United Airlines improves 2Q2014 performance and defines how it intends to sustain momentum

United Airlines improved its fortunes in 2Q2014, and posted net profits that were not dramatically lower than its fellow US network peers. Along with an increase in profitability year-on-year the airline also exceeded its passenger unit revenue guidance and kept its unit cost essentially flat.

Additionally, the airline has outlined a plan for shareholder returns in the form of a USD1 billion share buy-back programme to be completed during the next three years.

The signs are encouraging even as United still has a long road ahead in realising the full value of its merger. But the airline is offering more specifics of how it intends to shore up revenue through additional network optimisation that includes improving its regional operations.