United Airlines revealed on Tuesday that it will launch new service connecting the United States to destinations across Europe and Asia, marking the most extensive international network growth in the carrier’s history.
Beginning as early as March 2027, United will introduce flights to 10 new international cities in Europe and Asia, operating from its major hubs in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Newark, New Jersey. The airline already serves more international destinations than any other U.S. carrier.
“The creative and strategic way we’ve expanded our international network since the pandemic has made all the difference, not only for our customers and employees, but also as a way to differentiate United and build a brand focused on customers,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.
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United said the latest route additions are the largest international network expansion in company history. (United Airlines)
From San Francisco to:
- Okinawa, Japan (begins March 27; three times weekly on the Boeing 777-200ER)
From Washington Dulles to:
- Toulouse, France (begins April 26; daily on the A321XLR)
From Newark to:
- Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (begins April 2; daily on the A321XLR)
- Ljubljana, Slovenia (begins May 12; four times weekly on the Boeing 767-400ER)
- Olbia (Sardinia), Italy (begins May 27; three times weekly on the Boeing 767-300ER)
- Catania (Sicily), Italy (begins May 28; four times weekly on the Boeing 767-300ER)
- Ibiza, Spain (begins May 31; four times weekly on the A321XLR)
- Valencia, Spain (begins June 2; three times weekly on the A321XLR)
- Marseille, France (begins June 4; daily on the A321XLR)
- Terceira, Portugal (begins June 9; three times weekly on the Boeing 737 Max 8)
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The airline is also increasing frequencies on existing routes, including Los Angeles to Osaka, Japan (begins March 27); Washington, D.C., to Milan, Italy (begins May 28); and Denver to Paris (begins May 27). Additionally, United will resume service between San Francisco and Tel Aviv on March 28.
United indicated on Tuesday that it anticipates receiving sufficient Airbus A321XLR deliveries to support its European expansion next summer, as the carrier expands into smaller markets amid continued strong demand for transatlantic travel through the autumn months.
United will fly the Boeing 767 on flights from Newark to Slovenia and Italy. (Getty Images)
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, acknowledged “a few teething issues” with the A321XLR program but expressed confidence that the airline will have an adequate number of aircraft delivered to operate the announced schedule.
“We feel confident that we will have the number of aircraft needed in order to operate the schedule,” he told reporters.
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United placed its order for the A321XLR, a long-range single-aisle jet, in 2019. The carrier plans to begin international service with the aircraft on Dec. 1, 2026, operating routes from Washington Dulles to Amsterdam and Dublin.
United is phasing out its aging Boeing 757 fleet and will use the Airbus A321XLR on some of the Europe routes. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Quayle noted that United is phasing out its Boeing 757s as the A321XLR jets enter service, and that the fleet plan is continually updated to account for potential delays at aircraft manufacturers.
Reuters contributed to this report.
