United Airlines starts first direct flight to Chengdu, China

United Airlines recently introduced its first ever direct flight service between San Francisco and Chengdu. The service on this route commenced from June 9, 2014.

The flights on this route operate from San Francisco International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The airline is using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on this route. This aircraft has 219 seats configured in three classes. There are 36 seats in United Business First, 70 seats in United Economy Plus, and 113 seats in United Economy.

United Airlines became the first airline to provide service to Chengdu, fourth largest city of China from US. Not only this, it also became the ever US carrier to offer flights to mainland China beyond Shanghai and Beijing. Chengdu is the ninth destination to be served by the airline in the Asia/Pacific region with a direct service from San Francisco. Also, United offers the most direct trans-Pacific flights from SFO than any other US carrier.

Dave Hilfman, Vice President worldwide sales of United Airlines, said we are very happy to launch the first trans-pacific service to Chengdu. The increase in service will expand our global network. Chengdu is a famous destination with more than 250 of the Fortune 500 companies. Sichuan is a dwelling of giant panda and place for Chinese most famous cuisine which are attracting tourists from around the globe. Business as well as leisure traveler will benefit from this new route. We are offering more options to travel any other airline of the world.

The flight on San Francisco – Chengdu route departs from San Francisco at 01:25 p.m. and arrives in Chengdu at 06:40 p.m. The return flight will leave Chengdu at 09:50 a.m. and arrives in San Francisco at 08:40 a.m. The flights between the city pair will operate three times per week i.e. every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

United Airlines has been serving China since 1986. The airline at present offers direct services from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to some of the popular US destinations like San Francisco Chicago, Washington/Dulles, Los Angeles, and New York/Newark.