United posts 1Q loss but says operations are improving; 787 grounding cost $11 million - The Washington Post
By Associated Press, Published: April 25
United Airlines says it’s on the way to fixing the reliability problems that have driven away travelers. Now it needs to reliably make money.
The airline’s parent company reported a $417 million first-quarter loss on Thursday. CEO Jeff Smisek was disappointed with the financial result, but said the airline is making strides in customer service that will eventually help the bottom line.
United is giving customer service training to airport workers and flight attendants worldwide, including those who fly on regional airlines hired by United. New software is supposed to make it easier for gate agents and ticket counter workers to manage flights. United is spending more on maintenance and has changed how it handles spare parts to make its planes more reliable.