United Resuming Los Angeles To Shanghai Flights With A 787-9
Intro
Starting as of yesterday, August 29th, 2024, United Airlines has resumed non-stop service from Los Angeles to Shangai (PVG) with a Boeing 787-9. As of now, this service is to be operated 4x weekly but with an increase of weekly for the winter season.
Not much was said about this route resuming, so I am quite baffled. With American Airlines and Delta pulling out of the Los Angeles to Shanghai route, this has left a monopoly for Delta as the only US carrier to operate this route.
Let's get into it!
The Details
The 6,495-mile route will operate 4x weekly until October 29th and then will be upgraded to daily. The only other carrier currently operating this route is China Eastern, which flies a 777-300ER daily between the destinations. United currently flies a 777-300ER between San Francisco and Shanghai on a daily basis, so this will be the second route United is operating to Shanghai after the pandemic.
For context, United Airlines operates their 787-9 with 48 Polaris Seats, 21 Premium Plus Seats, and 188 Economy seats (39 Economy Plus).
My Thoughts
Since China re-opened its borders to the world after the pandemic, there hasn't quite been the demand that was previously there. Heck, even Hong Kong has gone downhill in the business world, if that tells you something. However, I reckon this route might just work out for United Airlines due to their monopoly.
Interestingly, I went to check the seat map for tomorrow and found the business class cabin to be almost full. Having flown their routes from Tokyo and Sydney this month, this is the fullest I have seen a Polaris cabin on the day before departure.
Realistically, if they can sell 40 Polaris seats per flight on this route, then United may actually be profitable on this route. Looking at fares from Los Angeles to Shanghai, Business Class goes upwards of 10,000 roundtrips!! Okay, what about Miles? Saver award space on the Shanghai routes is virtually unheard of. I mean, just take a look at these prices!
It shows that these cabins are being filled with revenue customers. However, it is also interesting to note that the economy cabins seem to be around half empty on days leading up to the flight. China Eastern has had a good load factor in the past few months, with a rumored 90%. Perhaps United really can make this route work.
Final Thoughts
United has resumed non-stop service from Los Angeles to Shanghai (PVG). As of now, this route remains at 4x weekly but will be upgraded to daily service as of October 29th, 2024. This route has some potential, and I am excited to see if this route turns out profitable!
Comments