United Airlines recently announced a significant reduction in its aircraft-delivery expectations for the year. Struggling with ongoing delays from Boeing, the airline has had to adjust its plans to reflect the reality of the situation. Originally anticipating the receipt of 101 new narrow-body planes in 2022, United now expects to only receive 61. Looking ahead to 2024, the airline had contracts for as many as 183 planes, but this number has since been revised due to the challenges posed by Boeing’s safety crisis.
In response to the constraints imposed by Boeing’s production delays, United CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the need to revise the airline’s fleet plan accordingly. While acknowledging the obstacles presented by the current situation, Kirby expressed the airline’s intention to leverage this opportunity to grow profitably, particularly focusing on expanding its mid-continent hubs and enhancing its lucrative international network from coastal hubs. This strategic shift necessitated the decision to lease 35 Airbus A321neos in 2026 and 2027, a departure from the reliance on Boeing for new aircraft.
Challenges and Adjustments
The woes faced by United extend beyond delivery delays, with the airline also contending with increased federal scrutiny and a Federal Aviation Administration safety review. This has resulted in the postponement of planned services and events, including the rescheduling of its investor day and the adjustment of its annual capital expenditure estimate from $9 billion to $6.5 billion. Furthermore, United had to confront a $200 million impact from the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 earlier in the year, contributing to a net loss of $124 million in the first quarter.
Financial Performance and Outlook
Despite these setbacks, United reported a revenue increase of nearly 10% in the first quarter compared to the previous year. The adjusted loss per share of 15 cents exceeded analysts’ expectations, signaling a more positive financial outlook for the airline. Looking ahead, United anticipates earnings of between $3.75 and $4.25 in the second quarter, surpassing analysts’ estimates. With the bulk of airline profits typically generated in the second and third quarters during peak travel seasons, United remains optimistic about its full-year earnings forecast of between $9 and $11 a share.
Following the earnings report and updated guidance, United’s shares surged more than 4% in after-hours trading, indicating investor confidence in the airline’s ability to weather the challenges posed by Boeing’s delays. United executives are scheduled to engage in a call with analysts to provide further insights into the company’s strategic direction and financial performance moving forward.