People and human capital management
Talent acquisition and succession planning
We are broadening and strengthening our talent channels and pipelines to source and cultivate the next generation of talent that will lead our company into the future.
In 2025, we welcomed over 13,000 new employees worldwide, bringing the total employee headcount to over 113,000, through various channels including our career site, direct and passive candidate sourcing, professional association partnerships, employee referrals, universities and other external sources.
Career growth
Our talent management programs are designed to facilitate internal talent mobility. We encourage employees to build the skills, experience, knowledge and competencies needed for career advancement.
In 2025, about 72% of our senior leader positions were filled internally, and 587 frontline employees were promoted into management roles.
Broadening our talent pipeline
We're driven by our desire to pave new paths in the aviation and travel industries that will make a positive lasting impact. We lead from the front, showing up to propel people and communities forward. We are broadening access to well-paying aviation careers and fostering transformative opportunities for all individuals through programs like United Pathways, which consists of Aviate, Navigate and Innovate. These programs raise awareness of pilot, technician and digital technology careers by focusing on skills-first hiring and easing financial barriers. We then support participants through rigorous, world-class training and skills assessment programs to ensure they meet and maintain the highest quality, safety and professional standards.
United Aviate
Strengthening the future of the aviation workforce by providing the most secure path to a United flight deck for aspiring and professional pilots. United Aviate, United Airlines’ pilot career development program, supports aviators at every step of their journey.
- Commitment to safety and operational excellence
- Structured, transparent career progression
- Creating a pipeline of the most qualified aviators
United Innovate
Empowering apprentices, interns and early-career associates to experience different areas of the business and to plan long-term careers in technology.
- Technical training
- Hands-on experience
- Mentorship and guidance
United Navigate
Developing aviation professionals with technical knowledge and critical thinking skills required to manage safe and efficient flight operations.
- FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher certification program
- Hands-on training
- Certification exam preparation
Explore our opportunities
Succession planning
Succession planning provides us with the opportunity to evaluate our key successors. Our executives and senior leaders are engaged in succession planning by regularly evaluating, developing and mentoring our talent. Our Board of Directors also engages in annual succession planning and talent development discussions with our Chief Executive Officer, President and Executive Vice President of Human Resources — focusing on our ability to attract, identify, prepare and retain talented employees for future leadership positions.