CHICAGO, June 10, 2004 - United Airlines (OTCBB:UALAQ.OB) today launched daily nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX), strengthening its already comprehensive network in Japan and the Asia Pacific region. The flight is marketed in conjunction with All Nippon Airways, United's Star Alliance partner in Japan. It is flown using a Boeing 777 aircraft fitted with 10 United First Suite® seats, 45 United Business® seats, and 198 United Economy® seats.
"This flight marks a significant step in United's efforts to build an unparalleled global route network of which Asia Pacific is an important component," said Graham Atkinson, senior vice president - Worldwide Sales and Alliances, United Airlines. "Direct, convenient flights between Chicago and Osaka will help advance the growth of trade and tourism between these two great cities. With this new service, United now has five daily, nonstop flights from Chicago to Asia, serving four markets."
To inaugurate the Chicago-Osaka flight, United hosted a sake barrel ceremony at O'Hare featuring visiting Japanese dignitaries, including Masashi Igoshi, Deputy Mayor of Osaka; Yutaka Yoshizawa, Consul General of the Chicago Japanese Consulate and Hajime Miyamoto, Chairman of Kansai International Airport Company Limited. John Roberson, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation also participated in the ceremony, which traditionally commemorates new beginnings, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Flight 877 departed Chicago at 12:00 p.m. The 13 hour and 35 minute flight is scheduled to arrive in Osaka at 3:35 p.m. The 12 hour and 25 minute return flight leaves Osaka on June 11 at 5:55 p.m. and is scheduled to land in Chicago at 4:20 p.m.
Also today, United launched daily nonstop service between San Francisco and Beijing. Tomorrow, United will add its second daily flight between Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Honolulu, Hawaii. United offers more flights between the United States and Asia Pacific than any other airline. United serves 11 Asia Pacific destinations, including Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, and Tokyo. And, with the Star Alliance network, United customers have access to even more destinations in Asia Pacific, representing virtually all points in the region.
About United
United, United Express and Ted (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) operate more than 3,500 flights a day on a route network that spans the globe. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's web site at www.united.com.
###
