United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL): Business Model Canvas

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) ist ein weltweit führendes Luftfahrtunternehmen, das die komplexe Welt des Luftverkehrs mithilfe eines komplexen Geschäftsmodells, das betriebliche Effizienz, Kundenerlebnis und technologische Innovation in Einklang bringt, strategisch steuert. Durch die Nutzung eines robusten Netzwerks aus Partnerschaften, modernster digitaler Plattformen und eines umfassenden Leistungsversprechens hat sich United Airlines als führende Fluggesellschaft positioniert, die Millionen von Passagieren über verschiedene Strecken und Reisesegmente hinweg verbindet. Dieses dynamische Geschäftsmodell enthüllt die hochentwickelten Mechanismen hinter einer der renommiertesten Fluggesellschaften der Welt und bietet Einblicke in die Art und Weise, wie UAL Flugreisen von einem reinen Transportdienst in ein nahtloses, lohnendes Erlebnis verwandelt.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Wichtige Partnerschaften

Star Alliance-Netzwerk

Zusammensetzung der Star Alliance: 26 globale Fluggesellschaften ab 2024

Partnerfluggesellschaften	Abgedeckte Regionen
Lufthansa	Europa
Air Canada	Nordamerika
ANA	Asien

Flugzeughersteller

Primäre Flugzeuglieferanten:

• Boeing: 792 Flugzeuge in der Flotte ab Q4 2023
• Airbus: 89 Flugzeuge in der Flotte, Stand 4. Quartal 2023

Kreditkartenpartnerschaft

MileagePlus-Kreditkartenpartnerschaft mit Chase

Einzelheiten zur Partnerschaft	Wert
Jährlicher Kreditkartenumsatz	1,8 Milliarden US-Dollar im Jahr 2023
Aktive Kreditkartennutzer	12,4 Millionen im Jahr 2023

Catering- und Bodendienstleister

• Gate Gourmet: Primärer Catering-Anbieter
• Swissport: Bodenabfertigungsdienste
• Gesamtwert des Bodendienstvertrags: 475 Millionen US-Dollar im Jahr 2023

Technologie- und IT-Infrastrukturpartner

Partner	Service bereitgestellt	Jährlicher Vertragswert
Microsoft	Cloud-Infrastruktur	120 Millionen Dollar
IBM	Cybersicherheitslösungen	85 Millionen Dollar
Amadeus	Reservierungssysteme	95 Millionen Dollar

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Hauptaktivitäten

Personenbeförderungsdienste

United Airlines betreibt ab 2023 eine Flotte von 1.592 Flugzeugen und bedient 342 Ziele in 60 Ländern. Die Fluggesellschaft beförderte im Jahr 2022 204,2 Millionen Passagiere mit einem durchschnittlichen täglichen Abflug von 4.500 Flügen.

Zusammensetzung der Flotte	Anzahl der Flugzeuge
Schmalrumpfflugzeuge	1,037
Großraumflugzeuge	555

Flugzeugwartung und Flottenmanagement

United Airlines investiert jährlich 2,4 Milliarden US-Dollar in die Wartung und Flottenerneuerung von Flugzeugen. Das Unternehmen betreibt sieben große Wartungseinrichtungen in den Vereinigten Staaten.

• Durchschnittsalter des Flugzeugs: 13,7 Jahre
• Wartungstechniker: 5.200 Mitarbeiter
• Jährliches Wartungsbudget: 2,4 Milliarden US-Dollar

Streckennetzplanung und -optimierung

United Airlines verwaltet ein umfassendes Streckennetz mit strategischen Drehkreuzen in wichtigen Städten.

Wichtige Hubs	Tägliche Abfahrten
Chicago O'Hare	745
Houston	627
Newark	595
San Francisco	424

Kundenservice und Flugbetrieb

United Airlines beschäftigt im Jahr 2022 insgesamt 92.795 Mitarbeiter mit engagierten Teams für Kundenservice und Flugbetrieb.

• Piloten: 12.550
• Flugbegleiter: 24.350
• Kundendienstmitarbeiter: 8.900

Verwaltung digitaler Plattformen und Buchungssysteme

Die digitalen Plattformen von United Airlines wickelten im Jahr 2022 78 % aller Buchungen über Online- und Mobilkanäle ab, mit einem jährlichen digitalen Umsatz von 3,7 Milliarden US-Dollar.

