United Airlines is enhancing its international operations by deploying its largest aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, across a range of key routes. The airline currently operates 22 of these twinjets, which are on average eight years old, according to data from ch-aviation. While these aircraft seat 350 passengers, they are not the highest-capacity jets in United’s fleet—this title belongs to the smaller Boeing 777-200s and 777-200ERs, which accommodate 364 and 362 passengers, respectively.
In March 2024, United Airlines plans to operate a total of 806 flights using its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, providing approximately 282,100 seats. This marks a 7.1% decrease from the previous year, when the airline scheduled 868 flights with 303,800 available seats.
Key Routes for United’s Boeing 777-300ER Fleet
Among the most significant routes for the Boeing 777-300ER are two double-daily services that connect San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with international destinations. The first route serves Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in the Philippines, where United faces competition from Philippine Airlines, which operates a daily non-stop service. Additionally, United Airlines maintains a double-daily flight to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), reflecting the rising importance of this route.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Vice President of International Network, commented on the expansion of services to Hong Kong, stating in 2019, “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 Connections and Additional Destinations
Transatlantic routes remain vital to United Airlines’ operations, with the Boeing 777-300ER serving three European destinations daily. The first connects Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s busiest airport. Frankfurt is a strategic hub for United, bolstered by its partnership with Lufthansa, which operates a significant hub there.
United Airlines also offers daily service from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Frankfurt, which was identified as Dulles’ second-busiest international destination in 2024, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, another daily route from Washington Dulles connects to Brussels Airport (BRU), a key hub for Brussels Airlines, providing strong onward connectivity.
Returning to San Francisco, United Airlines operates additional routes with the Boeing 777-300ER to Shanghai (PVG) and Taipei (TPE) on a daily basis. Domestically, the aircraft also serves routes to Honolulu (HNL) and Newark.
The Boeing 777-300ER is further utilized for a daily flight from Newark to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates. This long-haul service, taking approximately 13 hours and five minutes outbound and 15 hours and 25 minutes on the return leg, faces competition from Emirates.
As United Airlines continues to expand its global footprint, the Boeing 777-300ER plays a pivotal role in connecting major international markets, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to providing extensive travel options for its customers.
