United Airlines Announces Major Expansion of Transatlantic Routes
United's latest expansion is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position as the leading U.S. carrier in international markets. The airline now offers non-stop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries...
United Airlines Announces Major Expansion of Transatlantic Routes
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines expands its international route network.
- New non-stop flights to Marrakesh, Cebu, and Medellin.
- Increased services to popular destinations worldwide.
- Strategic move to enhance global footprint and offer unique travel options.
New Destinations and Routes
Marrakesh, Morocco
Starting October 24, 2024, United Airlines will launch a new non-stop service between New York/Newark and Marrakesh, Morocco. This service will be offered three times weekly on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which features 46 United Polaris® business class and 22 United Premium Plus® seats. This new route will make United the only U.S. airline to directly connect the U.S. and Marrakesh, further expanding its presence in Africa. United already operates flights to Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Cebu, Philippines
United will also introduce a new year-round, non-stop service from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu, Philippines, starting July 31, 2024. This route will be operated daily using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. United will be the only U.S. carrier to fly to Cebu, providing convenient connections from major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Newark-New York, and Houston to Tokyo-Narita. United already offers transpacific service to the Philippines with daily flights between San Francisco and Manila, as well as flights to Manila from Guam and Palau.
Medellin, Colombia
For the first time in its history, United will fly non-stop to Medellin, Colombia, with daily service from Houston starting October 27, 2024. This route will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft and will complement United's existing service from Houston and Newark to Bogota. With this addition, United will serve 52 destinations in Latin America from Houston, further strengthening its presence in the region.
Increased Services to Popular Destinations
In addition to the new routes, United will increase its flying to several popular destinations across the globe. This includes:
- Hong Kong: United will add more flights to Hong Kong, enhancing its connectivity in the region.
- Seoul, South Korea: Increased flights to Seoul will provide more options for travelers to South Korea.
- Porto, Portugal: United will expand its services to Porto, catering to the growing demand for travel to Portugal.
- Los Angeles-Shanghai: United will resume its service between Los Angeles and Shanghai with four weekly flights starting August 29, 2024, which will increase to daily service in late October. This resumption is enabled by a recent agreement between the U.S. and Chinese governments to increase flights between the two countries.
Strategic Expansion and Market Leadership
United's latest expansion is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position as the leading U.S. carrier in international markets. The airline now offers non-stop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries, making it the largest and most diversified international route network among U.S. airlines. United's transpacific network is 94 percent larger this winter than last winter, and its schedule will grow by more than 25 percent compared to the previous year, marking the airline's most significant winter expansion in history.
Patrick Quayle, United's Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, emphasized the airline's commitment to providing unique travel options for its customers. "We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad," Quayle said. "With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can't have with any other carrier."
Additional Highlights
- New Routes to Europe and the South Pacific: United will introduce new routes to Faro, Portugal; Manila, Philippines; and Christchurch, New Zealand. These additions will make United the first U.S. carrier to offer direct flights to these destinations. The airline will also extend services to Athens, Barcelona, Rome, and Paris to meet the growing demand for international travel.
- Latin America and Caribbean Growth: United has introduced new Caribbean routes to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, from its Denver hub. The airline has also increased service from its hubs in Chicago, Newark, and Washington-Dulles to destinations across the Caribbean, including Aruba, Bonaire, Grand Cayman Islands, and The Bahamas. During the winter peak, United will offer more than 200 weekly flights to Cancun from eight U.S. cities, the most in its history.
- Summer Transatlantic Expansion: United will offer non-stop transatlantic flights to 38 cities, including the first direct flight between the U.S. and Faro, Portugal, starting May 24, 2024. The airline will also resume seasonal daily flights between Reykjavik and Newark for the first time since summer 2022.
Conclusion
United Airlines' major expansion of transatlantic routes and increased services to various international destinations underscores its commitment to providing diverse and unique travel options for its customers. With new non-stop flights to Marrakesh, Cebu, and Medellin, as well as increased services to popular destinations worldwide, United continues to lead the way in international travel. This strategic expansion not only enhances United's global footprint but also offers travelers more choices and convenience, making United the airline of choice for international journeys.
By consistently introducing new routes and expanding its services, United Airlines is poised to maintain its leadership position in the global aviation market, offering unparalleled connectivity and travel experiences to its customers.
Q&A Section
Q: When will United Airlines start its new non-stop service to Marrakesh, Morocco? A: United Airlines will launch its new non-stop service to Marrakesh, Morocco, on October 24, 2024.
Q: What aircraft will be used for the new route to Cebu, Philippines? A: The new route to Cebu, Philippines, will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Q: How many destinations in Latin America will United serve from Houston with the addition of Medellin? A: With the addition of Medellin, United will serve 52 destinations in Latin America from Houston.
Q: When will United resume its service between Los Angeles and Shanghai? A: United will resume its service between Los Angeles and Shanghai with four weekly flights starting August 29, 2024, increasing to daily service in late October.
Q: What new routes to Europe and the South Pacific will United introduce? A: United will introduce new routes to Faro, Portugal; Manila, Philippines; and Christchurch, New Zealand.
Q: How many weekly flights to Cancun will United offer during the winter peak? A: During the winter peak, United will offer more than 200 weekly flights to Cancun from eight U.S. cities.
