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United Airlines announces a major network expansion in Asia

 Thursday, July 20, 2023

United Airlines has just announced another expansion across the Pacific Ocean, set to begin during the fall.

This Asia expansion will see United launch two new routes, reinstate one, and increase frequencies on another.

Expanding in Asia, again

As of late, United’s most frequent announcements seem to be network expansions. Just a few months ago, the Chicago-based carrier announced its largest-ever expansion in the South Pacific, solidifying its leadership in the market.

Today, United announced another network expansion to Asia, beginning this fall.

Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, hosted a call with media to reveal the changes yesterday, which was made public this morning.

This winter, United’s transpacific network will be 50% larger than American Airlines and Delta Air Lines’ networks combined, excluding flights to China.

In addition to today’s expansion, United announced its largest-ever South Pacific schedule a few months ago. Across the Atlantic, United also has the most extensive network, 10% greater than the next American carrier.

Launching two new routes

From October, United will be the only American airline connecting the continental United States with Manila.

San Francisco was the hub chosen for the new Manila route, which should come as no surprise as San Francisco is United’s primary gateway to Asia.

The Boeing 777-300ER was selected for the route with daily operations.

Launching the new route will facilitate the lives of those wishing to reach Manila from the mainland United States as they will no longer need to travel via Guam or Palau when flying United.

A second route from Los Angeles to Hong Kong will be launched as part of this Asia expansion.

United already serves Hong Kong from San Francisco but is expanding to its second California hub at Los Angeles International Airport.

The daily route will commence on October 28 on the Boeing 787-9, bringing United’s network to three daily flights to Hong Kong this winter.

Additional expansion

Currently, United only flies to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) from Los Angeles, but that is set to change on October 28.

This fall, United will resume its flights to Narita International Airport from Los Angeles, offering a daily flight on the largest variant of Boeing’s Dreamliner family, the 787-10.

Passengers will have the option to fly from Los Angeles to both Tokyo airports, in addition to United’s Tokyo flights from nearby San Francisco and its other hubs.

Not only is United the only US airline flying to Manila, it is the only American carrier to serve Taipei. And starting this October, United is doubling its flights to the Taiwanese capital.

From October 29, United will fly to Taipei from San Francisco twice daily, deploying the Boeing 777-200ERs on the new flight.