CHICAGO (AFP) - Struggling to emerge from bankruptcy, United Airlines said it would start reducing the number of its domestic flights, while increasing the more profitable international routes.
United's parent company, UAL, said that by next March, it would increase the number of its international flights by 14 percent, bringing that segment to 40 percent of its overall flights. Domestic flights would be cut by 14 percent.
At the same time, United would reduce its fleet by 13 percent, or 68 aircraft, ending up with 455 planes.
"Our strategy has been to continually align our fleet size and deployment with market conditions, which are brutally competitive," said Glenn Tilton, UAL's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"Fundamental changes in our industry -- including ongoing high fuel costs, intense pricing pressure and continuing overcapacity -- demand that we take aggressive steps now in implementing this plan to ensure that United remains competitive."
The moves would mean that international flights would account for about half the airline's overall revenues.
United said it was on track to cut five billion dollars in annual operating costs as part of its plan to emerge from bankruptcy.
The second-largest US carrier filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2002 and is still working on a reorganization plan.