Policy priorities

United continues to engage policymakers and stakeholders to support implementation of the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization and advocate for additional policies that prioritize the safety, efficiency and reliability of our nation’s aviation system. We are especially focused on improving the nation’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and supporting its technology, infrastructure and workforce needs.

Under the FAA’s leadership, commercial aviation in the United States remains among the safest in the world. That record depends on a resilient ATC system, yet chronic controller shortages and aging technology contribute to delays and cancellations that affect customers, employees and airline operations across the industry.

Modernizing the ATC system and building capacity

To help address these systemic challenges, United supports increased, stable and predictable funding to modernize the ATC system, along with multiyear planning that reflects projected traffic growth. We continue to champion these causes with industry organizations, including Airlines for America and the International Air Transport Association, as well as with government agencies, including leaders in Congress and the presidential administration. In 2025, with our strong support, Congress provided $12.5 billion to modernize our ATC system — an important down payment on the investments needed to meet the needs of the flying public now and in the future. We continue to advocate for the additional funding needed to fully upgrade our ATC system.

While the FAA has taken steps to increase the number of air traffic controllers, staffing shortages persist. The FAA Academy is operating at capacity, with demand for controllers far outpacing the number expected to become certified. United will continue to work closely with the secretary of transportation, the FAA administrator and the leadership of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization to expand training capacity. We support the FAA’s initiative to grow controller training partnerships with private aviation colleges and universities to address near- and long-term ATC workforce shortages.

As the airline grows, our workforce must also grow to meet our needs. United invests in programs that help build the next generation of pilots, mechanics, technicians and digital talent, and we encourage policymakers to support federal, state and local workforce efforts that expand scholarships, financing and technical training. These programs help address industrywide labor constraints while ensuring United can meet its hiring needs in hub communities.

United Airlines has positioned itself as a leader in innovation within the aviation industry, particularly through its strategic investments in technology, new energy sources and customer experience. The investments enhance our global competitiveness, improve the customer experience and allow us to operate more efficiently in the United States and around the world. Most notably, working with the FAA on certification, we are well on our way to equipping our entire fleet with free Starlink internet, a major leap in connectivity for our customers. We also work with the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these enhancements.

United operates on a global scale and competes with airlines worldwide. We support government policies to ensure competition is free and fair, without government interference that tilts the playing field in favor of foreign competitors. United partners with governments on legislative and regulatory activities aimed at improving the aviation industry for our customers, employees and communities. Smart, predictable regulation is critical to the industry’s ability to connect people safely and efficiently, generate jobs and invest in new technology. Our focus is on practical, evidence-based policies that improve safety, reliability and efficiency in ways that are good for business and the broader economy.