On December 3, 2024, United Airlines submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval to launch a new route connecting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. If approved, this service would mark United's second direct flight from Los Angeles to Beijing, complementing its existing daily service from San Francisco. The proposed route would operate three times a week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for the westbound journey from Los Angeles, and on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays for the eastbound return.
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The flight would cover approximately 6,250 miles, showcasing the 787-9's capability for long-haul operations with its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. United's 787-9 for this route will feature a three-class configuration, offering 48 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 188 economy seats, providing a total of 257 seats. This setup reflects United's strategy to cater to both business and leisure travelers, emphasizing comfort and connectivity between these two major economic hubs. This application comes at a time when the number of flights between the U.S. and China is still below pre-pandemic levels due to various regulatory and geopolitical factors.
Currently, the cap on U.S.-China flights is set at 50 weekly round trips, with United Airlines already operating within this limit with its San Francisco-Beijing service. Adding this new route would not only increase United's market share on this corridor but also support the growing demand for travel between the U.S. and China, which is crucial for trade, tourism, and diplomatic exchanges. The move is also seen as a strategic expansion for United, capitalizing on the recovery of international travel demand, particularly to Asia.
The airline has been focusing on enhancing its long-haul network with modern, efficient aircraft like the 787-9, which offers passengers a more comfortable and environmentally friendly flying experience. Pending DOT approval, this new route could significantly enhance United's presence in the Asia-Pacific market, offering more options for passengers traveling between North America and China. The decision by the DOT will be closely watched, as it might influence future route expansions by other airlines aiming to capitalize on the reopening of international markets.