Skift Take

Due to the end of CARES Act restrictions on executive pay, United CEO Scott Kirby’s total compensation nearly doubled in 2023.

United Airlines’ top executive saw his salary nearly double in 2023. 

United CEO Scott Kirby, who is routinely one of the most highly paid airline executives in the U.S., made nearly $18.6 million in 2023, according to a proxy statement United filed Tuesday night. The year before, Kirby raked in around $9.8 million, and his pay was also around the same in 2021. 

In 2023, Kirby’s base salary was $1,075,000. He received $10.7 million in stock awards and $6.6 million in non-equity incentive compensation. 

The spike in Kirby’s pay is primarily due to the end of CARES Act pay restrictions. Airlines received a $25 billion bailout during the pandem