United Airlines reported a strong performance in its air cargo business for the third quarter of 2026, with cargo revenue increasing 22.9% year-on-year to US$529 million, compared with US$431 million in the same period last year.
According to the airline’s third-quarter financial results, cargo revenue growth outpaced the overall increase in operating revenue, reflecting continued strength in its airfreight business. Cargo revenue accounted for approximately 3% of United Airlines’ total operating revenue of US$17.875 billion during the quarter.
United Airlines transported more than 352 million pounds of cargo during the third quarter, marking the largest third-quarter cargo volume in the company’s history.
Cargo revenue ton miles, a measure of cargo traffic that accounts for both weight transported and distance flown, increased 5.2% year-on-year to 936 million in the third quarter, compared with 890 million in Q3 2025.
Cargo Revenue Growth Continues in 2026
For the first nine months of 2026, United Airlines generated US$1.478 billion in cargo revenue, representing a 14.7% increase from US$1.290 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
Cargo revenue ton miles for the January–September period rose 3.1% year-on-year to 2.746 billion, compared with 2.663 billion a year earlier.
The results highlight the continued contribution of airfreight to United Airlines’ overall business performance, with the third-quarter record cargo volume and double-digit revenue growth marking key developments for its cargo operations.
