United Airlines is significantly expanding its operations with the Boeing 777-300ER, the airline’s largest aircraft by length. According to data from ch-aviation, United Airlines has a fleet of 22 Boeing 777-300ERs, with an average age of eight years. These aircraft can accommodate 350 passengers, making them a valuable asset for the airline’s long-haul routes, even though they are not the highest-capacity jets in the fleet. That distinction goes to the smaller, higher-density Boeing 777-200s and 777-200ERs, which can hold 364 and 362 seats, respectively.
In December 2024, United Airlines plans to operate a total of 806 flights with the Boeing 777-300ER, offering 282,100 seats this month. This represents a 7.1% year-on-year decrease compared to the same month last year, when the airline scheduled 868 flights and 303,800 seats.
Key Routes for December
The most frequently flown routes for the Boeing 777-300ER this month are two double-daily transpacific flights originating from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One route connects to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines, competing against a daily non-stop service from Philippine Airlines. The second route serves Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), with United Airlines increasing its presence in this crucial market. In a statement from Patrick Quayle, United’s Vice President of International Network, he emphasized the importance of flexibility and convenience for travelers heading to Hong Kong, one of the world’s major business centers.
Turning to Europe, United Airlines operates three daily routes with the 777-300ER, starting with flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s busiest airport. Frankfurt is a strategic destination for United, being a hub for its Star Alliance partner, Lufthansa. From Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), the airline also connects to Frankfurt, which was the second-busiest international destination from Dulles in 2024, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT).
The third European route includes flights from Washington Dulles to Brussels Airport (BRU), which is home to the Belgian airline Brussels Airlines, also a Star Alliance member. This route offers passengers various onward connectivity options, especially during the seasonal period when Brussels Airlines operates.
Additional Destinations and Competitive Landscape
United Airlines continues to serve several destinations from San Francisco with the Boeing 777-300ER, including Shanghai (PVG) and Taipei (TPE). Domestically, the aircraft also connects to Honolulu (HNL) and Newark. Additionally, passengers can fly from Honolulu to Guam (GUM) daily on these jets.
Another notable route in December includes flights from Newark to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates. This long-haul service takes approximately 13 hours and five minutes on the outbound leg, with a return flight taking around 15 hours and 25 minutes. United faces competition from Emirates on this route, adding to the competitive landscape in transcontinental travel.
The expansion of United Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER operations reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing its international service offerings while navigating the complexities of global air travel demand. With strategic routes and competitive positioning, United continues to play a significant role in connecting passengers across key markets worldwide.
