United Airlines’ cargo operating revenue was up nearly 30% year over year in the fourth quarter boosted by pharma shipments.
In addition to announcing a 29.6% increase in cargo operating revenue for the fourth quarter ending December 31, the US airline said its full year cargo operating revenue was up 16.6%.
United said it transported nearly 1.3bn pounds of cargo in 2024, including approximately 43m pounds of medical shipments and 1.1m pounds of military shipments.
For the full year, United said it operated the most flights in its history.
“United had a unique strategy coming out of Covid and our people have delivered for customers leading to a structurally and permanently changed industry,” said United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby.
“2024 was a strong year across the board for United as we’ve become the leading global airline and we enter 2025 with demand trends continuing to accelerate which puts us on the path to double-digit pre-tax margins.”
Notable air cargo investments in 2024 included the opening of a 165,000 sq ft cargo facility at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that expanded the airline’s cargo space at the hub to 319,000 sq ft.
The airline also invested in digitalising its services by adding its capacity to WebCargo as well as placing its capacity on cargo.one.
Just this month, US charter airline Global Crossing Airlines Group (GlobalX) entered into a digital interline agreement with United through Airblox’s electronic Block Space Agreement (eBSA).
Earlier this month, Delta Air Lines reported a 14% year-on-year increase in cargo operating revenue for 2024.
