United Airlines’ Exclusive Pacific Island Hub Operation in Guam
United Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the US, has a hub in an unusual location: the Pacific island of Guam. The airline operates 680 flights this month from Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, serving 21 destinations in Asia and Oceania.
The Guam hub is a legacy of United’s merger with Continental Airlines in 2010, which gave United access to Continental’s extensive network in the Pacific region. Continental had acquired the Guam operation from Pan American World Airways in 1985, and had expanded it over the years to become the dominant carrier in the area.
The Guam hub serves several islands that are part of the US territory or have close ties with the US, such as Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Palau. It also connects Guam with major cities in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
The busiest route from Guam is to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, which has 62 flights this month. The flight time from Guam to Tokyo is about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The route is popular among Japanese tourists who visit Guam for its beaches, shopping, and cultural attractions. The route is also important for connecting passengers who travel between Asia and the US mainland via Guam.
United Airlines has a total of 44 aircraft based in Guam, including 24 Boeing 737s and 20 Boeing 777s, and operates the following aircraft:
- 737-700: This is a narrow-body jet that can seat up to 149 passengers in a two-class configuration. It is used for short-haul flights within the Pacific region, such as Saipan, Rota, and Palau.
- 737-800: This is a larger version of the 737-700, with a capacity of up to 166 passengers in a two-class configuration. It is also used for short-haul flights within the Pacific region, as well as some medium-haul flights to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- 737-900ER: This is the largest and newest version of the 737 family, with a capacity of up to 179 passengers in a two-class configuration. It is used for medium-haul flights to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Philippines.
- 777-200ER: This is a wide-body jet that can seat up to 269 passengers in a three-class configuration. It is used for long-haul flights to Australia and Indonesia.
- The 777-300ERs, the largest widebody in United’s fleet, are used on flights from Honolulu to Guam. The flight time from Guam to Honolulu is about 7 hours and 20 minutes.
United plans to replace some of its older 737s with newer models, such as the 737-8 and 737-9, which are more fuel-efficient and have more range. The airline also plans to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its Guam hub in the future, which will offer more comfort and amenities for passengers.
The Guam hub is a strategic asset for United, as it allows the airline to tap into the growing demand for travel in the Pacific region. It also gives United a competitive edge over other US carriers that have limited presence in the area. The airline plans to invest more than $20 million to upgrade its facilities and services at the Guam airport.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, united.com