United Airlines boosts flights from SFO amidst economic uncertainty

In recent developments, United Airlines has announced that it will significantly enhance its flight operations from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) by 20% starting in 2025. This decision comes at a crucial time as the airline aims to re-establish SFO as a prominent global gateway. United will provide approximately 300 daily flights this summer, serving over 100 destinations, which is positioned as more than any other airline in the Bay Area. This move marks the most substantial operational growth since 2019, with the airline having recently resumed flying to several notable domestic and international locations. United's expansion reflects an increasing confidence in the growth potential of the Bay Area's economy and the vital role of tourism in its recovery. The airline has added 11 new international destinations and nine domestic locations from SFO in the past four years, which further reinforces its commitment to the region. Among the newest international routes are flights to Bangkok, Thailand, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Adelaide, Australia. Additionally, a second daily flight to Manila, Philippines, is set to commence later this year, showcasing the airline's strategy to cater to a broader market and enhance travel options for passengers. The airline's ambitious $2.6 billion construction project at SFO, focused on modernizing and expanding Terminal 3, will further support its long-term strategic goals. Set for completion in 2029, this extensive project aims to improve customer experiences and accommodate the growing number of flights and passengers. As one of the largest employers in the Bay Area, United Airlines bolstered its workforce by hiring over 1,600 airport operations staff in the past year and plans to onboard an additional 1,200 employees in 2025, signaling a strong commitment to local community development. Amidst a challenging economic landscape, including fluctuations in airline stocks and shifting consumer confidence, United Airlines' proactive approach to expanding its operations is designed to capture loyalty among Bay Area travelers. The airline's CEO, Scott Kirby, expressed optimism about United's resilience despite the economic uncertainty faced by the airline industry. He emphasized the significance of investments in both infrastructure and customer experience, affirming that these efforts will ultimately attract more customers and support United's growth trajectory.