United Cuts 4% of Management, Bets on AI to Drive the Gains

United Airlines announced that it has cut around 4 percent of management roles at its headquarters, citing the growing use of AI as the main reason for the reductions.

The company explained that AI tools have significantly improved efficiency in administrative and support areas, reducing the need for certain managerial positions.

United emphasized that this shift is part of a larger plan to modernize operations and boost productivity by using technology more strategically.

The airline also noted that additional layoffs could take place in 2026 as AI systems are expanded into more departments, including finance, planning, and revenue management.

Currently operating the largest airline fleet in the US with more than 1,000 aircraft, United has become the first major US carrier to explicitly link job reductions to AI adoption.

At the same time, the company’s financial performance remains strong. Recently, United predicted record quarterly revenue driven by robust travel demand, especially in premium cabins.

For Q3 2025, the airline reported earnings of $2.78 per share on $15.23 billion in revenue, marking a 2.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Photo by Hans Dorries on Unsplash