retiring 21 aircrafts earlier than planned.
Earlier in March, chief executive officer Scott Kirby announced that United will retire the most costly aircrafts, per ch-aviation, calling the move one that “will be cash-positive this year.”
Despite a “challenging” macroeconomic environment, United reported its best first-quarter financials in the past five years, also highlighting a rise in premium cabin, business, and Basic Economy revenue year-over-year, as international travel remained strong.
United has been introducing plenty of changes in recent months, previously rolling out seven new features in their Polaris, domestic first, and economy classes, including additions to the “Bistro on Board” menu.
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