UA 1: San Francisco - Singapore Takes Flight

United Airlines begins longest scheduled flight operated by any U.S. carrier and longest scheduled Boeing Dreamliner Flight in the World

United becomes the only carrier to offer customers nonstop service between the U.S. and Singapore

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United Airlines

Jun 01, 2016, 12:05 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today launches the only nonstop flights between the United States and Singapore, using the world's most advanced passenger airplane, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, to operate the service from the airline's San Francisco Pacific-gateway hub. The nonstop flights connecting the two financial and tech centers will save travelers up to four hours' journey time each way compared with one-stop service.

Measured by distance, the new route between San Francisco and Singapore is the longest scheduled 787 flight operated by any airline, and the longest scheduled flight operated by any U.S. carrier, at 8,446 miles.

"Our nonstop service between San Francisco and Singapore further enhances our already unprecedented trans-Pacific route network and builds an even stronger gateway to the Pacific from our San Francisco hub," said Jim Compton, United's vice chairman and chief revenue officer. "These flights will offer our customers unique nonstop convenience when traveling to Singapore from the West Coast, with dozens of one-stop options from other cities across the Americas, including more than 26 that did not have one-stop service to Singapore before."

"Singapore offers a unique Asian experience where distinct cultures – Chinese, Malay, Indian & Eurasian – come together to form a rich tapestry of diverse experiences," said Kershing Goh, regional director, Americas, Singapore Tourism Board. "Singapore is now more accessible than ever with United's nonstop flight, and its rapid progress as an innovative and forward-looking destination will leave visitors inspired by the possibilities of what's to come.

"From the moment they step off the plane, visitors will be awestruck by the futuristic cityscapes, enticed by the exotic smells of our ethnic cuisines, enchanted with the lush greenery and wowed by the unique spirit and soul of the Singaporean people. Singapore should be on every globetrotter's list of top destinations."

Flight Schedule

United Flight 1 will depart San Francisco at 10:55 p.m. daily, arriving at Singapore's Changi Airport at 6:15 a.m. two days later (all times local). On the return, Flight 2 will depart Singapore at 8:45 a.m. daily, arriving at San Francisco International Airport at 9:15 a.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately 16 hours, 20 minutes westbound and 15 hours, 30 minutes eastbound.

United's San Francisco Hub

United and United Express jointly operate more than 250 daily flights between San Francisco and 90 destinations throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Since March, the airline has added new nonstop service from the hub to Tel Aviv and Xi'an China and will also begin new service to Auckland, New Zealand, and Hangzhou, China, in July.

Singapore Schedule Changes

With the launch of nonstop San Francisco - Singapore service, United will end its service between Singapore and Tokyo/Narita effective June 2, 2016 (eastbound). However, United customers in Singapore may continue to choose to fly to Tokyo/Narita by using daily flights on ANA, United's trans-Pacific joint venture partner, and to make connections at Narita to many cities in the United States on multiple flights operated both by United and ANA. United will maintain its daily service between Singapore and Hong Kong.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The 787 Dreamliner is revolutionizing the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. Customers have expressed a preference for the 787 versus other aircraft, given its greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features. The aircraft's use of lightweight composites, together with its modern engines and improved aerodynamic design, allow it to fly farther, faster and more efficiently than similar-sized conventional aircraft.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,000 flights a day to 336 airports across six continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated more than 1.5 million flights carrying more than 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 715 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 787s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. Approximately 86,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines