United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) has recovered early losses and is clinging to a modest gain on Thursday, as the company’s underwhelming second quarter results were offset by assurances from the CEO regarding the second half of this year and disruptions at a major hub.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby believes only his carrier and Delta Air Lines are properly positioned in the US market, predicting competitors will soon need to abandon unprofitable routes.

CNBC’s Phil LeBeau and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby join 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's quarterly earnings results, state of air travel demand, Q3 forecast, travel around Newark Liberty International Airport,

"Economic gravity is ultimately going to win," the United Airlines CEO said in predicting more low-cost airlines will pull back from costly routes like the Bay Area.

United Airlines shares rose 4% as the U.S. carrier projected improved demand since the start of July, an upbeat tone after the industry came under pressure from the fallout of President Donald Trump's budget cuts and trade tensions.

United Airlines said “acceleration” in demand amid declining geopolitical and economic uncertainty should help it avoid the previous quarter’s “recessionary” forecast for full-year earnings. The more optimistic outlook came as the carrier reported second-quarter results that were below Wall Street forecasts,

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In the first of our winning stories from 2025's Airline Strategy Awards, which were held in London on 14 July, United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby was recognised in the Executive Leadership: N

Q2 2025 Management View CEO J. Scott Kirby stated the quarter was further evidence that the "United -- next strategy continues to work and that the 2 brand loyal revenue diverse airlines continue to generate the bulk of industry profit.