‘There’s Just No New Opportunities’: United Airlines Execs Rip Into Low-Cost Rivals
Skift Take
As Delta and United continue to rake in huge profits, both airlines think low-cost carriers have limited recourse.
During United’s second-quarter earnings call on Thursday, chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella declared that low-margin rivals have “largely run their course.”
“The thing that's very interesting is the growth line by these carriers is extremely unprofitable — just the business plans, in some cases, they largely run their course,” Nocella said on the call. “And there's just no new opportunities available today.”
His comments come as a glut in domestic capacity dragged down United’s and Delta’s third-quarter outlook, two airlines that have stood out in recent years due to their international networks, premium seating and lucrative loyalty programs.
