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United Airlines Holdings Inc

For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Jul 18, 2024.

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About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Jul 18, 2024

UAL$112.74+2.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-03-31; filed 2024-04-17.

0000100517-24-000079

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-07-18.

0000100517-24-000121

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 76 previous paragraphs and 107 current paragraphs.

40 unchanged; 34 reworded; 17 added; 1 removed; 1 previous and 16 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 11 previous and 20 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (17)

Current report

Cargo revenue increased $52 million, or 14.4%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to higher tonnage and partially offset by lower yields.

Current report

Details of the Company's special charges include the following for the three months ended June 30 (in millions):

Current report

See Note 9 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's special charges.

Current report

Interest income decreased $26 million, or 12.0%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to lower short-term investments in U.S. government and agency notes, which was partially offset by higher interest rates.

Current report

Passenger revenue increased $1.7 billion, or 7.4%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an 8.7% increase in capacity as well as a 6.3% increase in passengers.

Current report

Cargo revenue increased $45 million, or 5.9%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to higher tonnage and partially offset by lower yields.

Current report

Depreciation expense increased $103 million, or 7.8%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due the induction of new aircraft and related spare parts, as well as certain aircraft improvements.

Current report

Details of the Company's special charges include the following for the three months ended June 30 (in millions):

Current report

See Note 9 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's special charges.

Current report

Nonoperating Income (Expense). The following table illustrates the year-over-year dollar and percentage changes in the Company's nonoperating income (expense) for the six months ended June 30 (in millions, except for percentage changes):

Current report

Interest capitalized increased $41 million, or 51.3%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an increase in accumulated spend on capital projects and an increase in aircraft purchase deposit balances.

Current report

On July 2, 2024, the Company voluntarily prepaid in full the outstanding principal balance of the term loan facility of our MileagePlus term loan, which was $1.8 billion as of June 30, 2024, in addition to all accrued and unpaid interest and fees under the term loan facility and terminated all commitments thereunder.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Reworded paragraphs (34)

Previous wording

Our shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." We have the most comprehensive route network among North American carriers, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The Company transports people and cargo through its mainline operations, which utilize jet aircraft with at least 126 seats, and regional operations, which utilize smaller aircraft that are operated under contract by United Express carriers. The Company serves virtually every major market around the world, either directly or through participation in Star Alliance®, the world's largest airline alliance.

Current wording

Our shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." We have the most comprehensive route network among North American carriers, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The Company transports people and cargo through its mainline operations, which utilize jet aircraft with at least 126 seats, and regional operations, which utilize smaller aircraft that are operated under contract by United's regional carriers. The Company serves virtually every major market around the world, either directly or through participation in Star Alliance®, the world's largest airline alliance.

Previous wording

Our current expectations described below are forward-looking statements and our actual results and timing may vary materially based on various factors that include, but are not limited to, those discussed below under "Economic and Market Factors", "Governmental Actions" and "Forward-Looking Information", in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K"). The results presented in this report are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

Current wording

Our current expectations described below are forward-looking statements and our actual results and timing may vary materially based on various factors that include, but are not limited to, those discussed below under "Economic and Market Factors", "Governmental Actions" and "Forward-Looking Information" and in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K"). The results presented in this report are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

Previous wording

implementation of new legal requirements and any failure to comply with such legal requirements could negatively impact our business, operations, financial condition, future results of operations, liquidity and financial flexibility by increasing the Company's costs, limiting the Company's ability to offer a product, service or feature to customers, impacting customer demand for the Company's products and services and requiring changes to the Company's supply chain and its business. Legal requirements that we currently believe are or will be most impactful to our results of operations and financial condition include the following: increased oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") of the Company’s operations in connection with its evaluation of the Company; the closure of our flying airspace and termination of other operations due to regional conflicts, including the suspension of our overflying in Russian airspace as a result of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and to Tel Aviv as a result of the Israeli-Hamas military conflict, as well as any escalation of the broader economic consequences of these conflicts beyond their current scope; delays in aircraft certification (especially relating to the 737 MAX 10 aircraft); increased FAA oversight of the aircraft production process; and any legal requirement that would result in a reshaping of the benefits that we provide to our consumers through the co-branded credit cards issued by our partner. Changes in existing applicable legal requirements or new applicable legal requirements as well as the related interpretations and enforcement practices regarding them, create uncertainty about how such laws and regulations will be understood and applied. As a result, the impact of changing and new legal requirements generally cannot be reasonably predicted and those requirements may ultimately require extensive system and operational changes, be difficult to implement, increase our operating costs and require significant capital expenditures.

