United Airlines Announces Major Asia Expansion with New Routes

A new extension across the Pacific Ocean has just been announced by United Airlines and is scheduled to start in the autumn. United will introduce two new routes, reopen one, and enhance frequency on another as part of this Asia expansion.

The most frequent announcements from United lately appear to be network upgrades. The Chicago-based carrier just announced its largest-ever expansion in the South Pacific, reaffirming its market dominance. United today unveiled plans for a new network expansion to Asia that will start this autumn. The changes were announced on a call with journalists yesterday that was led by Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances at United, and which was made public this morning.

Except for flights to China, United’s transpacific network will be 50% bigger this winter than the networks of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines combined. In addition to the increase announced today, United recently unveiled its largest-ever South Pacific schedule. United also has the largest network over the Atlantic, with a 10% advantage over the next American carrier.

United will begin operating the sole American flight between the continental United States and Manila in October. It should come as no surprise that San Francisco was selected as the hub for the new Manila route since it serves as United’s main entry point into Asia. The route with daily operations was chosen for the Boeing 777-300ER. By eliminating the need to fly through Guam or Palau while flying United, the opening of the new route will make life easier for people who want to go to Manila from the US mainland.

As part of this expansion into Asia, a second route will be established from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Although United already has a hub in San Francisco that serves Hong Kong, it is currently expanding to Los Angeles International Airport. This winter, United will offer three daily flights to Hong Kong thanks to the addition of the daily route on October 28 on the Boeing 787-9.

“United offers more flights to more destinations across the Pacific than all other U.S. airlines combined. United is the flag carrier of the U.S. and we are excited to bring this new service to Manila while expanding access to Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo.” – Patrick Quayle

On 28th October, United will begin service to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) from cities other than Los Angeles. This autumn, United will restart service from Los Angeles to Narita International Airport with a daily flight on the 787-10, the largest member of Boeing’s Dreamliner series. Along with United’s flights to Tokyo from close-by San Francisco and its other hubs, passengers will have the option of flying to both Tokyo airports from Los Angeles.

In addition to serving Taipei, United is the only American airline that flies to Manila. Additionally, United is increasing the number of flights it operates to Taipei starting in October. Beginning on 29th October, United will operate two flights each day from San Francisco to Taipei, using Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.