United to discontinue Seattle-Tokyo flights in Jan 2014

United Airlines has announced its decision to cease flying on the Seattle-Tokyo route. The news has spread disappointment and unhappiness amongst the passengers, who have been using the services of the airline to fly to their respective destinations. Incidentally, the airline has been flying dutifully between the city pair since 1983.

Passengers will no longer be able to book airline tickets between Sea-Tac Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport from the middle of January 2014. Apparently, the airline is facing stiff competition on the route from rivals Delta Air Lines and All-Nippon Airways forcing it to end its Asian connection from Seattle. Earlier, the airline down sized its aircraft on the route to Boeing 787 from Boeing 777. However, that move was not enough to help it amidst the tough competition.

This decision did not help it earn profits forcing it to pull out of the route. The airline is based in Chicago, Illinois. It operates out of its hubs in Japan, Guam, and the United States. At present, it flies to destinations across the United States, Caribbean’s, Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. At one point in time, the airline’s ownership rested with The Boeing Company, one of the largest manufacturers of aircrafts in the world. Over the years, many airlines have surfaced in the market posing a threat to its operations. Even now, it faces tough competition on many domestic and international routes.