United: Bringing the MAX to Asia

Since 2024, United Airlines has been making bold moves in Asia through the launch of intra-Asia flights from Tokyo Narita Airport. Already with a major trans-Pacific operation between its US hubs and Asia – especially to Tokyo - United takes advantage of its Guam-based 737-800 aircraft and crew to add destinations in the region into its already vast global network such as Cebu, Philippines; Kaoshiung, Taiwan; and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Starting next year, these flights – both from Guam and Narita – will be operated with newer 737 MAX 8 (737-8) aircraft.

Recently, United Airlines announced it will replace its existing Guam-based 737 fleet with the MAX starting February 2026. Along with enhancing the onboard experience on its intra-Asia/Pacific flights, the MAX might unlock some new opportunities for United in the region.

Image Credit: United Boeing 737 MAX (Credit: United)

Inflight Experience Upgrade

In late September, United Airlines announced upgrades to its operations on Guam – the US territory in the western Pacific – where it operates flights connecting the nearby islands of Micronesia, along with cities in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. First, the airline upgraded its check-in lobby at the Guam's Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport with new, next-generation kiosks. The second move was the decision to bring 737 MAX 8 aircraft to replace the current Guam-based 737-800s. United stated that the first MAX is scheduled to arrive on Guam in February 2026.

Featuring United's signature interior, the future Guam-based 737 MAX jets will have a similar configuration compared to the current 737-800s with 166 seats – including 16 in Business Class. Unlike the older -800s, the MAX features the airline's newer, signature interior, larger overhead bins, and a newer seatback entertainment system. Each seat will also have USB charging ports and passengers will be able to connect onto the inflight Wi-Fi system.

The introduction of the MAX is an upgrade compared to the current Guam-based 737-800s which some will say have outdated interiors. I have already done a previous flight report onboard one of the Guam-based aircraft on a flight between Cebu and Tokyo Narita. While flying in Economy Class on that flight, I did point out to the older inflight entertainment system with just 9 options to choose from, and the lack of inflight Wi-Fi. For those looking to fly in Business Class, some aviation vloggers such as Patrick Shea and more recently Nonstop Dan also addressed the dated premium product onboard the aircraft. 

In a region where airlines are known for and compete with their premium products and services, the introduction of the MAX is United's response to address these criticisms. More importantly, United also aims to enhance the overall experience flying with them on their intra-Asia flights from Guam and Narita.

More Opportunities in Asia   

According to Boeing, the maximum range of the 737 MAX 8 is around 6500 kilometers - nearly 700km more than the -800. Along with a 20% reduction in fuel usage compared to the current 737s, the MAX will help United reduce its operating costs in a region far away from the US mainland where some of its operations take them to remote islands in the Pacific.

Maps by gcmap.com

The MAX will support the current network and demand on its flight to/from Guam. Currently operating flights from Guam to Manila, the three Japanese cities (Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya), Taipei, and the surrounding Micronesian islands, United has previously operated flights to other destinations in the area such as to Hong Kong and Cairns, Australia. While the MAX can reach those destinations, there is no indication from United that it is interested to expand its routes from Guam or resume previously suspended routes.

However, there may be more opportunities to be found from Narita which sees the use of Guam-based aircraft to Cebu, Kaoshiung, Ulaanbaatar, and Palau, in addition to the daily flights from Guam and Saipan. For any new route from Narita, United may have to get approvals from the Japanese government along with the destination country. Though United has taken an approach to launch routes from Narita where it is unable to operate - or justify - a direct flight from a US hub such as San Francisco. The airline also seeks routes where it can take advantage of connecting passenger traffic via Narita on ANA and United-operated flights.

With a more fuel efficient aircraft and enhanced interiors, United could explore more routes to Southeast Asia. At present, there are few airlines operating or even no direct air link from Narita to cities such as Da Nang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Clark, and Davao. While United may not want to directly compete with ANA on most routes from Narita, the MAX could enable United to consider going further and enter Malaysia with its own flights between Narita and Kuala Lumpur. The MAX may also have the range to reach Indonesian cities such as Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali) in Indonesia from Narita, though such routes would push the operating capabilities of the aircraft.

United's Adventures in Asia

Unlike its fellow US-based counterparts, United has the advantage of its Guam hub – which is a four hour flight from most cities in Asia. It is a hub that United inherited from the United-Continental merger in 2010. While a smaller operation compared to its other US hubs, Guam and the United 737s and crew based on the island are now an important part of the airline's plans in the Asia-Pacific.

The new 737 MAXs are expected to offer an upgrade to the overall experience on the short intra-Asia flights from Guam and Narita. It will also provide better performance and might also open up new opportunities for United in the region.

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