United to go all-737 MAX on intra-Asia/Pacific flights from Tokyo Narita by the end of July

United Airlines will be using its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on all its intra-Asia/Pacific flights from Tokyo Narita Airport by the end of July. The airline will resume its flights on the Narita-Saipan route using the new aircraft on August 2.

In an email reply to Flights in Asia, a United spokesperson wrote: “United's narrowbody flights from NRT are expected to be operated by 737 MAX 8 aircraft by the end of July, with the exception of Saipan services, which are scheduled to resume on August 2. Please note that these plans remain subject to change.”

According to AeroRoutes, United will use the 737 MAX 8s on flights between Guam and Narita, along with its intra-Asia flights from Narita to Cebu, Kaoshiung, and Saipan. The first of the routes that will be served exclusively with the MAX 8 from Narita is to Cebu starting July 17, followed by Kaoshiung on July 18. All flights between Guam and Narita will use the MAX 8 from July 19.

United’s other two intra-Asia/Pacific routes to Ulaanbaatar and Palau from Narita are already using the MAX 8s.

Following its suspension due to damage at Saipan’s airport following Typhoon Sinlaku in mid-April, United will resume services on the Narita-Saipan route on August 2 with three weekly flights using the MAX 8.

Since the first 737 MAX 8 arrived on Guam in mid-March, the aircraft has been used from both Guam and Narita on varying routes and dates.

A total of 10 737 MAX 8s will replace the older 737-800s currently based on Guam. The aircraft features United's signature interior with seatback entertainment on every seat, larger overhead bins, Wi-Fi available for purchase, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. The aircraft will eventually be fitted to provide high-speed internet provided by Starlink.