Kennzahlen für digitale Plattformen	Jährliche Daten
Mobile App-Downloads	21,5 Millionen
Online-Buchungsprozentsatz	78%
Digitale Einnahmen	3,7 Milliarden US-Dollar

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Schlüsselressourcen

Große Flotte von Verkehrsflugzeugen

Zum 31. Dezember 2023 betreibt United Airlines eine Flotte von 1.463 Flugzeugen. Aufschlüsselung der Flottenzusammensetzung:

Flugzeugtyp	Anzahl der Flugzeuge
Boeing 737-Familie	521
Airbus A320-Familie	229
Boeing 787 Dreamliner	64
Boeing 777	54
Embraer Regional Jets	595

Umfangreiches globales Streckennetz

United Airlines bedient:

• Über 330 Reiseziele weltweit
• Ist auf 5 Kontinenten tätig
• Deckt 60 Länder ab

Fortschrittliche technologische Infrastruktur

Technologieinvestitionen und -fähigkeiten:

• Investitionen in die IT-Infrastruktur: 872 Millionen US-Dollar im Jahr 2023
• Cloud-Computing-Plattformen
• Erweiterte Reservierungs- und Buchungssysteme
• Echtzeit-Flugverfolgungstechnologie

Qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte und ausgebildete Piloten

Mitarbeiterkategorie	Anzahl der Mitarbeiter
Gesamtbelegschaft	92,795
Piloten	13,374
Flugbegleiter	21,186
Bodenoperationen	37,500

Flughafeneinrichtungen und Bodeninfrastruktur

Details zur Bodeninfrastruktur:

• Wartungseinrichtungen in 7 großen Hub-Städten
• Gesamtinvestition in Bodenanlagen: 1,2 Milliarden US-Dollar im Jahr 2023
• Wartungszentren in Chicago, Houston, San Francisco

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Wertversprechen

Umfassendes globales Reisenetzwerk

United Airlines betreibt ab 2023 ein Netzwerk von 4.634 täglichen Flügen zu 239 Zielen in 49 Ländern. Die Fluggesellschaft bedient 6 Kontinente mit einer Flotte von 1.463 Flugzeugen.

Netzwerkmetrik	Menge
Tägliche Flüge	4,634
Reiseziele	239
Belieferte Länder	49
Flottengröße	1,463

Zuverlässiger und effizienter Lufttransport

United Airlines weist im Jahr 2023 eine Pünktlichkeit von 80,1 % und einen Fertigstellungsgrad von 98,7 % auf.

Vielflieger-Prämienprogramm

Das MileagePlus-Programm hat 110 Millionen Mitglieder mit Partnerschaften mit 40 Fluggesellschaften und über 200 Hotel- und Mietwagenpartnern.

Programmmetrik	Menge
Programmmitglieder	110 Millionen
Airline-Partnerschaften	40
Beziehungen zu Reisepartnern	200+

Mehrere Reiseklassenoptionen

• Zuerst vereint
• Vereinigtes Geschäft
• United Premium Plus
• Vereinigte Wirtschaft

Nahtloses digitales Buchungs- und Reiseerlebnis

Die mobile App von United hat 26 Millionen Downloads mit einer Bewertung von 4,7/5. Die digitale Check-in-Rate beträgt 89 % aller Passagiere.

Digitale Engagement-Metrik	Menge
Mobile App-Downloads	26 Millionen
Bewertung mobiler Apps	4.7/5
Tarif für digitalen Check-in	89%

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Kundenbeziehungen

MileagePlus-Treueprogramm

Im Jahr 2023 hat das MileagePlus-Programm von United Airlines 120 Millionen aktive Mitglieder. Das Programm generierte im Jahr 2022 Treueeinnahmen in Höhe von 5,3 Milliarden US-Dollar. Mitglieder können Meilen sammeln durch:

• Flugkäufe
• Kreditkartenausgaben
• Partnertransaktionen

Programmmetrik	Wert 2023
Gesamtzahl der aktiven Mitglieder	120 Millionen
Treueeinnahmen	5,3 Milliarden US-Dollar
Jährlich eingelöste Meilen	1,2 Billionen Meilen

Digitale Kundensupportkanäle

United Airlines betreibt mehrere digitale Supportplattformen mit den folgenden Kennzahlen:

• Downloads mobiler Apps: 22,4 Millionen
• Lösungsrate des Chatbots rund um die Uhr: 68 %
• Durchschnittliche Reaktionszeit des digitalen Kundenservices: 12 Minuten

Personalisiertes Reiseerlebnis

Die Personalisierungsstrategie von United umfasst:

• KI-gesteuerte Empfehlungsmaschine
• Maßgeschneiderte Reisevorschläge basierend auf 87 % der Kundendatenprofile
• Personalisierte Kommunikation über 12 verschiedene digitale Touchpoints

Firmenreisepartnerschaften

Kategorie „Partnerschaft“.	Anzahl der Partner	Auswirkungen auf den Jahresumsatz
Unternehmenskonten	3,200	1,7 Milliarden US-Dollar
Globale Unternehmensverträge	650	890 Millionen Dollar

Digitale Self-Service-Plattformen

Zu den Self-Service-Funktionen von United gehören:

