United Airlines to Expand Winter Flight Schedule for US-Pacific Routes

United Airlines is set to make a significant expansion to its winter flight schedule, strengthening its position as a leading carrier in the US-Pacific market. Starting from October 29, 2023, the airline’s transpacific network will encompass 15 destinations. Notably, when excluding mainland China flying, United’s transpacific network will be 50% larger than all other US airlines combined, according to the airline’s recent announcement.

Among the new routes being introduced are flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), as well as LAX and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT). Additionally, United will offer a double daily route from SFO to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), a significant increase compared to the current daily flight.

While the expansion is impressive, it’s important to note that flights to MNL, HKG, and TPE are still awaiting governmental approvals.

United Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, Patrick Quayle, expressed excitement about the new service to Manila and the expanded accessibility to Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo. He also highlighted that United Airlines now offers more flights to Pacific destinations than all other US carriers combined.

With this expansion, United Airlines will become the only US-based airline offering direct flights from the continental US to the Philippines. Additionally, it will be the sole carrier connecting mainland US to TPE and HKG.

In a previous announcement made in April 2023, United Airlines had revealed its largest-ever route network expansion in the South Pacific, adding 40% more flights between Australia and New Zealand for the winter 2023 season. At that time, the company boasted about having the most extensive flight offerings between the US and Australia/New Zealand compared to any other airline worldwide.