Current wording

implementation of new legal requirements and any failure to comply with such legal requirements could negatively impact our business, operations, financial condition, future results of operations, liquidity and financial flexibility by increasing the Company's costs, limiting the Company's ability to offer a product, service or feature to customers, impacting customer demand for the Company's products and services and requiring changes to the Company's supply chain and its business. Legal requirements that we currently believe are or will be most impactful to our results of operations and financial condition include the following: increased oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") of the Company’s operations in connection with its evaluation of the Company; the closure of our flying airspace and termination of other operations due to regional conflicts, including the suspension of our overflying in Russian airspace as a result of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and interruptions of our flying to Tel Aviv as a result of the Israeli-Hamas military conflict, as well as any escalation of the broader economic consequences of these conflicts beyond their current scope; delays in aircraft certification (especially relating to the 737 MAX 10 aircraft); increased FAA oversight of the aircraft production process; and any legal requirement that would result in a reshaping of the benefits that we provide to our consumers through the co-branded credit cards issued by our partner. Changes in existing applicable legal requirements or new applicable legal requirements as well as the related interpretations and enforcement practices regarding them, create uncertainty about how such laws and regulations will be understood and applied. As a result, the impact of changing and new legal requirements generally cannot be reasonably predicted and those requirements may ultimately require extensive system and operational changes, be difficult to implement, increase our operating costs and require significant capital expenditures.

Previous wording

The following discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations and reasons for material changes therein for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

Current wording

The following discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations and reasons for material changes therein for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

Previous wording

The Company recorded a net loss of $124 million for the first quarter of 2024 as compared to a net loss of $194 million for the first quarter of 2023. Significant components of the Company's operating results for the three months ended March 31 are as follows (in millions, except percentage changes):

Current wording

The Company recorded net income of $1.3 billion for the second quarter of 2024 as compared to net income of $1.1 billion for the second quarter of 2023. Significant components of the Company's operating results for the three months ended June 30 are as follows (in millions, except percentage changes):

Previous wording

The table below presents selected first quarter passenger revenue and operating data, broken out by geographic region, expressed as year-over-year changes:

Current wording

The table below presents selected second quarter passenger revenue and operating data, broken out by geographic region, expressed as year-over-year changes:

Previous wording

Passenger revenue increased $1.0 billion, or 10.1%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to a 9.1% increase in capacity and a 0.7% increase in Yield.

Current wording

Passenger revenue increased $0.7 billion, or 5.2%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an 8.3% increase in capacity and a 5.8% increase in passengers.

Previous wording

Salaries and related costs increased $610 million, or 18.4%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due toannual wage rate increases across certain employee groups and an 8.5% increase in headcount largely due to increased flight activity.

Current wording

Salaries and related costs increased $388 million, or 10.5%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due toannual wage rate increases across certain employee groups and a 6.2% increase in headcount largely due to increased flight activity.

Previous wording

Landing fees and other rent increased $87 million, or 12.1%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to rate increases at various airports, terminal expansions and other increases in the number of airport gates and higher landed weight volume due to increased flight activity.

Current wording

Landing fees and other rent increased $101 million, or 13.2%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to rate increases at various airports, terminal expansions and other increases in the number of airport gates and higher landed weight volume due to increased flight activity.

Previous wording

Depreciation expense increased $53 million, or 8.1%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to induction of new aircraft and related spare parts and higher obsolescence due to higher inventory levels for expendable parts.

Current wording

Depreciation expense increased $50 million, or 7.5%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to the induction of new aircraft and related spare parts, as well as certain aircraft improvements.

Previous wording

Other operating expenses increased $334 million, or 18.4%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year ago period, primarily as a direct result of the increase in flight activity and the impacts of inflationary pressures. Other operating expenses include expenditures related to information technology projects and services, food and beverage offerings, passenger services, personnel-related costs and ground handling.

Current wording

Other operating expenses increased $194 million, or 9.6%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year ago period, primarily as a direct result of the increase in flight activity and onboard passengers as well as the impacts of inflationary pressures. Other operating expenses include expenditures related to information technology projects and services, food and beverage offerings, passenger services, personnel-related costs and ground handling.