• Online-Check-in: Wird von 92 % der Passagiere genutzt
• Akzeptanz mobiler Bordkarten: 78 %
• Digitale Gepäckverfolgung: Verfügbar für 100 % der Flüge

Digitale Plattformmetrik	Prozentsatz
Nutzung des Online-Check-ins	92%
Einführung mobiler Bordkarten	78%
Self-Service-Lösungsrate	85%

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Kanäle

Offizielle Website und mobile App

Die digitalen Plattformen von United Airlines wickelten im Jahr 2023 61,2 % des gesamten Ticketverkaufs ab. Der Website-Verkehr erreichte jährlich 152 Millionen einzelne Besucher. Im vierten Quartal 2023 wurden mehr als 24,5 Millionen mobile Apps heruntergeladen.

Digitaler Kanal	Jährliche Leistungskennzahlen
United.com-Website	152 Millionen einzelne Besucher
United Mobile-App	24,5 Millionen Downloads
Online-Ticketverkauf	61,2 % des Gesamtumsatzes

Reisebuchungsplattformen

United Airlines arbeitet mit 12 globalen Online-Reisebüros zusammen. Die Expedia Group generiert 18,7 % der digitalen Drittanbieterbuchungen von United.

• Expedia
• Booking.com
• Orbitz
• Reiseocity
• Preislinie

Serviceschalter am Flughafen

United betreibt weltweit 1.387 Check-in-Schalter an 335 Flughäfen. Durchschnittliche tägliche Passagierinteraktionen an Serviceschaltern: 87.500.

Flughafen-Service-Metrik	Menge
Check-in-Schalter	1,387
Globale Flughafenstandorte	335
Tägliche Passagierinteraktionen	87,500

Callcenter

United unterhält sieben globale Callcenter, die jährlich 42,3 Millionen Kundendienstinteraktionen abwickeln. Durchschnittliche Anrufbearbeitungszeit: 8,2 Minuten.

Reisebüros und Firmenreisepartner

United unterhält Partnerschaften mit 5.200 Geschäftsreisemanagementunternehmen. Das Geschäftsreisesegment macht im Jahr 2023 38,6 % des Gesamtumsatzes aus.

Kennzahlen für Unternehmensreisepartnerschaften	Daten
Partner für Geschäftsreisemanagement	5,200
Beitrag zu den Einnahmen aus Geschäftsreisen	38.6%

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Kundensegmente

Geschäftsreisende

United Airlines bedient über sein Netzwerk jährlich etwa 1,6 Millionen Geschäftsreisende. Das Unternehmen erwirtschaftet im Geschäftsreisesegment einen Umsatz von 8,2 Milliarden US-Dollar.

Segment Geschäftsreisen	Jährliche Kennzahlen
Insgesamt Geschäftsreisende	1,6 Millionen
Geschäftsreiseeinnahmen	8,2 Milliarden US-Dollar
Durchschnittliche Geschäftsreisekosten	$1,245

Freizeitreisende

United Airlines bedient etwa 2,3 Millionen Urlaubsreisende pro Jahr und erwirtschaftet Einnahmen aus Freizeitreisen in Höhe von 5,7 Milliarden US-Dollar.

Segment Freizeitreisen	Jährliche Kennzahlen
Totale Freizeitreisende	2,3 Millionen
Einnahmen aus Freizeitreisen	5,7 Milliarden US-Dollar
Durchschnittliche Kosten für eine Freizeitreise	$678

Geschäftsreisekonten

United Airlines unterhält Beziehungen zu 3.750 Geschäftsreisekonten, was 42 % des gesamten Geschäftsreisesegments ausmacht.

• Gesamtzahl der Unternehmenskonten: 3.750
• Anteil Geschäftsreisen: 42 %
• Durchschnittlicher Firmenkontowert: 2,1 Millionen US-Dollar

Internationale und inländische Passagiere

United Airlines bedient jährlich 342 Ziele mit insgesamt 4,7 Millionen Passagieren.

Passagiertyp	Jährliche Passagiere	Einnahmen
Inländische Passagiere	3,2 Millionen	6,9 Milliarden US-Dollar
Internationale Passagiere	1,5 Millionen	4,6 Milliarden US-Dollar

Vielflieger

Das United MileagePlus-Programm umfasst 100 Millionen Mitglieder, wobei 12 Millionen aktive Teilnehmer erhebliche Treueeinnahmen generieren.

• Gesamtzahl der MileagePlus-Mitglieder: 100 Millionen
• Aktive Vielflieger: 12 Millionen
• Einnahmen aus Treueprogrammen: 1,3 Milliarden US-Dollar

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Kostenstruktur

Treibstoffkosten für Flugzeuge

Im Jahr 2023 gab United Airlines 7,44 Milliarden US-Dollar für Flugtreibstoff aus. Die Treibstoffkosten pro Gallone betrugen durchschnittlich 2,96 $. Die Treibstoffkosten machten etwa 22 % der gesamten Betriebskosten der Fluggesellschaft aus.

