United Airlines (UAL) has reported passenger and cargo traffic statistics for the month of May this year. The carrier’s May 2018 consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 6.7 percent and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) increased 4.2 percent compared to May 2017. UAL’s May 2018 consolidated load factor increased 2.0 points compared to same month last year. On the other hand, the airline has handled 286,434 tonnes of cargo (revenue tonne miles) in the month of May as compared to 281,914 tonnes in May last year. This represents an increase of 1.6 percent for the carrier.
Also, the airline recently became the first North American carrier to operate the fuel efficient Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The brand new plane entered service as United flight 686 between United’s hub at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Orlando International Airport in Florida. The MAX is also scheduled to operate flights today between Houston and Anchorage, Alaska and Houston and Austin, Texas.
“The Boeing 737 MAX is a great addition to United’s fleet, providing approximately 14 percent fuel efficiency compared to previous 737 generations and an improved customer experience onboard,” said Rodney Cox, vice president of United’s Houston operation. “As we begin the busy summer travel season, Houston is happy to be home for United’s first MAX aircraft, as we launch initial 737 MAX service from here, and later this month, add MAX service on flights from Houston to LA, Sacramento and Tampa.”
