Fuel is the airline's single largest expense. United says it has already improved its fuel efficiency by 32 percent since 1994 through programs such as improved flight planning, single-engine taxiing, lighter products onboard and use of ground power instead of the onboard auxiliary power unit to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions while aircraft are parked.

The airline is also investing in a fuel-efficient fleet to replace older aircraft. In 2012, United ordered 150 new Boeing 737 narrowbody aircraft powered by fuel-efficient CFM engines.

United is also improving the performance of its current fleet. The airline was the launch customer for the new Split Scimitar winglet, which is an advanced and improved winglet for the 737 next-gen aircraft and helps the aircraft consume up to 25 percent less fuel per seat than the 737-500 aircraft the company is retiring.

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