United Airlines has reclaimed the world’s no 2 spot for passenger traffic.
It edged in front of Delta thanks to mostly domestic expansion with capacity increases at hubs like Chicago, Houston and Denver.
Capacity has been increasing by up to 6%.
United recorded 230.2 billion revenue passenger miles last year, ahead of Delta’s 225.2 billion.
Delta overtook United as the second largest airline in 2015.
"Our goal is not to be the biggest. We want to be the best and as we implement our strategy, we are looking to build on this momentum in 2019," United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said.
Following a couple of years in the doldrums after several high profile missteps, United’s share price has rebounded.
While other major US airline stock values have contracted, United saw a 24% bump last year.
American Airlines hasn’t released its full year traffic results yet but is expected to remain the world’s largest airline.
By Charles Kao