Jahr	Gesamte Treibstoffkosten	Treibstoffkosten pro Gallone	Prozentsatz der Betriebskosten
2023	7,44 Milliarden US-Dollar	$2.96	22%

Gehälter und Leistungen der Mitarbeiter

Die Personalvergütungskosten von United Airlines beliefen sich im Jahr 2023 auf insgesamt 11,26 Milliarden US-Dollar. Das Unternehmen beschäftigte rund 92.795 Vollzeitmitarbeiter.

• Gesamtvergütung der Mitarbeiter: 11,26 Milliarden US-Dollar
• Anzahl der Mitarbeiter: 92.795
• Durchschnittliches Gehalt pro Mitarbeiter: 121.360 $

Flugzeugwartung und -leasing

Im Jahr 2023 gab United Airlines 2,98 Milliarden US-Dollar für Flugzeugwartungs- und Leasingkosten aus. Die Flotte bestand aus 1.592 Flugzeugen, von denen 54 % im Besitz und 46 % geleast waren.

Ausgabenkategorie	Gesamtkosten	Zusammensetzung der Flotte
Wartung und Leasing	2,98 Milliarden US-Dollar	Insgesamt 1.592 Flugzeuge
Eigenes Flugzeug	54 % der Flotte	861 Flugzeuge
Geleaste Flugzeuge	46 % der Flotte	731 Flugzeuge

Flughafenbetrieb und Landegebühren

United Airlines hat im Jahr 2023 Flughafenbetrieb und Landegebühren in Höhe von 3,42 Milliarden US-Dollar verursacht. Die Fluggesellschaft ist an 355 Flughäfen in 60 Ländern tätig.

• Gesamter Flughafenbetrieb und Landegebühren: 3,42 Milliarden US-Dollar
• Anzahl der angeflogenen Flughäfen: 355
• Länder tätig in: 60

Technologie- und Infrastrukturinvestitionen

United Airlines investierte im Jahr 2023 1,15 Milliarden US-Dollar in Technologie- und Infrastrukturverbesserungen. Dazu gehören digitale Plattformen, Reservierungssysteme und Betriebstechnologien.

Anlagekategorie	Gesamtinvestition
Technologie und Infrastruktur	1,15 Milliarden US-Dollar

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) – Geschäftsmodell: Einnahmequellen

Verkauf von Passagiertickets

United Airlines meldete im Jahr 2022 einen Passagierumsatz von 48,4 Milliarden US-Dollar. Die Einnahmen aus Passagiermeilen (RPM) beliefen sich im selben Jahr auf 215,7 Milliarden. Der durchschnittliche Ticketpreis betrug etwa 182,50 $.

Umsatzkategorie	Betrag 2022
Passagiereinnahmen	48,4 Milliarden US-Dollar
Einnahmen aus Passagiermeilen	215,7 Milliarden
Durchschnittlicher Ticketpreis	$182.50

Gepäckgebühren

United Airlines kassierte 1,4 Milliarden US-Dollar an Gepäckgebühren im Jahr 2022. Die Standardgebühr für aufgegebenes Gepäck liegt je nach Route und Passagierstatus zwischen 30 und 75 US-Dollar.

• Gebühr für das erste aufgegebene Gepäckstück: 30–35 US-Dollar
• Gebühr für das zweite aufgegebene Gepäckstück: 40–45 US-Dollar
• Gebühren für übergewichtiges/übergroßes Gepäck: Zusätzlich 100–200 $

Gütertransport

Frachteinnahmen für United Airlines erreicht 6,3 Milliarden US-Dollar im Jahr 2022. Die Fluggesellschaft führt spezielle Frachtflüge durch und nutzt Bauchfrachtraum in Passagierflugzeugen.

Frachtumsatzmetrik	Wert 2022
Gesamter Frachtumsatz	6,3 Milliarden US-Dollar
Frachtertrag pro Umsatztonnenmeile	$2.87

Vielfliegerprogramm-Partnerschaften

Das United MileagePlus-Programm generiert etwa 5,2 Milliarden US-Dollar pro Jahr durch Kreditkartenpartnerschaften und Meilenverkäufe. Zu den wichtigsten Partnern zählen die Chase Bank und verschiedene Hotel-/Einzelhandels-Treueprogramme.

• Umsatz aus Kreditkartenpartnerschaften: 3,7 Milliarden US-Dollar
• Meilenverkäufe an Partner: 1,5 Milliarden US-Dollar

Premium-Klasse und Zusatzleistungen

Die Einnahmen aus Premium-Kabinen und Zusatzdienstleistungen summierten sich 3,8 Milliarden US-Dollar im Jahr 2022. Dazu gehören First-Class-, Business-Class-, Premium-Economy- und zusätzliche Serviceumsätze.

Premium-Servicekategorie	Umsatz 2022
Einnahmen aus der Business Class	2,1 Milliarden US-Dollar
Einnahmen erster Klasse	850 Millionen Dollar
Premium-Economy-Einnahmen	450 Millionen Dollar
Andere Nebendienstleistungen	400 Millionen Dollar

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) - Canvas Business Model: Value Propositions

The Value Propositions for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. center on network breadth, product modernization, operational reliability, and a high-value loyalty proposition for frequent flyers.

Extensive global network connecting to over 1,300 destinations

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. offers a vast reach, as outlined by its commitment to connecting to over 1,300 destinations. Operationally, for Summer 2025, the airline is set to operate 800 daily flights to and from 147 international destinations, including 40 nonstop routes no other major U.S. airline serves. The total network size as of 2024 included 383 destinations. This expansion includes adding 8 new cities for Summer 2025, such as Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Dakar, Senegal.

Enhanced premium experience (Polaris, Signature Interior, Starlink Wi-Fi)

Product differentiation is driven by premium cabin enhancements and fleet-wide technology upgrades. The new United signature interiors feature significant in-seat technology upgrades across cabins. United expects to have Starlink on all United aircraft - more than 1,000 planes - over the next several years. Testing for the free Starlink service began in early 2025, with the first mainline aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, expected to enter service with Starlink from October 15, 2025. The regional fleet installation pace reached 50 or more aircraft per month as of September 2025. The high-speed Starlink service offers download speeds between 40 and 220 Mbps and upload speeds of 8 to 25 Mbps.

The seatback screens in the new signature interiors provide concrete visual value:

Cabin Class	Screen Size (Inches)	Connectivity Feature
United Polaris business class	16-inch HD touch screens	Bluetooth connectivity
United First Class	13-inch screens	Power in every seat
United Economy seat	10-inch screens	Larger overhead bins

The airline has nearly 100,000 seatback screens across its fleet, with plans to grow this number. Premium cabin revenue grew 5.6% in Q2 2025.

High operational dependability (best post-pandemic on-time rates in Q2 2025)

Operational execution in the second quarter of 2025 demonstrated improved reliability. United operated its largest-ever quarterly schedule in Q2 of 2025, measured by available seat miles. The consolidated punctuality rate for Q2 2025 reached its highest level in four years. The on-time departure rate hit a five-year high in Q2 2025. United achieved a 100% completion day on April 22, 2025. The on-time percentage hovers around 80-82%, which is significantly better (i.e., 5% or more) than other major U.S. airlines.

Diverse fare options from Basic Economy to premium cabins

United provides a spectrum of fare options to segment customers based on willingness to pay and desired flexibility. The fare structure includes distinct categories for different service levels.

• Basic Economy fare class: N.
• Deep-discounted Economy fare classes: S, T, L, K, G.
• Full-fare Economy classes eligible for instant upgrades: Y, B.
• United Polaris business class fare classes: J, C, D, Z, P.
• United Premium Plus fare classes: O, A, R.

Basic Economy fares (N) are generally not eligible for upgrades.

Strong loyalty program value with flexible earning and redemption

The MileagePlus program remains a core value driver, recognized as the world's best frequent flyer programme in 2025 with a perfect 10.00 score in one industry evaluation. The program offers flexibility in point lifespan and redemption options.

• MileagePlus points are valid for up to 180 months.
• Loyalty revenue grew 8.7% year-over-year in Q2 2025.
• MileagePlus points are valued around 1.2 points per dollar.
• Co-branded credit card sign-ups surged by 45%.
• International Premium Economy upgrades start at 15,000 miles.
• Domestic upgrades from Basic Economy (N) require 25,000 miles.
• Upgrading from a W fare class to Polaris costs 40 PlusPoints.
• Upgrading from a G or S fare class to Polaris costs 80 PlusPoints.

Elite status qualification for 2025 requires higher thresholds, such as 5,000 PQPs and 15 PQFs for Silver, or a PQP-only goal of 6,000 PQPs.

Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) - Canvas Business Model: Customer Relationships

You're looking at how United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) keeps its customers engaged and satisfied, which is key since their strategy leans heavily on brand loyalty. Honestly, the numbers show they're succeeding by pushing high-yield customers and digital tools.

Automated self-service via the highly-rated United mobile app

Digital interaction is massive for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL). Nearly 90% of customers engage with the United mobile app on the day of travel. This focus on automation helps with service recovery; about half of passengers who were rebooked in the second quarter of 2025 used United's automated or self-service options. The app's technology, like ConnectionSaver, has saved over 3.3 million customer connections since its launch. Furthermore, a spring beta test of new app features showed that over 350,000 customers used them, achieving a 98% success rate in making their connection.

