San Francisco is United Airlines’ largest transpacific hub, but a large part of its operations were severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis and the collapse in demand for travel to most of Asia as a result of health restrictions, primarily in mainland China and Hong Kong.
Despite the damage caused by the omicron variant, United is showing signs of recovery. That said, it will resume several domestic and international services that have been suspended since March 2020.
Based on data obtained by Aviacionline through Cirium, during January United Airlines will account for 51.3% of the seat supply in San Francisco, with 1.58 million. In the second place, with 16%, is Alaska Airlines. Closing the podium with 9% is Delta Air Lines.
Its supply is still 33% below the levels recorded in January 2020, prior to the outbreak of the pandemic. However, it has been growing gradually since May 2021, except with small adjustments in November and January after the new wave of contagions.
Nevertheless, with a view to the northern summer season, and always according to the schedule (which may be subject to change based on the context of the moment), a recovery is expected by mid-year.
Considering the Asian and South Pacific market, United accounts for 47% of the seat supply in San Francisco, followed quite far behind by Philippine Airlines with 9% and Air India with 8%.
As for the domestic segment, United is responsible for 49% of the seat supply with 1.35 million seats, followed by Alaska with 17% and Delta with 10%.
From Silicon Valley to the Eiffel Tower
Beginning February 25, United will resume the San Francisco (SFO) – Paris (CDG) route with five weekly flights operated on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. Service to the French capital is expected to increase to daily flights operated on Boeing 777-200ERs beginning March 29, schedules are as follows:
Flight UA990 SFO 14:25 – CDG 10:00+1
Flight UA984 CDG 09:00 – SFO 12:35
Schedule between San Francisco and Europe:
- London Heathrow (LHR) – daily flights on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
- Frankfurt (FRA) – daily Boeing 777-300ER flights.
- Munich (MUC) – five weekly Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner frequencies.
During the summer season, United will resume seasonal services from Amsterdam (AMS) and Zurich (ZRH) with daily flights.
Domestic market recovery
United will resume operation of three domestic destinations from San Francisco (SFO):
- New Orleans (MSY) – daily flights beginning Feb. 11.
- Atlanta (ATL) – twice daily flights beginning May 6.
- Pittsburgh (PIT) – daily flights beginning March 27, increase to 14 weekly frequencies beginning May 6.
