United Airlines is enhancing its operations with its largest aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER. Currently, the airline operates 22 of these twinjets, each averaging eight years in service. According to data from ch-aviation, the aircraft accommodates 350 passengers, making it a crucial part of United’s international fleet. Notably, this model does not hold the title for the highest capacity, as the smaller Boeing 777-200 and 777-200ER models offer up to 364 seats.
In December 2024, United Airlines is scheduled to conduct 806 flights using the Boeing 777-300ER, providing a total of 282,100 seats for travelers. This reflects a 7.1% year-on-year decrease from the previous December, when the airline planned 868 flights and 303,800 seats.
Key International Routes from San Francisco
This month, United’s most frequent routes for the Boeing 777-300ER are two double-daily services from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to major destinations in Asia. The first route connects to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), competing with a daily service from Philippine Airlines. The second route connects to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), where the airline has increased its presence. In October, it launched fifth-freedom flights from Hong Kong to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Vice President of International Network, remarked in 2019 on the significance of the Hong Kong route, stating, “The addition of a second daily nonstop flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong offers customers more flexibility and convenience when planning travel to one of the world’s largest business markets.”
Transatlantic Services to Europe
United Airlines is also focusing on transatlantic routes, operating three daily services with the Boeing 777-300ER to key European cities. The first connects Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s busiest airport. Frankfurt plays a strategic role for United, as it is a major hub for its Star Alliance partner, Lufthansa.
Additionally, United operates daily flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to both Frankfurt and Brussels Airport (BRU), another significant hub for Star Alliance. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Frankfurt was the second-busiest international destination from Dulles in 2024.
Beyond these primary routes, United Airlines maintains daily services from San Francisco to Shanghai (PVG) and Taipei (TPE), as well as domestic flights to Honolulu (HNL) and Newark. A notable route includes a daily flight from Newark to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the UAE, which takes approximately 13 hours and five minutes outbound and 15 hours and 25 minutes on the return, facing competition from Emirates.
United Airlines continues to leverage its Boeing 777-300ER fleet to meet customer demands, ensuring that it remains a strong player in the competitive international aviation market.