Dedicated personal assistance for premium and elite status members

The focus on premium customers is clearly paying off financially. In the third quarter of 2025, premium cabin revenue was up 6% year-over-year. For the first quarter of 2025, premium cabin revenue had risen 9.2% year-over-year. This segment is high-yield; premium-class revenue per available seat mile outperformed the main cabin by five points in Q3 2025. Elite status is tied directly to these benefits, but earning it got tougher in 2025, with Premier status requirements increasing by 20% to 25% in Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).

Here's a look at the PQP headstarts for existing elites at the start of the 2025 program year:

Elite Status Level	PQP Headstart Amount
Premier Silver	300 PQPs
Premier Gold	600 PQPs
Premier Platinum	900 PQPs
Premier 1K	1,400 PQPs

Community building through the MileagePlus loyalty program

The MileagePlus program is a significant revenue driver and community anchor. Loyalty revenue increased more than 9% in the third quarter of 2025, following a 9.4% year-over-year rise in Q1 2025. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) executives have signaled big plans, aiming to double profits from its loyalty program by 2030. The value of each point is estimated around 1.2 points per dollar. To sweeten the deal for cardholders, earn rates on co-branded cards were adjusted; for instance, the United Club℠ Card now offers 1 PQP per $15 spent, with a maximum of 28,000 PQPs annually, up from 15,000 PQPs.

MileagePlus members earn miles based on status, which encourages repeat engagement:

• Premier Silver: Earn 7 miles per dollar.
• Premier Gold: Earn 8 miles per dollar.
• Premier Platinum: Earn 9 miles per dollar.
• Premier 1K: Earn 11 miles per dollar.

Proactive communication for operational changes and service recovery

Operational reliability directly impacts customer trust. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) delivered its best first-quarter operational performance since 2021 in Q1 2025, cutting its seat cancellation rate in half compared to Q1 2024. For service recovery, the airline uses proactive communication; for example, during weather delays, they began texting customers live radar maps in July 2025. This transparency helps manage expectations when disruptions occur, which is crucial since Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), representing roughly 20% of United's total system capacity and domestic revenue, faced significant restrictions in Q2 2025.

Corporate sales teams managing large business travel accounts

The corporate segment remains a focus, though the mix is shifting toward premium leisure. Business revenue was up 7.4% in the first quarter of 2025. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) achieved its all-time highest business revenue ticketing week during the week ending October 5, 2025, with three of the top five best weeks occurring in September 2025. Despite this, the Chief Commercial Officer noted that the percentage of business travel is a much smaller share of United's business than it was in 2019. Business travel demand saw a double-digit acceleration starting in early July 2025.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) - Canvas Business Model: Channels

You're looking at how United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) gets its product-seats on planes-into the hands of customers as of late 2025. The strategy heavily favors digital control, but the physical touchpoints remain critical for premium and last-minute sales.

Direct sales via United Airlines website and mobile app (primary channel)

The digital storefront is where United Airlines wants the majority of transactions to happen. This channel allows for direct control over pricing, ancillary attachment, and customer data capture, which feeds directly into loyalty efforts. Enhancements to the United app, for instance, drove an 85% digital check-in rate in the first quarter of 2025. This focus on digital self-service is key, especially as a record 73% of airline tickets were booked directly across the industry in early 2025, a trend United Airlines is definitely leading within its segment. You can even purchase a one-time United Club pass for $59 directly via the mobile app.

The airline's investment in its mobile app is significant, as CEO Scott Kirby noted its role in winning and retaining brand-loyal customers.

Airport ticket counters and customer service desks

While digital dominates, the physical presence at over 150 international destinations and numerous domestic hubs is essential for service recovery, complex itinerary changes, and high-touch customer segments. These desks serve as the final point of sale for many last-minute or highly modified bookings. You still see agents at these counters helping customers who need immediate, in-person resolution.

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

United Airlines continues to manage its presence on third-party platforms, balancing reach with the desire to own the customer relationship. In May 2025, OTA-issued trips actually increased by 8% year-over-year, showing that price-sensitive or self-service bookings still flow through these channels. To maintain control over ancillary sales on these platforms, United Airlines and Travelport formed a strategic partnership where Travelport receives early access to United's NDC-enabled extras.

Corporate booking tools and dedicated business portals

This high-margin segment is a core focus, though its growth has moderated recently. Flown business revenue grew 7% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, down from 15% growth in the fourth quarter of 2024. Contracted business sales for all future travel were only up 'low single-digits' year-over-year as of Q1 2025. United is actively integrating its Online Booking Tool (OBT) extras, like using United Jetstream amenity funds as payment, into GDS platforms like Travelport+ and its own Deem OBT platform to streamline the corporate booking experience.