Previous wording

Interest expense decreased $32 million, or 6.6%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to declining debt balances and lower interest rates on refinanced debt.

Current wording

Interest expense decreased $66 million, or 13.4%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to declining debt balances and lower interest rates on refinanced debt.

Previous wording

Unrealized losses on investments, net, was $37 million in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to $24 million in unrealized gains in the year-ago period, primarily due to the change in the market value of the Company's investments in equity securities. See Note 6 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for information related to these equity investments.

Current wording

Unrealized losses on investments, net, was $33 million in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to $84 million in unrealized gains in the year-ago period, primarily due to the change in the market value of the Company's investments in equity securities. See Note 6 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for information related to these equity investments.

Previous wording

Other operating revenue increased $78 million, or 10.3%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an increase in mileage revenue from non-airline partners, including credit card spending with our co-branded credit card partner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as well as increases in the purchases of United Club memberships, visitor volume and purchases of one-time United Club passes.

Current wording

Other operating revenue increased $156 million, or 9.9%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an increase in mileage revenue from non-airline partners, including credit card spending with our co-branded credit card partner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as well as increases in the purchases of United Club memberships, visitor volume and purchases of one-time United Club passes.

Previous wording

Aircraft fuel expense decreased by $220 million, or 6.9%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, due to a lower average price per gallon of fuel, partially offset by increased consumption from higher flight activity. The table below presents the significant changes in aircraft fuel cost per gallon in the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the year-ago period (in millions, except percentage change and per gallon data):

Current wording

Aircraft fuel expense increased $93 million, or 1.6%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to increased consumption from higher flight activity and partially offset by a lower average price per gallon of fuel. The table below presents the significant changes in aircraft fuel cost per gallon in the six months ended June 30 (in millions, except percentage change and per gallon data):

Previous wording

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs increased $71 million, or 10.1%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an increased volume of engine overhauls.

Current wording

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs increased $101 million, or 7.3%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to increased flight activity and increased volumes of engine overhauls, materials use, and component repair costs.

Previous wording

Distribution expenses increased $77 million, or 19.1%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to higher credit card fees driven by an increase in passenger revenue and $56 million of commissions that were recorded as contra-revenue in 2023.

Current wording

Distribution expenses increased $216 million, or 24.3%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to higher credit card fees driven by an increase in passenger revenue and $120 million of commissions that were recorded as contra-revenue in 2023.

Previous wording

Miscellaneous, net changed by $51 million in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to debt extinguishment and modification fees related to the refinancing of the Company's 2021 term loans, higher foreign exchange losses and a decrease in the benefit from the Company's net periodic benefit cost of its pensions and postretirement benefit plans.

Current wording

Miscellaneous, net changed by $52 million in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to debt extinguishment and modification fees related to the refinancing of the Company's 2021 term loans, higher foreign exchange losses and a decrease in the benefit from the Company's net periodic benefit cost of its pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had $14.0 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as compared to $14.4 billion at December 31, 2023. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated liquidity needs for the next twelve months, and we expect to meet our long-term liquidity needs with our anticipated access to the capital markets and projected cash from operations. We regularly assess our anticipated working capital needs, debt and leverage levels, debt maturities, capital expenditure requirements (including in connection with our capital commitments for our firm order aircraft) and future investments or acquisitions in order to maximize shareholder return, efficiently finance our ongoing operations and maintain flexibility for future strategic transactions. We also regularly evaluate our liquidity and capital structure to ensure financial risks, liquidity access and cost of capital are efficiently managed.

Current wording

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $15.2 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as compared to $14.4 billion at December 31, 2023. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated liquidity needs for the next twelve months, and we expect to meet our long-term liquidity needs with our anticipated access to the capital markets and projected cash from operations. We regularly assess our anticipated working capital needs, debt and leverage levels, debt maturities, capital expenditure requirements (including in connection with our capital commitments for our firm order aircraft) and future investments or acquisitions in order to maximize shareholder return, efficiently finance our ongoing operations and maintain flexibility for future strategic transactions. We also regularly evaluate our liquidity and capital structure to ensure financial risks, liquidity access and cost of capital are efficiently managed.

