United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL)

Sector: Industrials|Industry: Airlines|Market Cap: $30.08B|Employees: 103.3K


United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is a holding company whose primary subsidiary, United Airlines, operates a comprehensive route network across North America and internationally. The company transports passengers and cargo, with key hubs in major US cities, and is a member of Star Alliance. United's competitive advantages include its extensive route network and its focus on premium offerings, while also maintaining fare competitiveness with low-cost carriers.

  1. Filings
  2. Company Profile

Business Summary

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is a holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary is United Airlines, Inc. United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." United has the most comprehensive route network among North American carriers, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The company transports people and cargo throughout North America and to destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America. United is a member of Star Alliance, the world's largest alliance network.

Key Statistics

  • Employees: 103,300 (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Geographic Footprint: Operates across six continents, with hubs in major U.S. cities and Guam
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
  • Founded: Not explicitly stated in filing
  • Number of locations/facilities: Operates across six continents, with hubs in major U.S. cities and Guam
  • Revenue: $53.7 billion (FY2023)
  • Market Share: Not explicitly stated in filing
  • Key Subsidiaries/Brands: United Airlines, Inc., United Express

Leadership

  • CEO: J. Scott Kirby
  • President: Brett J. Hart
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer: Torbjorn (Toby) J. Enqvist
  • Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations: Kate Gebo
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer: Linda P. Jojo
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer: Michael Leskinen
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer: Andrew Nocella

Executive officers are elected by UAL's Board for an initial term that continues until the first Board meeting following the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and thereafter, are elected for a one-year term or until their successors have been chosen, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board.

Key Financial Metrics

  • Annual Revenue: $53.7 billion (FY2023)
  • Net Income: $2.6 billion (FY2023)
  • Market Cap: $17.9 billion (as of June 30, 2023)
  • Total Assets: $71.1 billion (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Number of Employees: 103,300 (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Key Financial Highlights: Operating revenue increased by 19.5% year-over-year. Net income increased to $2.6 billion from $737 million in the previous year.

Products and Services

The Company transports people and cargo throughout North America and to destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America.

  • Passenger Transportation: Provides air transportation services for passengers.
  • Cargo Transportation: Provides freight and mail transportation services.
  • Loyalty Program: MileagePlus loyalty program offering awards, benefits and services.
  • Ancillary Services: Includes services such as seat upgrades, baggage handling, and in-flight Wi-Fi.

Key Business Segments

The company operates as a single reportable segment.

Business Strategy

United's strategic plan, "United Next," aims to increase average gauge in North America, increase total available seats per departure, and lower carbon emissions per seat. Key initiatives include retrofitting narrow-body planes with signature interiors, replacing older jets with fuel-efficient aircraft, and expanding the global network. The company is also focused on improving operational excellence, achieving best-in-class margin performance, and enhancing customer service.

  • Key strategic initiatives: United Next plan, fleet modernization, network expansion, sustainability initiatives.
  • Growth drivers: Increased demand for air travel, network expansion, fuel efficiency.
  • Investment priorities: Fleet modernization, technology upgrades, sustainability initiatives.

Industry Context

The airline industry is highly competitive, with competition from other airlines and, to a certain extent, other forms of transportation. The company competes with other U.S. airlines, foreign carriers, low-cost carriers and ultra-low-cost carriers. Key market trends include airline mergers, alliances, and the rise of government-sponsored international carriers. The industry is also subject to seasonal fluctuations, with higher demand in the second and third quarters.

  • Market Position: Not explicitly stated in filing
  • Key Competitors: Other U.S. airlines, foreign carriers, low-cost carriers, ultra-low-cost carriers
  • Industry Trends: Airline consolidation, alliances, rise of government-sponsored international carriers, seasonal demand fluctuations

Risk Factors

  • Strategic and Business Development Risks: Execution of strategic operating plan, changes in network strategy, failure to manage acquisitions and investments.
  • Business, Operational and Industry Risks: Adverse publicity from accidents, intense competition, dependence on limited suppliers, disruptions to regional networks.
  • Regulatory, Tax, Litigation and Legal Compliance Risks: Extensive government regulation, climate change and sustainability regulations, environmental liabilities.
  • Market, Liquidity, Accounting and Financial Risks: High fuel prices, financial leverage, limitations on tax attributes, impairments of intangible assets.
  • Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Risks: Reliance on technology, cybersecurity threats, data breaches.

Last Updated

2024-02-29

(Generated from latest 10-K filing)