United Club and Polaris Lounge network

The premium lounge network acts as a tangible value-add channel, particularly for high-yield and loyalty program members. As of late 2025, United Airlines operates a network that includes more than 45 United Club locations and five United Polaris® lounges. The airline expanded this offering in 2025, opening a new United Club Fly in Houston and a significantly expanded United Club in Denver measuring over 33,000 square feet. Furthermore, design work began on the seventh United Polaris lounge, slated for Denver.

Here's a quick look at the quantitative scale of these channels and related performance metrics:

Channel/Metric Category	Data Point (Late 2025)	Context/Period
Total Operating Revenue (Q3 2025)	$15.2 billion	Quarterly Financial Scale
Digital Check-in Rate	85%	Q1 2025
Industry Direct Booking Share	73%	Early 2025
United Club One-Time Pass Price	$59	Current Pricing
OTA-Issued Trip Increase	8%	May 2025 vs. prior year
Flown Business Revenue Growth	7%	Q1 2025 Year-over-Year
United Club Locations	More than 45	Network Size
United Polaris Lounges	5	Network Size

The airline is definitely leaning into its digital and premium physical assets to drive revenue, especially given that loyalty revenue grew 9% in Q3 2025.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) - Canvas Business Model: Customer Segments

High-yield business travelers seeking premium service and flexibility.

This segment showed strong recovery, with business travel revenue up 7.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. For the second quarter of 2025, business demand notched a double-digit acceleration compared to the second quarter of 2024. Premium cabin revenue growth was 9.2% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, though it grew by 5.6% in the second quarter and 6% in the third quarter of 2025. United Airlines is focusing on retaining these high-value customers through network improvements and service enhancements.

Affluent international leisure travelers utilizing long-haul routes.

International travel remained robust, with Pacific Revenue per Available Seat Mile (RASM) increasing by 8.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, and Atlantic RASM up 4.7%. United Airlines is flying its largest international schedule in company history, with over 400 roundtrip international flights per day to 142 different destinations as of the third quarter of 2025. However, unit revenue pressure was noted in the third quarter, with international Passenger Revenue per Available Seat Mile (PRASM) falling 7.1%.

Brand-loyal MileagePlus members across all service classes.

The loyalty ecosystem is a key focus, with loyalty-related revenue growing by 9.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, and loyalty revenue rising 9% in the third quarter of 2025. The value of a MileagePlus point is around 1.2 points per dollar. Elite status qualification metrics for 2025 increased Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) by 20% to 25% across levels. United Airlines has a stated goal to double profits from its MileagePlus program by 2030.

Price-sensitive domestic leisure travelers (Basic Economy segment).

The Basic Economy offering continues to be a significant volume driver. Revenue from this segment was up 7.6% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, with a 4% revenue rise reported in the third quarter of 2025. As of late 2024, Basic Economy flyers accounted for approximately 16% of United Airlines' domestic passengers. The airline expects to average 145 seats per departure in North America by 2027, up from 104 in 2019, facilitating more of this lower-fare inventory.

Corporate clients with large-volume travel contracts.

This group is closely aligned with the high-yield business traveler segment, showing strong booking trends in 2025. The airline is capturing this demand through its network strength and operational reliability, which is critical for corporate travel managers. The following table summarizes key revenue performance indicators for relevant customer-facing segments through the first three quarters of 2025.

Segment Indicator	Q1 2025 YoY Growth	Q2 2025 YoY Growth	Q3 2025 YoY Growth
Premium Cabin Revenue	9.2%	5.6%	6%
Business Travel Revenue/Demand	7.4% (Revenue)	Double-digit acceleration	Implied strong performance
Basic Economy Revenue	7.6%	1.7%	4%
Loyalty Revenue	9.4%	Not specified	9%

United Airlines is also focusing on retaining its most valuable flyers through tiered benefits, which directly relates to segment retention. The structure for earning elite status in 2025 required higher Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).

• Premier Silver New PQP Requirement: 5,000 PQPs or 15 PQFs and 5,000 PQPs.
• Premier Gold New PQP Requirement: 10,000 PQPs or 30 PQFs and 10,000 PQPs.
• Premier Platinum New PQP Requirement: 15,000 PQPs or 45 PQFs and 15,000 PQPs.
• Premier 1K New PQP Requirement: 22,000 PQPs or 60 PQFs and 22,000 PQPs.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) - Canvas Business Model: Cost Structure

You're looking at the major drains on United Airlines Holdings, Inc.'s operating cash flow, which is key to understanding their pricing power and margin sustainability. The cost structure for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is heavily weighted toward fixed and semi-variable costs inherent to operating a global airline network.

