United is expanding its footprint in Japan with two new nonstop connections.
On Oct. 24, the carrier will launch daily service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita. Flights will operate year-round, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
United said it will be the only U.S. airline linking Chicago and Tokyo-Narita. The carrier already connects O’Hare and Tokyo-Haneda, the city’s other major airport.
About two months later, on Dec. 11, United will begin seasonal service between San Francisco and Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido. Flights will operate three times weekly through March. The carrier will use a 787-9 on the route.
The connection will be the only air link between the continental U.S. and Sapporo, according to United.
“Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan’s most unique destinations, while our new Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service gives business and leisure travelers a premium onboard experience and the flexibility to continue their journey across Asia on United to exciting destinations like Cebu, Palau, and Ulaanbaatar, or onward on our joint venture partner ANA to cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur,” Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, said in a news release.
With the two new routes, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities – Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Sapporo, Osaka, and Nagoya. This winter, the carrier expects to operate up to 13 flights per day between the continental U.S. and Japan.
