United surges on reroutes
United says record bookings as travelers avoid Middle East airspace and will start new flights from McClellan–Palomar (Carlsbad) by the end of March — part of a broader push into Latin America and west‑coast markets and . Management’s 2026 outlook targets roughly $59.1B in revenue and $12–$14 EPS, and flyers are already praising new inflight additions on the 787‑9 fleet .
Scott Kirby flagged the airline’s single‑day booking high — “our biggest day for bookings” was up about 36% versus the same day a year earlier, a surge the company said came during a recent two‑week window of exceptionally strong demand. (morningstar.com) European regulators issued a formal advisory on Jan. 16 telling carriers to avoid Iran’s flight information region, and flight‑tracking data show more than 3,400 cancellations/diversions across the Middle East as operators rerouted around the region. (straitstimes.com) United’s leadership has pointed to roughly $17 billion in cash reserves and contingency planning as reasons the carrier can absorb higher fuel and rerouting costs while capturing shifted demand. (simpleflying.com) The Carlsbad relaunch is concrete: San Diego County approved a lease and United plans twice‑daily Embraer 175 service to Denver and San Francisco beginning March 30, 2026, using 70‑seat regional equipment. (patch.com) The airport move has already prompted new litigation: at least one community group has filed a third lawsuit challenging the county’s approval of expanded commercial service at McClellan‑Palomar. (boltflight.com) United’s product push on long‑haul jets is underway — the carrier unveiled the “United Elevated” interior for new 787‑9s (including larger Polaris Studio suites, 27‑inch screens and premium‑heavy layouts), with the first elevated 787‑9 deliveries slated before the end of 2025 and international routes planned in 2026. (united.mediaroom.com) Fleet and capital plans to match the network moves call for more than 100 new narrowbodies and roughly 20 additional 787s, a buildup United cited when outlining how it expects to support growth into west‑coast and Latin American markets. (proactiveinvestors.com)
