United Airlines reported a nearly 30% year-over-year increase in cargo operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024, fueled by strong pharmaceutical shipments. The airline’s total cargo revenue for the year rose 16.6%, with nearly 1.3 billion pounds of cargo transported, including 43 million pounds of medical shipments and 1.1 million pounds of military cargo.
The airline also achieved a historic milestone by operating the most flights in its history during 2024.
“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 CEO Scott Kirby. He added that 2024 was a strong year across the board and emphasized accelerating demand trends as the airline heads into 2025.
Noteworthy investments included a new 165,000 sq. ft. cargo facility at Newark Liberty International Airport, expanding the hub’s cargo space to 319,000 sq. ft., and further digitalization efforts by listing capacity on platforms like WebCargo and cargo.one.
Additionally, United partnered with Global Crossing Airlines Group through Airblox’s electronic Block Space Agreement (eBSA).
In related industry news, Delta Air Lines reported a 14% rise in cargo operating revenue for the year.