In 2022, United Airlines made its first transatlantic flight with the Boeing 737. This marked the start of a new route from Newark to Ponta Delgada, Azores. The 737 MAX 8 continues to be used.
Until then, United’s only narrowbody aircraft across the Atlantic was the 757. Despite its age, Cirium Diio research predicts it will perform 21 times as many transatlantic flights as the 737 by 2025. However, United will use the 737 on more than one transatlantic route for the first time.
United’s record 737 routes
The Star Alliance’s three 737-operated transatlantic routes are listed below, two of which are brand new to the route map. Some may object to including its planned Newark-Nuuk, Greenland service, which will launch in June.
After all, Greenland—three times the size of Texas and the world’s largest island, but with a population of only 57,000—is located on the North American continent and may not be termed transatlantic or European. Nonetheless, the Danish-dependent area, which is self-governing and has its own parliament, is geopolitically European, at least for the moment.
NOTE:- Even if you dismiss it, United will still have two transatlantic routes on the 737, double its prior record.
United will fly to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on November 28, 2024, following the start of Air Greenland’s A330neo service from Nuuk to Copenhagen. Until then, Copenhagen travelers had to connect in either Kangerlussuaq or Keflavik.
These developments resulted from Nuuk’s runway extension to 7,218 feet. However, it remains relatively short, with short sectors and a low airport elevation. Nonetheless, it is a critical development for inbound tourism, which explains United’s (and SAS’s) upcoming involvement.
| Route | Start date (from the US) | Details | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark-Funchal | Begins on June 7 | Three weekly 737 MAX 8 | Summer seasonal |
| Newark-Nuuk | Begins on June 14 | Twice-weekly 737-800 | Summer seasonal. Get tickets here! The aircraft and crew will remain overnight in Greenland, arriving at 18:45 and leaving at 09:00. Given the low frequency, this will avoid a very long, expensive, and unproductive stay, without which the route would not begin |
| Newark-Ponta Delgada | Launched on May 13, 2022, but returns for the summer on June 5 | Five weekly to daily 737 MAX 8 | Summer seasonal. See more on this route below |
United: Newark-Ponta Delgada
Since May 2022, the US Department of Transportation has transported 77,000 roundtrip passengers. Of course, the 166-seat 737 MAX 8 is only operated during the summer season.
The original operation period from the United States was May 13-September 27, 2022, however it will be June 5-September 23 this year. It has been roughly thus since 2023, with the shorter period presumably allowing it to capitalize on peak demand and fares.
However, things may not be as straightforward as they appear. According to the DOT, United filled only 64% of its Newark-Ponta Delgada seats in 2024, compared to the carrier’s European average of 85%. In other words, its Azores flight usually had 60 unfilled seats (out of 166). Ouch.
NOTE:- There’s no indication of how many of its 16 first class seats were filled with revenue-paying passengers.
Assuming the DOT’s figures are correct, that is clearly poor. Yes, it says nothing about fares, but they are unlikely to have been sufficiently high to offset them. It also excludes financial incentives, which are often gradually eliminated.
Overcapacity is one problem
Part of the reason appears to be overcapacity. According to Cirium data, Azores Airlines, which runs flights from Ponta Delgada to New York JFK, has significantly boosted the number of seats available for sale.
In 2022, it had 36,000 round-trip seats, which increased to 75,000 the next year and 97,000 in 2024. In 2025, 101,000 are predicted to be available, therefore the situation has been mitigated.
Unlike United, Azores Airlines’ load factor increased from 70% in 2022 to 78% in 2024, however it is unclear how much of this was due to lower fares to fill so many additional seats. Indeed, rates typically fall due to excess capacity, perhaps resulting in a bloodbath.
Of course, cheaper rates should help fill planes, but at what cost? This is not required in such markets, and despite recent expansion, the US-Azores route remains a thin market. Furthermore, loads will decrease until traffic growth maintains up with capacity. Simply ask United.
While the market’s more stable 2025 offering helps to balance things out—but neither airline has made any cuts—it will be fascinating to watch if United returns in 2026.
FAQ
Which transatlantic routes does United Airlines operate with Boeing 737 aircraft?
United Airlines operates three transatlantic routes using Boeing 737 aircraft, including Newark to Bergen (Norway), Newark to Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), and Washington Dulles to Lisbon (Portugal).
Why is United Airlines using Boeing 737 aircraft for transatlantic routes?
United Airlines utilizes Boeing 737 aircraft for these routes due to their fuel efficiency, operational cost-effectiveness, and the demand for smaller-capacity planes on niche long-haul routes.
Are these transatlantic Boeing 737 flights non-stop?
Yes, all three routes are operated as non-stop flights, taking advantage of the Boeing 737’s long-range capabilities.
What amenities are available on United Airlines’ transatlantic Boeing 737 flights?
United Airlines offers amenities such as in-flight Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and premium economy seating options on these transatlantic Boeing 737 flights.
How do these routes benefit United Airlines passengers?
These routes provide passengers with non-stop access to unique destinations like Bergen, Tenerife, and Lisbon without the need for connecting flights.
