United Airlines News

Good morning from Skift. It's Monday, May 2, in New York City. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today.

In Skift's top stories this week, major U.S. airlines didn't hesitate to lift mask requirements, travel numbers in Japan begin steadily rising, and a hotel in South Carolina offers insight on how to create a disability inclusive workforce.

The U.S. pilot shortage could redound to United's benefit if other airlines are forced to cancel flights due to staffing shortages, CEO Scott Kirby said. The carrier is getting ready for a summer demand to set records.

While the travel industry was on its knees, travel loyalty programs continued to grow. But the pandemic has changed the travel industry, and loyalty programs need to follow suit.

A Florida federal judge and Trump appointee has liberated the U.S. airlines from the tyranny of having to enforce mask mandates. The five largest U.S. airlines didn't wait long, dropping their mask requirements within hours of the judge's ruling.

President Biden backs incentives for sustainable aviation fuel as the airline industry looks to cut emissions. But legislation remains stuck on Capitol Hill with little clarity on how it will become law.

More companies are taking carbon management into their own hands, stepping away from offsetting. This new footprint indicator could give CWT's clients much greater control.

There's much ado about oil in global markets. But U.S. airline executives are largely unconcerned with the price volatility in recent weeks, betting that strong summer travel demand will absorb higher fares.

Accepting that there is a pilot shortage in the U.S. is only the first step to fixing the problem. The next is producing more pilots but that, even with big names like Alaska and United working on it, will take several years.

In Skift's top stories this week, money from Airbnb bookings meant to support Ukraine is often going to hosts outside of the country, several hotel giants freeze development plans in Russia, and United Airlines is worried about the prospect of higher oil prices.