The most significant variable cost component remains fuel. For the third quarter of 2025, the average fuel price United Airlines Holdings, Inc. paid was $2.43 per gallon. This figure directly impacts the bottom line, though hedging strategies aim to smooth out volatility. To give you a snapshot of the scale of their financial commitments as of the end of Q3 2025, here are some key figures:

Financial Metric	Amount / Projection (Late 2025)
Total Debt, Finance Lease Obligations, and Other Financial Liabilities (Q3 2025)	$25.4 billion
Projected FY2025 Adjusted Total Capital Expenditure	Below $6.5 billion
Q3 2025 Average Fuel Price	$2.43 per gallon
Q3 2025 Adjusted Pre-tax Margin	8.0%

Fixed costs are substantial, driven by the long-term nature of their assets. Aircraft ownership, whether through purchase or lease, represents a massive fixed commitment. Similarly, securing slots and gates at major hubs like Newark, which accounts for over 20% of the company's capacity, locks in significant airport lease expenses for years.

Labor costs are another huge line item, especially with pilot and flight attendant contracts. You saw evidence of this in the Q3 2025 reporting, where the timing of union contracts caused a shift in expenses. Specifically, United Airlines Holdings, Inc. noted a reduction of 1 point of labor expense moving from the third quarter of 2025 into the fourth quarter of 2025 due to contract timing. This shows how sensitive reported quarterly costs can be to the cadence of these major agreements.

Capital expenditures are being managed for fleet modernization. For the full fiscal year 2025, United Airlines Holdings, Inc. projected its adjusted total capital expenditure to fall below $6.5 billion. This spending is directed toward fleet upgrades and customer experience investments, like installing Starlink Wi-Fi across the fleet.

The debt load is significant, reflecting past financing needs and current obligations. As of the close of the third quarter of 2025, total debt, finance lease obligations, and other financial liabilities stood at $25.4 billion. The company did make a move to simplify this structure by prepaying the remaining $1.5 billion balance of the MileagePlus bonds during the quarter.

Here's a quick look at the cost structure elements that are managed:

• High fixed costs from aircraft ownership and airport leases.
• Variable fuel costs tied to the $2.43 per gallon Q3 2025 average.
• Significant labor expenses influenced by union contract timing.
• Capital expenditures projected below $6.5 billion for FY2025.
• Interest expense tied to $25.4 billion in total liabilities.

Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) - Canvas Business Model: Revenue Streams

You're looking at the core ways United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) brings in cash as of late 2025. The business model is heavily reliant on flying people, but the real margin story is in the premium and loyalty segments. Honestly, the numbers from the third quarter of 2025 really highlight where the focus is right now.

Passenger ticket sales remain the main driver, of course. Total operating revenue for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. in the third quarter of 2025 hit $15.2 billion. This massive top line is supported by demand across the board, even as they manage unit revenue pressures. For instance, revenue from Basic Economy, which caters to the budget-conscious traveler, still managed to rise 4% year-over-year in Q3 2025. That shows the breadth of their passenger base.

Loyalty program revenue is a strategic powerhouse for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. MileagePlus revenue increased over 9% year-over-year in Q3 2025. To be fair, the co-brand remuneration part of that grew even faster, climbing 15% year-over-year. Management is definitely leaning into this, projecting they will double the loyalty program EBITDA by the end of the decade. This program is a key part of their brand-loyal strategy.

Premium cabin revenue is another critical growth lever. This segment rose 6% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025. What's more telling is that premium-class revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) outperformed the main cabin by five points. This outperformance is exactly what drives margin accretion for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. as they invest heavily in products like United Polaris.

Ancillary revenue streams are essential for filling out the total take. These fees come from things you might not think of as core tickets, but they add up significantly. You're looking at:

• Baggage fees, which are a consistent source of cash flow.
• Seat selection charges, especially for preferred seating.
• Revenue from upgrades to premium products.

Cargo and third-party business services revenue provides diversification away from pure passenger demand. In Q3 2025, cargo revenue specifically saw a lift, increasing 3% year-over-year. This shows the utility of their global network beyond just passenger seats.

Here's a quick snapshot of the key revenue performance indicators from the third quarter of 2025:

Revenue Stream Component	Q3 2025 Metric/Value	Year-over-Year Change
Total Operating Revenue	$15.2 billion	Up 2.6%
Premium Cabin Revenue	N/A	Rose 6%
Loyalty Program Revenue	N/A	Grew over 9%
Cargo Revenue	N/A	Rose 3%
Basic Economy Revenue	N/A	Rose 4%

The commitment to enhancing these revenue streams is clear in the capital allocation. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is on track to spend over $1 billion on customer experience improvements in 2025, with plans for another investment exceeding $1 billion in 2026. They are targeting fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi installation completion by 2027. That spending is meant to secure the brand-loyal customer base that is currently driving the premium and loyalty revenue success.