CHICAGO— United Airlines (UA) has officially become the largest airline in the world by fleet size, operating 1,000 mainline aircraft. This achievement strengthens United’s dominance among US carriers and its leadership in available seat miles and international reach.
While American (AA) and Delta (DL) remain strong competitors, United has surged ahead, fueled by strategic decisions during the pandemic and a robust aircraft order pipeline.
Photo: Greg Gayden | FlickrUnited Becomes Largest Airline
United Airlines (AA) reached a milestone, becoming the first carrier in the world to operate a mainline fleet of 1,000 aircraft.
This achievement was marked by the recent addition of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 to its fleet. For context, United’s closest competitors, Delta Air Lines (DL) and American Airlines (AA), operate 985 and 978 mainline aircraft, respectively.
United just became the first US carrier to reach 1,000 mainline planes https://t.co/jOvci6NxH1
— Emiliano Padilla (@iTripReport) January 28, 2025
In 2024, United led all US airlines in available seat miles (ASM), a critical metric reflecting airline capacity.
United recorded 311.2 billion seat miles, a 6.8% increase from 2023. This surpassed both Delta’s 288.4 billion and American’s 292.9 billion seat miles.
United’s leadership in ASM is partly due to its extensive network of long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.
On average, United’s flight segment length is 1,490 miles, significantly exceeding American’s 1,154 miles. The carrier also boasts the most international destinations served by any U.S. airline, reaching numerous countries across all continents.
Photo: Clément AlloingUnited Financial Growth
Despite its fleet size and capacity, United is not the most profitable among its peers. In 2024, Delta reported the highest operating income at $6 billion, followed by United at $5.1 billion and American at $2.6 billion.
In terms of operating revenue, United edged out Delta, recording $57.1 billion versus Delta’s $57 billion.
These figures highlight a competitive yet balanced dynamic among the “big three” carriers, with each excelling in distinct areas. While United leads in fleet size and capacity, Delta’s efficiency drives higher profitability.
United’s growth strategy during the pandemic set the foundation for its current success. Unlike American, which aggressively retired older aircraft such as the Boeing 757 and Airbus A330, United retained most of its fleet and positioned itself for rapid recovery.
Additionally, United has placed one of the largest aircraft orders in industry history, including Airbus A321neos, A321XLRs, and Boeing 737 MAX variants.
This massive order book ensures the carrier’s fleet will continue to expand and modernize in the coming years.
Photo: Clément AlloingLooking Ahead: Will United Retain Its Lead?
The battle for dominance among US carriers remains dynamic, with fleet expansions largely dependent on timely aircraft deliveries.
For 2025, United expects deliveries of Airbus A321neos, A321XLRs, and multiple Boeing 787 variants, potentially strengthening its lead.
Delta and American are also expanding, with Delta focusing on wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A330-900neo and A350-900, and American awaiting new Airbus A321XLRs and Boeing 787-9s.
However, delays from manufacturers could influence outcomes, making it difficult to predict with certainty which airline will emerge on top.
Based on United’s strategic trajectory, the airline is well-positioned to maintain its lead in fleet size and capacity. Its robust order pipeline, combined with its focus on long-haul routes and international expansion, reinforces its competitive edge.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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