Summary
- United Airlines plans to take care of a reduced flight schedule at Newark Airport until 2024, which was introduced consequently of staff shortages on the FAA.
- The airline previously removed over 700 flights from its monthly schedule at Newark to alleviate congestion within the Recent York City area.
- Despite the challenges, United Airlines had a successful Q4 2023, with increased capability, higher operating revenue, and record-breaking passenger numbers.
United Airlines plans to take care of a reduced flight schedule at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) through 2024 because of the impact that any continued staff shortages on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can have on its operation. The carrier spoke of the plans on its Q4 2023 earnings call earlier today, which picked up some attention on X (formerly Twitter):
In August last 12 months, Reuters reported that the FAA had hired 1,500 air traffic controllers in the primary eight months of the 12 months, but that it was still about 3,000 behind its goal. On the time, six-day work weeks and mandatory time beyond regulation were introduced at some facilities as a way to cover the shortfall.
Cuts to the airline’s flight schedule
At the top of last 12 months, United Airlines removed greater than 700 flights from its monthly schedule at Newark, with congestion in airspace across the Recent York City area believed to be a contributing factor. The vast majority of the cuts made were to regional and medium-haul services, including Newark to each Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Dallas-Fort Price International Airport (DFW).
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Easy Flying
Two of the airline’s flights from Newark to China have also been cut from its March schedule, although the explanation for these specific flights being faraway from sale is unclear. The 2 services affected were from Newark to each Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Q4 2023 performance highlights
Despite the challenges faced with schedule cuts throughout the latter a part of the 12 months, United Airlines achieved a solid performance in Q4 2023, showing solid improvements year-on-year. Among the many highlights mentioned by the carrier on its Q4 2023 earnings call earlier today were:
- Q4 2023 capability was up 14.7% in comparison with the identical period in 2022.
- The airline’s total operating revenue reached $13.6 billion, up 9.9% in comparison with Q4 2022.
- In the course of the last two weeks of December, United Airlines operated its busiest travel period in history, flying 8.2 million customers – a mean of 483,000 every day.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Easy Flying
The carrier’s CEO, Scott Kirby, celebrated the figures, saying,
“Our plans really got here together in 2023, and I need to thank the United team for the entire labor it took to get us there. Despite unpredictable headwinds, we delivered on our ambitious EPS goal that few thought possible – and set latest operational records for our customers. Looking ahead, we expect these trends to proceed and United is incredibly well positioned to capitalize on them and to deliver on our short and long-term financial targets.”
All in all, 2023 was a successful 12 months for United Airlines, with the carrier also launching flights to several latest international destinations – Málaga (AGP), Dubai (DXB), and Christchurch (CHC).
3,000+ Day by day Passengers: United Airlines’ 10 Busiest Routes In 2023
Which do you’re thinking that made the cut?
What do you’re thinking that of United Airlines’ planned cuts to its Recent York City area operation through 2024? Are you surprised by the carrier’s Q4 2023 results? Share your thoughts by commenting below.