US Top News and Analysis | United Airlines slashes 2026 forecast as fuel costs surge

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United Airlines slashed its 2026 earnings outlook on Tuesday, now expecting an adjusted profit of $7 to $11 per share versus the $12 to $14 range forecast in January, after a surge in jet‑fuel prices triggered by the Middle‑East conflict. Despite the head‑count of higher costs, the carrier beat Wall Street expectations in the first quarter, posting $1.19 in adjusted earnings per share on $14.61 billion of revenue—both above estimates—and a net income jump of 80% to $699 million. Unit revenue rose across all segments, with domestic U.S. flights up 7.9%. United said it will offset 40‑50% of the fuel price increase in Q2, rising to 80% in Q3 and up to 100% by year‑end, while trimming capacity early in the year but keeping overall capacity flat to +2% in the second half. CEO Scott Kirby highlighted the results as proof of the airline’s resilient long‑term strategy and noted that demand remains strong even as fares and fees rise. Potential merger talks with American Airlines were also hinted at, though political opposition has been voiced.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/united-airlines-ual-q1-2026-earnings.html

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