United to Initiate 737-8 Service in the Western Pacific Market

‍GUAM — Chicago-based United Airlines (UA) will deploy 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its Guam base for Western Pacific Operations beginning in May. The first scheduled 737-8 flight is on May 1 from Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) on Guam to Narita International Airport (NRT) in Japan.

United’s Chief Customer Officer and SVP Airport Operations, David Kinzelman, announced on social media that “This is the first of ten 737 MAX 8 aircraft that will be based on Guam, bringing a well-deserved and enhanced customer experience to the 15 destinations we serve in the region.” The first of the 737-8 aircraft has already arrived in Guam.

“We are delighted that our first Boeing 737-8 aircraft, featuring a more modern onboard look and feel and upgraded customer experience, has officially touched down in Guam. Our employees are busy familiarizing themselves with the aircraft, which has begun operating throughout our system on an as-needed basis, surprising and delighting our customers,” United said.

Boeing 737-8 to replace aging 737-800 at Guam base

The 10 737-8s will replace the older 737-800s currently based in Guam.  These aircraft provide unique and essential air service with their well-known “Island Hopper” flight route between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Guam.

United’s Guam base currently serves numerous airports across the Federated States of Micronesia, Saipan, and Palau.  It is the only U.S. carrier to provide regular air service to the small U.S. territory islands in the Western Pacific, including Majuro (MAJ), Kwajalein (KWA), Kosrae (KSA), and Pohnpei (PNI) islands.

United’s Western Pacific route plans for the MAX

United will use the 737-8 on seasonal service between Tokyo-Narita and Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, beginning on April 30.  Additional service between NRT and Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), Koror, Palau, will commence on May 2.  

Other current UA routes from Guam are to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila; four airports in Japan (NRT, Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Kansai (KIX), and Nagoya (NGO)); and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in the Republic of China.