United Airlines Launches New Nonstop Flights to Asia

With the surge in demand for travel to Asia, United Airlines is seizing the opportunity to cater to travelers’ renewed interest in the region. The Chicago-based carrier announced on Tuesday the introduction of three new or returning routes connecting the United States with the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Japan as part of its strategy to expand its international flight network.

Thanks to these additional routes, United now services more destinations in the Pacific than all other U.S. airlines combined, according to Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances.

Below are United’s new and resumed routes to Asia:

• Los Angeles to Hong Kong, commencing October 28, on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Although United already operates flights from San Francisco to Hong Kong, this Los Angeles route is a new addition.
• Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita, starting October 28 on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This route was last operated by United before the pandemic.
• San Francisco to Manila, Philippines, launching October 29. Flights will be conducted on a Boeing 777-300ER, the airline’s largest aircraft equipped with Polaris business-class seats. This marks the first instance of a U.S. legacy carrier flying directly from the mainland United States to Manila (United also operates flights from Guam to Manila).

In addition to flights to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Manila, United is introducing a second daily service from San Francisco to Taipei, Taiwan, utilizing a Boeing 777-200ER for these routes.

Upcoming Plans for Australia and New Zealand

Earlier this year, United revealed its intention to enhance its long-haul transpacific flight network, starting with new nonstop routes connecting the United States with Australia and New Zealand. These include new services from San Francisco to Christchurch, New Zealand, and from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia. The airline also added four weekly flights from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, and two daily services between San Francisco and Sydney, Australia. This expansion complements United's resumed flights to the South Pacific (from San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand) and new routes (from San Francisco to Brisbane) introduced in 2022.