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United Airlines SWOT Analysis

Here is a detailed SWOT analysis of United Airlines covering strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Published by MBA Skool Team in Airlines category Last Updated: January 16, 2024Read time:

United Airlines Strengths

  1. United Airlines is one of the largest US based airlines with a strong operational network with more than 5000 flights a day to 300 destinations across 6 continents
  2. United Airlines operates globally via the strategic alliances and it is a founding member of Star Alliance in the aviation industry
  3. The company has a strong brand name, legacy and recognition since it was founded in 1926
  4. The company has strong financials and its annual revenue is in excess of $40 billion
  5. Merger with United Continental Holdings for passenger operations strengthened its position in the aviation market
  6. The company has over 90,000 employees world wide working across different functions
  7. Great customer experience with inflight entertainment like streaming movies, Wi-Fi, music, onboard meals etc.
  8. Good branding of United Airlines is done through extensive advertising via TV commercials, print ads, online ads, social media engagement, digital marketing etc.
  9. Its frequent flyer program called MileagePlus offers loyal travelers various benefits like free tickets, vacations, discounts and more
  10. United Airlines has invested in environmental practices and reduces use of paper, adopted cleaner fuel, repurpose kits etc.

Above are the strengths in the SWOT Analysis of United Airlines. The strengths of United Airlines looks at the key internal factors of its business which gives it competitive advantage in the market and strengthens its position.

United Airlines Weaknesses

  1. Intense competition from other domestic and international airlines means limited market share growth
  2. Heavy dependence on third-party service providers for customer service, maintenance, fueling operations, etc.

These were the weaknesses in the United Airlines SWOT Analysis. The weaknesses of a brand are certain aspects of its business which it can improve.

United Airlines Opportunities

  1. Growing US airline industry and tourism can help boost the business of United Airlines in the international & domestic sectors
  2. Strong US economy will ensure higher purchasing power of people willing to invest in travel
  3. Increasing partnerships with international players, trying to reach to newer & unexplored destinations

Above we covered the opportunities in United Airlines SWOT Analysis. The opportunities for any brand can include prospects of future growth.

United Airlines Threats

  1. Intense competition from low cost airlines offering discounted prices can lead to loss of margins for United Airlines
  2. Rising fuel prices is a challenge for the aviation industry as it reduces the profits
  3. Persisting risks of recession and pandemics across the globe can decline the demand for air travel

The threats in the SWOT Analysis of United Airlines are as mentioned above. The threats for any business can be external factors which can negatively impact its business.

Hence this concludes the United Airlines SWOT analysis.

About United Airlines

The table below gives the brand overview along with its target market, segmentation, positioning & USP

United Airlines Overview
Parent Company

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Category

International

Sector

Airlines

Tagline/ Slogan

Fly The Friendly Skies

USP

Customer focused, flyer friendly airline

United Airlines STP
Segmentation

Business, luxury and leisure travelers

Target Market

High income individuals, corporates houses

Positioning

Premium airline with high service quality

This article has been researched & authored by the Content & Research Team which comprises of MBA students, management professionals, and industry experts. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

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