While American Airlines has opted to cease its Philadelphia – Tel Aviv service, United has announced today the launch of its three-weekly San Francisco – Tel Aviv service, scheduled to start on April 1, 2016, subject to government approval.
“Providing corporate customers from throughout the Bay Area and Silicon Valley nonstop service to the high-tech market in Israel has been high on our priority list at United,” said Dave Hilfman, United’s senior vice president of worldwide sales. “Now with the 787-9 Dreamliner, we’re delighted to make it a reality.”
Currently, United Airlines offers twice-daily service non-stop flights between Newark and Tel Aviv, operated by its Boeing 777-200ER fleet.
MORE DESTINATIONS OUT OF UNITED’S SAN FRANCISCO HUB
Besides the announced Tel Aviv service, United will expand its route offer from its Pacific hub by adding the already-announced seasonal service to Xi’An in China, besides a three-weekly service to Auckland, beginning on July 1, 2016. Flights will be operated in partnership with Air New Zealand, a Star Alliance member.
As United adds more Dreamliners to its fleet (plans are 25 aircraft in 2015), the airline readies their deployment into long thin routes. Efficient, modern aircraft like the 787 and the Airbus A350, will allow airlines to operate several such routes. United seems to follow the example of British Airways and its successful Austin service and its forthcoming San Jose flight to London.
With the right aircraft, these routes can be very profitable for airlines and become exclusive city-pairs that they can have a good hold on.
Airways News