United Airlines posted a first-quarter net loss of $417 million,

somewhat narrower than the $448 million loss in the year-earlier period, as operating expenses increased 1.3 percent and consolidated unit costs excluding special items jumped 7.4 percent. Passenger revenue globally increased 0.7 percent year over year to $7.6 billion, but within the U.S. domestic market declined 1.1 percent. Passenger yield rose 1.9 percent, consolidated unit revenue improved by 5.9 percent and the average passenger fare edged upward 1.7 percent to $276.46.