United Airlines Raises Outlook, Higher Fares Offset $6 Billion in Added Fuel Expense

United Airlines is expecting to see billions of dollars in additional fuel expenses this year, but high travel demand and airfares are offsetting those costs. 

The carrier said Wednesday it is forecasting $6 billion in additional fuel expenses this year. Second-quarter fuel expenses were up $2.3 billion, or 84% higher than a year ago. United offset around half of those fuel costs in the second quarter and expects to recover as much as 80% to 90% in the third quarter. 

United had a profit of $805 million in the second quarter and a total operating revenue of $17.7 billion, up 16% compared to last year. 

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