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2024, the Company has a $2.87 billion revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), of which $2.7 billion expires February 15, 2029 and $165 million expires April 21, 2025. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by certain route authorities and airport slots and gates. No borrowings were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024. On April 16, 2024, the Company increased the revolving loan commitments of the Extending Lenders (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) by $100 million. The revolving loan commitments of the Extending Lenders now equal $2.8 billion and the revolving loan commitments of the 2024 Non-Extending Lenders (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) remain $165 million.

Current wording

On April 16, 2024, the Company increased its revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") loan commitments by $100 million for a total amount of $2.965 billion as of June 30, 2024, of which $2.8 billion expires February 15, 2029 and $165 million expires April 21, 2025. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by certain route authorities and airport slots and gates. No borrowings were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of June 30, 2024.

Previous wording

We have a significant amount of fixed obligations, including debt, leases of aircraft, airport and other facilities, and pension funding obligations. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $34.8 billion of debt, finance lease, operating lease and other financial liabilities, including $4.7 billion that will become due in the next 12 months. In addition, we have substantial noncancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of certain new aircraft and related spare engines. Our debt agreements contain customary terms and conditions as well as various affirmative, negative and financial covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends or repurchase stock. As of March 31, 2024, UAL and United were in compliance with their respective debt covenants. As of March 31, 2024, a substantial portion of the Company's assets, principally aircraft and certain related assets, its loyalty program, certain route authorities and airport slots and gates, was pledged under various loan and other agreements. See Note 8 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on aircraft financing and other debt instruments.

Current wording

We have a significant amount of fixed obligations, including debt, leases of aircraft, airport and other facilities, and pension funding obligations. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $34.3 billion of debt, finance lease, operating lease and other financial liabilities, including $5.5 billion that will become due in the next 12 months. In addition, we have substantial noncancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of certain new aircraft and related spare engines. Our debt agreements contain customary terms and conditions as well as various affirmative, negative and financial covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends or repurchase stock. As of June 30, 2024, UAL and United were in compliance with their respective debt covenants. As of June 30, 2024, a substantial portion of the Company's assets, principally aircraft and certain related assets, its loyalty program, certain route authorities and airport slots and gates, was pledged under various loan and other agreements. See Note 8 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on aircraft financing and other debt instruments.

Previous wording

On April 14, 2024, the Company entered into confidential arrangements with Boeing with respect to compensation for financial damages incurred in first quarter of 2024 due to the FAA grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, and a confidential agreement to accommodate certification delays for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. The compensation provided by Boeing for the grounding damages and in connection with rescheduling deliveries is in the form of credit memos for use on future purchases from Boeing. The Company plans to account for these arrangements as a reduction to the cost basis of the previously-delivered Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and future deliveries of the MAX 9 and MAX 10 aircraft, which is expected to reduce future depreciation expense associated with these aircraft.

Current wording

On April 14, 2024, the Company entered into confidential arrangements with Boeing with respect to compensation for financial damages incurred in the first quarter of 2024 due to the FAA grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, and a confidential agreement to accommodate certification delays for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. The compensation provided by Boeing for the grounding damages and in connection with rescheduling deliveries was in the form of credit memos for use on future purchases from Boeing. The Company is accounting for these arrangements as a reduction to the cost basis of the previously-delivered Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and future deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 and Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, which will reduce future depreciation expense associated with these aircraft.

Previous wording

The table below summarizes United's firm commitments as of March 31, 2024, which include aircraft and related spare engines, aircraft improvements and non-aircraft capital commitments. Aircraft commitments are based on contractual scheduled aircraft

Current wording

The table below summarizes United's firm commitments as of June 30, 2024, which include aircraft and related spare engines, aircraft improvements and non-aircraft capital commitments. Aircraft commitments are based on contractual scheduled aircraft deliveries without any adjustments communicated by Boeing and Airbus or estimated by United but reflecting the Airbus Agreement and the April 14, 2024 arrangements between United and Boeing.

Previous wording

In April 2024, the Company signed letters of intent to enter into future leasing arrangements with major aircraft leasing companies for 35 Airbus A321neo aircraft with expected deliveries in 2026 and 2027.

Current wording

In the second quarter of 2024, the Company signed letters of intent to enter into future leasing arrangements with major aircraft leasing companies for 40 Airbus A321neo aircraft with expected deliveries in 2026 and 2027. In July 2024, the Company entered into definitive agreements to lease 35 of the 40 Airbus A321neo aircraft, which will commence between 2026 and 2027. As of the filing date of this report, we have leases of approximately $3.7 billion for several mainline aircraft, regional aircraft under CPAs, airport facility and office space leases, none of which had commenced as of such date. These leases will commence between 2024 and 2038 with lease terms of up to 12 years.

