United Airlines is expanding its international routes with new flights to Morocco and Colombia, as well as strengthening its service to China. The airline is confident that consumers will continue to spend on trips abroad, and therefore, is increasing its international service.
Starting from October 24th, United Airlines will launch flights from its Newark, New Jersey hub to Marrakesh, Morocco. These flights will be operated using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Additionally, the carrier will begin its Houston-to-Medellin flight on October 27th, using Boeing 737s. The airline also plans to offer year-round service to Cebu, Philippines from Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and alliances, explains that the focus of these new routes is premium leisure. The airline has observed strong business class demand, particularly for longer flights, and aims to cater to this market segment.
This expansion of international routes by United Airlines is in line with a trend observed among U.S. airlines. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, airlines have been increasing their international service, and revenue growth from trips abroad has outpaced domestic sales. In fact, United’s international revenue grew by 18% in the last four months of 2023, while domestic ticket sales grew by less than 7%.
In addition to the new flights to Morocco and Colombia, United Airlines has also announced other route additions and increased frequencies. Starting from August 29th, the airline will offer four weekly flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Furthermore, a second daily flight will be added between Los Angeles and Hong Kong. From October 25th, there will be second daily flights between San Francisco and Seoul, South Korea, as well as between Newark and Porto, Portugal.
The expansion of international routes by United Airlines reflects the growing confidence in the recovery of the travel industry. As vaccination rates increase and travel restrictions are lifted, consumers are eager to explore new destinations and embark on international trips once again. The airline industry is adapting to meet this demand and is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing interest in travel.
With United Airlines’ new flights to Morocco and Colombia, as well as the increased service to China, travelers have more options when it comes to planning their next international adventure. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Marrakesh, immersing oneself in the culture of Medellin, or experiencing the bustling cities of China, United Airlines is committed to providing quality service and ensuring a seamless travel experience. As the world gradually opens up, the airline industry is ready to take flight once again, connecting people from different corners of the globe and reuniting loved ones who have been separated for far too long.
