United CEO Scott Kirby: 'We’re Ready, We Have a Plan and We’re Going to Continue Executing That Plan'

Message from United CEO Scott Kirby to Employees.

Context
- Delivered on March 21, 2026, addressing concerns about the war in Iran and the spike in fuel prices.
- Reinforces United’s long-term strategy to remain resilient and avoid system-wide furloughs, even in turbulent times.

Financial Strength:
- United has triple the cash reserves compared to pre-COVID.
- Ended 2025 with its highest credit rating in 30+ years.
- Alongside Delta, United accounted for nearly all U.S. airline profitability last year.

Fuel Costs:
- Jet fuel prices have more than doubled in three weeks, potentially adding $11B annually in expenses.
- United is planning for oil at $175/barrel, not returning to $100 until 2027.

Demand Resilience:
- The last 10 weeks were the strongest revenue weeks in United’s history.

Strategic Actions:
- Continue taking delivery of 120 new aircraft in 2026, including 20 Boeing 787s, with another 130 by 2028.
- Invest more in technology, facilities, and hubs (e.g., Newark expansion to 100 widebody departures/day).
- Tactical schedule adjustments: cutting ~5 points of capacity short-term (redeyes, off-peak flights, ORD reductions, suspending TLV & DXB routes).
- No cost-cutting or deferring investments—United is staying on offense.

Kirby’s Closing Message
- Encouraged employees to stay focused on customers and each other.
- Framed United’s strategy as “playing offense” with confidence in long-term growth.
- Reassured staff: “We’re ready, we have a plan and we’re going to continue executing that plan.”

This message positions United as leaning into challenges rather than retreating, aiming to strengthen its competitive edge while others may struggle.