United Airlines has significantly expanded its operations with the Boeing 777-300ER, its largest aircraft by length. The airline currently operates 22 of these twinjets, each averaging eight years in service, according to data from ch-aviation. With a seating capacity of 350 passengers, the 777-300ER does not hold the title for the highest capacity; that distinction goes to the smaller 777-200 series, which can accommodate 364 and 362 seats, respectively. This month, United plans to operate 806 flights using its 777-300ER fleet, offering a total of 282,100 seats. This represents a 7.1% year-on-year decrease from December 2024, where the airline scheduled 868 flights and 303,800 seats.
Key Routes from San Francisco
United Airlines’ most frequented 777-300ER routes originate from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The airline operates double-daily services to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The Manila route competes with a daily non-stop service offered by Philippine Airlines. Hong Kong is becoming a crucial destination for United, as it recently launched fifth-freedom flights connecting to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Patrick Quayle, United’s Vice President of International Network, noted in 2019 that the additional daily flight to Hong Kong enhances travel flexibility to one of the largest business markets in the world.
Transatlantic Operations to Europe
In addition to its Asian routes, United Airlines also leverages its 777-300ER aircraft for lucrative transatlantic flights. This month, the aircraft will serve three daily European routes. The first connects Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s busiest hub, which is vital for United’s operations due to its partnership with Lufthansa. The second daily flight from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Frankfurt further solidifies this connection, as Frankfurt was the second-busiest international destination from Dulles in 2024, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, United operates a daily flight between Washington Dulles and Brussels Airport (BRU), which is also a hub for Star Alliance partner Brussels Airlines.
The 777-300ER continues to play a significant role in United’s fleet, serving a variety of international destinations from San Francisco. Apart from Manila and Hong Kong, the aircraft also flies daily to Shanghai (PVG) and Taipei (TPE). Domestically, it connects San Francisco with Honolulu (HNL) and Newark. Notably, United offers a daily service from Honolulu to Guam (GUM) as well.
The final route for the 777-300ER this month departs from Newark and heads to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the UAE. This journey takes approximately 13 hours and five minutes outbound, with a return flight lasting 15 hours and 25 minutes. On this route, United faces competition from Emirates.
United Airlines’ strategic use of the Boeing 777-300ER showcases its commitment to maintaining a robust international network, connecting key markets across Asia and Europe.