Previous wording

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31 (in millions):

Current wording

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended June 30 (in millions):

Previous wording

Operating Activities. Cash flows provided by operations decreased $0.3 billion in the first three months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to changes in various working capital items, including a $0.7 billion increase in employee incentive payments in the first three months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, which was partially offset by a $0.3 billion increase in advance ticket sales associated with overall traffic growth in the first three months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period.

Current wording

Operating Activities. Cash flows provided by operations decreased $1.2 billion in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to changes in various working capital items, including higher payments for employee wages and incentives in 2024 as compared to 2023.

Previous wording

Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities decreased $3.4 billion in the first three months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to a $3.3 billion decrease in the purchase of short-term and other investments and a $0.5 billion decrease in capital expenditures, which was partially offset by a $0.4 billion decrease in sales of short-term and other investments.

Current wording

Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities decreased $5.0 billion in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to a decrease in the purchase of short-term and other investments.

Previous wording

Financing Activities. Significant financing events in the three months ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:

Current wording

Financing Activities. Significant financing events in the six months ended June 30, 2024 were as follows:

Previous wording

Debt, Finance Lease and Other Financing Liability Principal Payments. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company made payments for debt, finance leases, and other financing liabilities of $5.0 billion, including the $3.9 billion prepayment of its 2021 term loan.

Current wording

Debt, Finance Lease and Other Financing Liability Principal Payments. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company made payments for debt, finance leases, and other financing liabilities of $6.2 billion, including the $3.9 billion prepayment of its 2021 term loan.

Previous wording

Debt and Other Financing Liabilities Issuances. The Company borrowed the entire term loan commitment available under the new term loan facility in an amount equal to $2.5 billion.

Current wording

Debt and Other Financing Liabilities Issuances. The Company borrowed the entire term loan commitment available under the new term loan facility in an amount equal to $2.5 billion. Also, the Company borrowed $895 million for aircraft financings.

Previous wording

These credit ratings are below investment grade levels; however, the Company has been able to secure financing with investment grade credit ratings for certain enhanced equipment trust certificates, term loans and secured bond financings. Downgrades from these rating levels, among other things, could restrict the availability, or increase the cost, of future financing for the Company as well as affect the fair market value of existing debt. A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings can be revised upward or downward at any time by a rating agency if such rating agency decides that circumstances warrant such a change.

Current wording

Downgrades from these rating levels, among other things, could restrict the availability, or increase the cost, of future financing for the Company as well as affect the fair market value of existing debt. A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings can be revised upward or downward at any time by a rating agency if such rating agency decides that circumstances warrant such a change.

Previous wording

This report contains certain "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including in Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere, relating to, among other things, goals, plans and projections regarding the Company's financial position, results of operations, market position, capacity, fleet plan strategy, product development, ESG-related strategy initiatives and business strategy. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the Company's future financial results, goals, plans, commitments, strategies and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, known or unknown, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond the Company's control and could cause the Company's future financial results, goals, plans, commitments, strategies and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. Words such as "should," "could," "would," "will," "may," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "indicates," "remains," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook," "goals," "targets," "pledge," "confident," "optimistic," "dedicated," "positioned," and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. All statements, other than those that relate solely to historical facts, are forward-looking statements.

Current wording

This report contains certain "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including in Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere, relating to, among other things, goals, plans and projections regarding the Company's financial position, results of operations, market position, capacity, fleet plan strategy, product development, ESG-related strategy initiatives and business strategy. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the Company's future financial results, goals, plans, commitments, strategies and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, known or unknown, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond the Company's control and could cause the Company's future financial results, goals, plans, commitments, strategies and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. Words such as "should," "could," "would," "will," "may," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "indicates," "remains," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook," "goals," "targets," "pledge," "confident," "optimistic," "dedicated," "positioned," "on track" and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. All statements, other than those that relate solely to historical facts, are forward-looking statements.

