Watch CNBC's full interview with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby

Summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby tells CNBC's Phil LeBeau that 2026 is off to a strong start, with record booked revenue weeks and double-digit business demand. Kirby says United's premium skew and full-cabin investments help it navigate a K-shaped consumer, and the airline is upgauging with more widebodies, including the 787-10, to grow despite Newark runway constraints. He expects a record profit year, calls guidance conservative, and says tariff-related booking pullbacks tend to be short-lived.

• United beat fourth-quarter Street estimates and entered 2026 with strong demand, according to Kirby.
• Kirby cites record booked revenue weeks and double-digit business demand.
• Premium cabin indexing and coach investments are driving customer share gains.
• United plans about 100 narrowbodies and 20 widebodies next year, including a 787-10 upgauge.
• Newark runway constraints support the higher-gauge fleet strategy.
• Kirby expects a record 2026 profit year and says guidance is conservative.
• Tariff-driven corporate travel pullbacks have historically been short-lived.