United Airlines has wanted to fly nonstop to Manila from the mainland for years. Starting this winter, the carrier will finally do so. As part of an expansion of its Pacific operations, United will add service from San Francisco beginning 29 October 2023.
The year-round daily flights will depart San Francisco on a 777-300ER just before midnight, arriving in Manila at 6:50a two days later. The return to San Francisco departs at 9:55a, arriving at 7:20a the same day. In the summer the times at Manila shift two hours earlier (i.e. 4:50a arrival).
United has been pushing to launch the Manila route since at least 2019. Securing reasonably timed slots proved a challenge, however. Still, as Philippine Airlines pushed to expand its US footprint, United continually objected, citing an unfair competitive environment in the Pacific. With these slots secured the company also seems likely to drop those objections, opening up additional access for Philippine Airlines as well. In regulatory filings on Tuesday morning the carrier formally withdrew its objections to various efforts by Philippine Airlines, including the latter’s efforts to launch service to Seattle and to codeshare with American Airlines.
United also operates from Manila to Guam and Koror, Palau.
Other Pacific Expansion
United will also increase other operations in the Pacific for the upcoming season. San Francisco will see double daily service to Taipei, split between a 777-300ER and 777-200. The carrier will also resume Los Angeles-Hong Kong (787-9) and Los Angeles-Tokyo-Narita (787-10) for the winter season. Flights between Los Angeles and Tokyo-Haneda will also continue to operate.
United will also increase operations to Australia and New Zealand for the season. The carrier previously announced plans to add San Francisco-Christchurch and Los Angeles-Brisbane during the Northern Winter. It will also operate four daily flights from San Francisco to Australia and expand service from Los Angeles to Auckland.
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