Previous wording

Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: execution risks associated with our strategic operating plan; changes in our fleet and network strategy or other factors outside our control resulting in less economic aircraft orders, costs related to modification or termination of aircraft orders or entry into less favorable aircraft orders, as well as any inability to accept or integrate new aircraft into our fleet as planned, including as a result of any mandatory groundings of aircraft; any failure to effectively manage, and receive anticipated benefits and returns from, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures and other portfolio actions, as well as related costs or other issues, or related exposures to unknown liabilities or other issues or underperformance as compared to our expectations; adverse publicity, harm to our brand, reduced travel demand, potential tort liability and operational restrictions as a result of an accident, catastrophe or incident involving us, our regional carriers, our codeshare partners or another airline; the highly competitive nature of the global airline industry and susceptibility of the industry to price discounting and changes in capacity, including as a result of alliances, joint business arrangements or other consolidations; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers to source a majority of our aircraft, engines and certain parts, and the impact of any failure to obtain timely deliveries, additional equipment or support from any of these suppliers; disruptions to our regional network and United Express flights provided by third-party regional carriers; unfavorable economic and political conditions in the United States and globally; reliance on third-party service providers and the impact of any significant failure of these parties to perform as expected, or interruptions in our relationships with these providers or their provision of services; extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports where we operate and space, facility and infrastructure constraints at our hubs or other

Current wording

Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: execution risks associated with our strategic operating plan; changes in our fleet and network strategy or other factors outside our control resulting in less economic aircraft orders, costs related to modification or termination of aircraft orders or entry into aircraft orders on less favorable terms, as well as any inability to accept or integrate new aircraft into our fleet as planned, including as a result of any mandatory groundings of aircraft; any failure to effectively manage, and receive anticipated benefits and returns from, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures and other portfolio actions, or related exposures to unknown liabilities or other issues or underperformance as compared to our expectations; adverse publicity, harm to our brand, reduced travel demand, potential tort liability and operational restrictions as a result of an accident, catastrophe or incident involving us, our regional carriers, our codeshare partners or another airline; the highly competitive nature of the global airline industry and susceptibility of the industry to price discounting and changes in capacity, including as a result of alliances, joint business arrangements or other consolidations; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers to source a majority of our aircraft, engines and certain parts, and the impact of any failure to obtain timely deliveries, additional equipment or support from any of these suppliers; disruptions to our regional network and United Express flights provided by third-party regional carriers; unfavorable economic and political conditions in the United States and globally; reliance on third-party service providers and the impact of any significant failure of these parties to perform as expected, or interruptions in our relationships with these providers or their provision of services; extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports where we operate and space, facility and infrastructure constraints at our hubs or other airports; geopolitical conflict, terrorist attacks or security events (including the suspension of our overflying in Russian airspace as a result of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and interruptions of our flying to Tel Aviv as a result of the Israeli-Hamas military conflict, as well as

Previous wording

airports; geopolitical conflict, terrorist attacks or security events (including the suspension of our overflying in Russian airspace as a result of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and and to Tel Aviv as a result of the Israeli-Hamas military conflict, as well as any escalation of the broader economic consequences of these conflicts beyond their current scope); any damage to our reputation or brand image; our reliance on technology and automated systems to operate our business and the impact of any significant failure or disruption of, or failure to effectively integrate and implement, these technologies or systems; increasing privacy, data security and cybersecurity obligations or a significant data breach; increased use of social media platforms by us, our employees and others; the impacts of union disputes, employee strikes or slowdowns, and other labor-related disruptions or regulatory compliance costs on our operations or financial performance; any failure to attract, train or retain skilled personnel, including our senior management team or other key employees; the monetary and operational costs of compliance with extensive government regulation of the airline industry; current or future litigation and regulatory actions, or failure to comply with the terms of any settlement, order or agreement relating to these actions; costs, liabilities and risks associated with environmental regulation and climate change, and any failure to achieve or demonstrate progress towards our climate goals; high and/or volatile fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel; the impacts of our significant amount of financial leverage from fixed obligations and the impacts of insufficient liquidity on our financial condition and business; failure to comply with financial and other covenants governing our debt, including our MileagePlus® financing agreements; limitations on our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes; our failure to realize the full value of our intangible assets or our long-lived assets, causing us to record impairments; fluctuations in the price of our common stock; the impacts of seasonality and other factors associated with the airline industry; increases in insurance costs or inadequate insurance coverage and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of the 2023 Form 10-K, and under "Economic and Market Factors" and "Governmental Actions" in Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of this report, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC.

