United Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Manila, Becoming First U.S. Airline to Serve Asia

United Airlines will become the first United States carrier to fly direct to Manila in the Philippines from the continental U.S. when the carrier launches flights there in October.

The new flight, which is part of a larger expansion in Asia that includes popular cities like Hong Kong and Taipei, will launch from San Francisco on Oct. 29, United shared with iBestTravel. United will operate the route daily on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the largest airplane in the carrier’s fleet.

Currently, United operates flights to the capital of the Philippines from the U.S. territory of Guam as well as from the island country of Palau.

Patrick Quayle, the senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, stated, “United offers more flights to more destinations across the Pacific than all other U.S. airlines combined. United is the flag carrier of the U.S., and we are excited to bring this new service to Manila while expanding access to Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo.”

In addition to Manila, United will resume daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport on Oct. 28. This will complement the airline’s current service between Los Angeles and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

Moreover, United will also increase its service between both San Francisco and Taiwan’s Taipei, and between Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

With the introduction of these new flights, United aims to serve 15 different international destinations across the Pacific this winter.

Additionally, United is preparing to add new routes to Australia and New Zealand in October, which will launch from San Francisco and Los Angeles. This expansion is part of the airline’s largest-ever South Pacific network growth.

Consequently, United has been focused on international expansion for several months. This summer, the airline initiated its largest-ever schedule across the Atlantic, providing service to 114 international cities.