Losing a hub can be tough for a city. Now that Spirit Airlines has shut down, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport is facing a tricky situation.
Such a deal would certainly stir up antitrust scrutiny; combined, they would make up the largest airline in the world.
United’s fourth quarter earnings beat Wall Street’s estimates, with revenue up 9% in the planes’ front cabins and up 7% in the economy cabin.
With U.S. travelers watching their wallets and international tourists anxious about being detained at American airports, the travel industry is suffering a double whammy.
More profitable flying, too.
United and Southwest have also paused hiring because of the delivery delays. Higher airfares could be on the way.
Pilots, in particular, are in high demand. Airlines don’t want to be caught off guard like they were last year.
The move is likely to be challenged in court.
It’s a sign that United believes travel is back and is betting on growth again.
United has ordered 15 Concorde-like planes, with the expectation that they could be carrying passengers by 2029.