Current wording

any escalation of the broader economic consequences of these conflicts beyond their current scope); any damage to our reputation or brand image; our reliance on technology and automated systems to operate our business and the impact of any significant failure or disruption of, or failure to effectively integrate and implement, these technologies or systems; increasing privacy, data security and cybersecurity obligations or a significant data breach; increased use of social media platforms by us, our employees and others; the impacts of union disputes, employee strikes or slowdowns, and other labor-related disruptions or regulatory compliance costs on our operations or financial performance; any failure to attract, train or retain skilled personnel, including our senior management team or other key employees; the monetary and operational costs of compliance with extensive government regulation of the airline industry; current or future litigation and regulatory actions, or failure to comply with the terms of any settlement, order or agreement relating to these actions; costs, liabilities and risks associated with environmental regulation and climate change, and any failure to achieve or demonstrate progress towards our climate goals; high and/or volatile fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel; the impacts of our significant amount of financial leverage from fixed obligations and the impacts of insufficient liquidity on our financial condition and business; failure to comply with financial and other covenants governing our debt, including our MileagePlus® financing agreements; limitations on our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes; our failure to realize the full value of our intangible assets or our long-lived assets, causing us to record impairments; fluctuations in the price of our common stock; the impacts of seasonality and other factors associated with the airline industry; increases in insurance costs or inadequate insurance coverage; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of the 2023 Form 10-K, and under "Economic and Market Factors" and "Governmental Actions" in Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of this report, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC.
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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Other operating revenue increased $78 million, or 9.6%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to an increase in mileage revenue from non-airline partners, including credit card spending with our co-branded

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

credit card partner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as well as increases in the purchases of United Club memberships, visitor volume and purchases of one-time United Club passes.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Aircraft fuel expense increased by $313 million, or 11.1%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, due to increased consumption from higher flight activity and a higher average price per gallon of fuel. The table below presents the significant changes in aircraft fuel cost per gallon in the three months ended June 30 (in millions, except percentage change and per gallon data):

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Distribution expenses increased $139 million, or 28.5%, in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to higher credit card fees, agency commissions and global distribution fees driven by the overall increase in passenger revenue and $64 million of commissions that were recorded as contra-revenue in 2023.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The Company recorded net income of $1.2 billion in the first six months of 2024 as compared to net income of $0.9 billion in the first six months of 2023. Significant components of the Company's operating results for the six months ended June 30 are as follows (in millions, except percentage changes):

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Certain consolidated statistical information for the Company's operations for the six months ended June 30 is as follows:

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Operating Revenue. The table below shows year-over-year comparisons by type of operating revenue for the six months ended June 30 (in millions, except for percentage changes):

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The table below presents selected passenger revenue and operating data, broken out by geographic region, expressed as year-over-year changes for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023:

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Operating Expenses. The table below includes data related to the Company's operating expenses for the six months ended June 30 (in millions, except for percentage changes):

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Salaries and related costs increased $1.0 billion, or 14.2%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to annual wage rate increases across certain employee groups and a 6.2% increase in headcount largely due to increased flight activity.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Landing fees and other rent increased $188 million, or 12.7%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to rate increases at various airports, terminal expansions and other increases in the number of airport gates and higher landed weight volume due to increased flight activity.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Other operating expenses increased $0.5 billion, or 13.8%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily as a direct result of the increase in flight activity and onboard passengers, as well as the impacts of inflationary pressures. Other operating expenses include expenditures related to information technology projects and services, food and beverage offerings, passenger services, personnel-related costs and ground handling.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Interest expense decreased $98 million, or 10.0%, in the first six months of 2024 as compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to declining debt balances and lower interest rates on refinanced debt.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Unrealized losses on investments, net, was $70 million in the first six months of 2024 as compared to $108 million in unrealized gains in the year-ago period, primarily due to the change in the market value of the Company's investments in equity securities. See Note 6 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for information related to these equity investments.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Income Taxes. See Note 4 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for information related to income taxes.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

These credit ratings are below investment grade levels; however, the Company has been able to secure financing with investment grade credit ratings for certain enhanced equipment trust certificates, term loans and secured bond financings.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

deliveries without any adjustments communicated by Boeing and Airbus or estimated by United but reflecting the discounts related to future deliveries offered as part of the April 14, 2024 arrangements between United and Boeing.