United Airlines Gives Two 2025 Profit Outlooks, Says Economy "Impossible" To Predict

United Airlines maintained its full-year profit forecast but took the unusual step of offering a second, lower estimate in the event of a US recession, calling the economy “impossible to predict,” Leslie Josephs reported for CNBC.

United is remaining cautious despite bookings for more expensive international routes remaining strong. I Photo: United Facebook

The airline reiterated its January guidance for adjusted earnings per share between $11.50 and $13.50 but said a recession could reduce profits to between $7 and $9 per share.

“The Company’s outlook is dependent on the macro environment, which the Company believes is impossible to predict this year with any degree of confidence,” United stated in a securities filing.

United also said it would cut domestic flights starting this summer to better align with weakening US travel demand. Domestic capacity will be reduced by about 4% in the third quarter, even as bookings for more expensive international routes remain strong.

Rival Delta Air Lines is also scaling back growth plans for the year. Despite the uncertainty, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline “will continue to execute our multiyear plan that has allowed United to thrive in any demand environment.”