More profitable flying, too.
United and Southwest have also paused hiring because of the delivery delays. Higher airfares could be on the way.
Pilots, in particular, are in high demand. Airlines don’t want to be caught off guard like they were last year.
The move is likely to be challenged in court.
It’s a sign that United believes travel is back and is betting on growth again.
United has ordered 15 Concorde-like planes, with the expectation that they could be carrying passengers by 2029.
The airline expects first-quarter operating revenue to shrink as much as 70% from the same period two years ago.
Scott Kirby talks about taking the helm at a major airline during the height of the pandemic.
More airlines are starting to sell middle seats to increase capacity on their flights.
United Airlines will be the first to do so starting Wednesday.