Cargo revenues at United Airlines rose sharply in the second quarter of 2026, driven primarily by stronger yields rather than an increase in volumes.
The US carrier reported cargo revenues of $527 million for the quarter, representing a 22.6% increase compared with $430 million in the same period last year.
Speaking during the airline’s second-quarter earnings call, chief executive Scott Kirby highlighted pricing as the key factor behind the growth.
“Cargo had a really strong quarter,” Kirby said. “Most of the gains were yield related, not volume related, and I expect that trend to continue into Q3.”
The performance marks a clear rebound from the first quarter, when cargo revenues declined by 1.6% amid disruption caused by conflict in the Middle East and rising jet fuel costs.
While the airline did not provide detailed data on rate increases, it noted that revenues remained resilient despite ongoing cost pressures.
Earlier this year, United introduced a “Market Disruption Fee” on cargo shipments, applicable to air waybills issued from May 1. The fee is calculated based on the shipment’s chargeable weight and reflects rising operational costs across its global cargo network.
“United Cargo faces the challenge of rising costs imposed by suppliers, partners, and broader market conditions,” the airline said when announcing the measure in April.
Although volumes were not the primary driver of growth, United still transported nearly 347 million pounds of cargo during the quarter — its highest second-quarter total since 2020 and around 20 million pounds more than the same period last year.
This total included more than nine million pounds of medical supplies and approximately 232,000 pounds of military cargo.
United’s results follow a strong performance from rival Delta Air Lines, which recorded a 39% increase in cargo revenues. In contrast, Delta attributed its growth mainly to higher volumes, supported by ongoing expansion in Asia and the Middle East.