United Launches New International Routes, Strengthening Worldwide Network
Friday, January 23, 2004 10:20 AM ET
Route Changes Concentrate International Flying from United Hubs Company Intends to Discontinue Two Non-Hub Flights, Close Miami Flight Attendant Domicile
CHICAGO, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ, news) today announced the launch of three major new international routes, strengthening what is already the world's most comprehensive route system and providing international travelers with more choices for direct flights to Osaka, Buenos Aires and Zurich.
New flights include daily nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Osaka, Japan (KIX) and between Washington/Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH), effective June 10, 2004. By the end of October, United will also add daily nonstop service from Chicago (ORD) to Buenos Aires (EZE).
"This represents a significant strategic advance for United as we expand our international leadership and focus our resources on growing and competing from a position of strength in our hubs," said John Tague, United's Executive Vice President - Customer. "United's hub structure is unrivaled, and we will continue to leverage these premier assets to broaden United's presence, particularly in international markets. These changes will also have a significant positive impact on the company's profitability."
Flights between Chicago and Osaka will be served by Boeing 777 aircraft. Flights between Chicago and Buenos Aires and between Dulles and Zurich will be served by Boeing 767 aircraft.
United also said that, effective May 1, it would eliminate two non-hub international flights: daily Boeing 767 service from Miami to Buenos Aires, and daily Boeing 767 service from Miami to Sao Paulo. United will continue to serve Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo from its hubs at Washington/Dulles and Chicago.
United will continue to serve Miami from its domestic hubs. However, because United will no longer fly to South America from Miami, the company said it intends to close its Miami domicile for flight attendants. In addition, the Company will begin contractually mandated discussions with ALPA to determine the future of the pilot domicile. The 99 pilots and 481 flight attendants currently domiciled in Miami will have the opportunity to bid for other assignments within the United system; there will be no additional pilot or flight attendant furloughs as a result of this Miami schedule reduction. Approximately 150 Miami-based personnel will be furloughed effective May 1 -- this includes ground service, kitchen, human resources and training personnel.
"We deeply regret the impact that this will have on our employees' lives, but this is a necessary step as we build a more profitable, sustainable network that serves our customers' needs and concentrates our efforts where we can compete and win," said Mr. Tague. "By focusing our international flying from our hubs, we can leverage the strength of our global network and our strong presence in key markets."
United and United Express operate more than 3,400 flights a day on a route network that spans the globe. News releases and other information about United may be found at the company's web site at
http://www.united.com .
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Source: United Airlines
Contact: United Airlines Media Relations Office, +1-847-700-5538, Evenings-Weekends, +1-847-700-4088