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United Airlines forecast first-quarter earnings that surpassed analysts’ estimates as the carrier seeks to grow earnings again in 2025 thanks to strong travel demand. The airline said Tuesday that it expects to earn an adjusted 75 cents to $1.25 in the first three months of the year, above the 54 cents analysts had expected, according to LSEG estimates. United’s stock is up more than 180% over the past 12 months as of Tuesday’s close, more than any other U.S. carrier. United shares were up more than 3% in extended trading after it released results. United and rival Delta have benefitted from strong demand for pricier seats like in business class, international travel and their massive loyalty programs. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian earlier this month said he expects 2025 to be the carrier’s “best financial year in our history.”<br/>

United Airlines capped a highly profitable year of operations with its three busiest-ever passenger-flying days coming in December, at the height of the North American winter travel season. Reporting higher year-on-year revenue across its premium, corporate and economy segments for the October-December period, Chicago-based United said on 21 January that it also set company records for profit and passengers flown in the fourth quarter. “United had a unique strategy coming out of Covid and our people have delivered for customers, leading to a structurally and permanently changed industry,” says Scott Kirby, United’s CE. “2024 was a strong year across the board.” Indeed, the company appears to be firing on all cylinders, with almost all of its operating statistics – including passenger load factor, capacity and revenue passenger miles (RPMs) – trending positively compared with the same period of last year. United’s fourth-quarter performance continues the trend of the “Big Two” – Delta Air Lines and United – raking in profits while fellow major US carriers American Airlines and Southwest Airlines lag behind. United calls itself “the leading global airline”, though it did not overtake Delta in profitability last year. The Star Alliance carrier reports full-year profits of $3.1b, up 64% from the $2.6b it made in 2023.<br/>

Copa Airlines, Panama’s flagship carrier and Star Alliance global airline member, has partnered with Smartvel to offer real-time travel information on over 85 destinations. The partnership enables Copa Airlines to provide essential real-time travel information about travel requirements to customers travelling to any of its 85 destinations across Central, South, North America, and the Caribbean. Smartvel’s advanced content, available in multiple languages, will be integrated into Copa Airline’s website and app. Copa customers will have access to up to the minute travel information, including health and visa requirements. Smartvel’s technology continuously monitors official government websites from each country to ensure information is up to date and correct.<br/>

All Nippon Airways’ parent ANA Holdings is working to secure a “stable supply” of spare operating aircraft to counter supply chain challenges. In a network update for its fiscal 2025 year, which ends on 31 March 2026, the group, which also comprises low-cost brands Peach and AirJapan, says it will also “optimise aircraft… deployment”, to “maintain and improve” its punctuality, especially on the domestic network. It did not indicate how many spare aircraft – or which aircraft type – it was looking to take. ANA Holdings adds that in the new financial year, it will prioritise “managing its operating fleet as the industry navigates ongoing adjustments related to new aircraft deliveries and scheduled engine maintenance”. This appears to be a reference to mainline operator ANA, which is facing delays in the delivery of new 737 Max and 777-9 aircraft. It previously indicated that it would be taking the new aircraft in the upcoming financial year, but production issues at Boeing are likely to push the timeline back. At the same time, ANA is also working through issues facing the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine, which power its fleet of Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.<br/>

Air New Zealand is to boost its senior leadership team with the appointment of a chief safety and risk officer, as well as a chief commercial officer. The move, announced 21 January, follows a series of high-profile departures from the airline’s management team, as it manages ongoing supply chain and travel demand challenges. To lead its commercial business, Air New Zealand has picked former Qantas executive Scott Wilkinson. Wilkinson, who joins the airline in the second half of the year, spent 10 years at Qantas and is currently its executive manager of digital and direct customer experience. During his time at the Australian carrier, he has “led a number of a major commercial initiatives focused on growing revenue, enhancing distribution capabilities, and strengthening Qantas’ loyalty programme”, says Air New Zealand. Meanwhile, the airline will promote veteran Nathan McGraw to the role of chief safety and risk officer. McGraw, who has been with Air New Zealand for nearly 20 years, will assume the role on 31 March.<br/>