The airline’s origins trace back to a single airmail route linking Pasco, Washington, and Elko, Nevada, flown on April 6, 1926. Over the ensuing decades, United has expanded dramatically, now operating a fleet approaching 1,100 aircraft and serving more than 350 destinations across six continents. This scale reflects not only geographic growth but also a steady diversification of services—most notably within cargo.

From Mailbags to Modern Logistics What began as basic mail transportation has evolved into a sophisticated cargo operation. Today, United Cargo handles a wide spectrum of shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-value goods and time-critical consignments. This progression aligns with the broader evolution of global trade, where speed, reliability and specialised handling have become essential.