United Airlines is ramping up operations with its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, the largest aircraft in terms of length in its inventory. The airline currently operates 22 of these twinjets, with an average age of eight years, according to data from ch-aviation. Each aircraft is designed to accommodate 350 passengers, though they do not hold the title for highest capacity in the fleet; that distinction belongs to the smaller Boeing 777-200 and 777-200ER models, which can seat 364 and 362 passengers, respectively.
In December 2024, United Airlines plans to operate a total of 806 flights with its Boeing 777-300ERs, providing 282,100 seats. This marks a 7.1% decline from the previous year when the airline scheduled 868 flights with the same aircraft, offering 303,800 seats.
Key Routes and Expansions
Among the most significant routes for the Boeing 777-300ER this month are two double-daily transpacific services originating from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The first route connects to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines, where United faces competition from Philippine Airlines’ daily non-stop service. The second route serves Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)Transatlantic Connections
The Boeing 777-300ER also plays a vital role in United’s transatlantic operations. The aircraft will serve three European destinations daily this December. The first route links Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s busiest hub. Frankfurt is a crucial destination for United, particularly due to its partnership with the Star Alliance carrier, Lufthansa, which operates extensive services from the city. Additionally, United will operate daily flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Frankfurt, a route that was the second-busiest international destination from Dulles in 2024, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). The third European route connects IAD to Brussels Airport (BRU), home to Brussels Airlines, another Star Alliance member that offers strong onward connectivity. The Boeing 777-300ER continues to be a vital asset for United Airlines, with its extensive reach across both transpacific and transatlantic markets. From San Francisco, United Airlines also uses its Boeing 777-300ERs to serve four additional destinations daily. These include international routes to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), as well as domestic flights to Honolulu (HNL) and Newark. Moreover, the airline operates a daily flight from Honolulu to Guam (GUM). The final route operated by United’s 777-300ER fleet this month begins in Newark and travels to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates. This journey takes approximately 13 hours and five minutes heading east and 15 hours and 25 minutes on the return leg, where United faces competition from Emirates. United Airlines’ strategic deployment of the Boeing 777-300ER reflects its commitment to enhancing connectivity and customer experience across key international routes.Additional Destinations
