United Airlines is slightly pulling back on its ambitious expansion plans across the Pacific.
The Chicago-based carrier plans to suspend seasonal nonstop service from Los Angeles to two destinations in Australia and New Zealand during the Northern Hemisphere winter, a spokesperson told TPG on Thursday.
As part of the network adjustments, United will end seasonal service to both Brisbane, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. Both routes launched last year, which means the service won’t return for a second season.
Ishrion Aviation is first discovered United’s Pacific shock.
Want More aviation news? Sign up for TPG’s free bi-weekly Aviation newsletter.
Slow down its rapid Pacific build-up
United’s Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) service to Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Auckland Airport (AKL) is part of the plan significantly expanded about the airline’s trans-Pacific footprint over the past year.
Company leaders noted last month that in the first quarter of 2024, United’s transpacific capacity increased about 66% year over year.
However, during the company’s most recent earnings call in April, United executives has signaled some growing pains in its growing Pacific long-haul network.
The company predicts revenue per available seat mile (a key financial metric for airlines) will decline compared to last year in the region.
Daily newsletter
Gift your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers to get breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
“We have plans to adjust capacity on some underperforming routes,” chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella told analysts at the time.
A spokesperson for the airline said in a statement about the network adjustment: “United regularly adjusts its schedules for a variety of reasons, including demand and broader needs within its network. we”.
Increased capacity from SFO
It’s not all bad news for United loyalists who want to fly with the airline to destinations across the South Pacific – whether for business or regular commuting. MileagePlus atone.
As part of the adjustment, the airline will double its Pacific service from its San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hub.
United now plans to “upgrade” its San Francisco to Brisbane route in an effort to accommodate more passengers. This airline previously operated this route using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
United’s booking channels currently show a Boeing 777-300ER operating the route this winter. The plane has 350 seats compared to the 787-9’s 257 seats – including 60 seats Big Dipper business class seats, 24 Premium Plus recliners and 266 seats in the main cabin.
Meanwhile, United plans to increase frequency on its San Francisco to Auckland route, moving from three weekly round trips to daily service during the Northern Hemisphere winter – specifically from October 27, 2024 to March 27, 2025.
Related reading:
