United Airlines Eyes New Flights to Bangkok Vietnam
CHICAGO United Airlines (UA) plans to introduce new flights to Southeast Asia at an October event, fueling industry speculation. The airline’s teaser film has raised expectations for its 2025 route announcement.
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Bangkok (BKK) are possible travel destinations. Both of which were previously operated by United. Despite a mention in United’s Hemispheres magazine about Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Analysts doubt its sustainability due to a lack of premium passenger demand.
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United Airlines Southeast Asia Routes
Industry analysts are divided on the most likely destination. View From The Wing forecasts Bangkok, whilst JonNYC prefers Ho Chi Minh City. Both cities were once part of United’s intra-Asian network.
Bangkok presents a special opportunity as it now lacks nonstop connectivity from the United States. Thai Airways (TG) previous non-stop services from Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) using Airbus A340-500 aircraft proved economically tough despite strong load factors.
United’s proposed Bangkok line could be similar to its successful Manila (MNL) service, where direct flights generate higher yields than connecting choices. Lower fuel costs and more efficient Boeing 787 aircraft improve the route’s viability.
Ho Chi Minh City faces competition from Vietnam Airlines (VN) current Airbus A350 service to San Francisco. Bangkok’s appeal is boosted by Air Canada’s (AC) successful Vancouver (YVR)-Bangkok route, as well as United’s possibility to become the first US carrier to operate nonstop flights to Thailand.
United might also seek intra-Asia lines, such as connecting Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo (HND) or Guam (GUM). The airline already plans to serve Cebu (CEB) from its former Tokyo Narita hub with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The impending announcement follows United’s history of releasing teaser trailers including information on new routes. These videos, which have been available for past years, elicit excitement and conjecture among the aviation community.
Flights to Vietnam
From 2004 to 2016, United flew to Ho Chi Minh City from Hong Kong (HKG), originally utilizing Boeing 747-400s before downsizing to Boeing 737-800s in 2011. During this time, United had an 8% share of the Vietnam-U.S. market, while Delta Air Lines (DL) and American Airlines (AA) together sold 10% of tickets without direct service.
United’s substantial Pacific network is the result of its acquisition of Pan Am routes and Continental’s Micronesia operations. The airline retains exclusive fifth freedom traffic rights in Asia, allowing flights beyond Tokyo to other Asian destinations.
These rights, which were formerly owned by Pan American and Northwest Orient, were largely inherited by Delta Air Lines, which has since modified its strategy to focus on Tokyo Haneda flights and connections via Korean Air’s Seoul-Incheon hub.
Following the merger, United absorbed Continental Airlines’ Pacific operations and Guam hub. United discontinued intra-Asia flights in 2017, although previously served cities including Singapore, Seoul, and Hong Kong from its Hong Kong hub.
Bangkok service appears more plausible than Ho Chi Minh City due to existing competition on the latter route. United’s global network and recent success with experimental routes make it a strong candidate for development in Southeast Asia.
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