
UNITED AIRLINES has won a $1.5 billion bailout package from the US government, bringing the total value of the bailout to more than $7.8 billion, a spokeswoman for the airline said.
United said it was going to seek another $1 million in bailout money, but the final figure will be determined by the US Treasury.
The company was founded in 1927 and has grown to become the largest airline in the world with more than 2.7 million passengers.
The airline has also seen a steep drop in the number of passenger departures, which has led to criticism from some airlines.
United announced in January that it would reduce flights to most of the United States from March 25, after the federal government requested a reduction in flights from the next six months.
The deal is the latest in a series of moves by the federal and state governments to help airlines compete with the soaring cost of flights and to keep passengers on planes.
Earlier this year, the US Air Force approved a $8.5 million bailout for the carrier.
It is expected to receive another $3.5-$4.5m from the federal funds.
The federal government also announced $4.2 million for United in 2018, and a $4 million bailout fund for the company from September 2021.
The government has also approved $1bn in loans for the airlines.
The Department of Transportation will pay United $500 million in 2020 and $1 in 2021.
On Tuesday, the airline agreed to repay the remaining $1billion it owes.