Tag Archives: San Francisco

United Airlines unveils its new United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco

United Polaris chairs at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

Beginning April 30, customers traveling in United Polaris, the airline’s international premium cabin travel experience, will be able to relax and dine prior to their travels or refresh upon arrival in the new United Polaris lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) conveniently located in the International Terminal near Gate G92.

United Polaris Lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

Thoughtful California touches are incorporated into the lounge’s look as well as the food and beverages so that customers – visiting us from all over the globe – get a glimpse into the Bay Area’s unique aesthetic.

The Bar at United Polaris lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

United Polaris Lounge at SFO Facts and Highlights

Two levels across more than 28,000 square feet
440 seats
19 different types of seating
492 power outlets and 492 USB ports
8 pieces of art by prominent Bay Area artists, all San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art (SECA) Art Award honorees
5 private daybeds outfitted with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
8 luxurious shower suites, featuring rainfall showers and Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa products
Personal valet services, including steaming garments
“The Dining Room” – a private restaurant style dining area with a menu designed by Chef Tritia Gestuvo, a California native, that blends international comfort foods — such as a traditional Chinese congee breakfast and hand-cut pappardelle pasta with mushroom ragout — with staples like the United Polaris Burger
A bistro-like buffet that includes a ramen noodle bar in the afternoon and additional unique-to-San Francisco treats that align with the flight schedule and destinations of United and Star Alliance partners
Cocktails inspired by the Bay Area, including the Mai Tai, invented in Oaklandin 1944, and the Pisco Punch, featuring pisco which became all the rage during the California Gold Rush of 1849

Second floor view at United Polaris lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

The United Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport is expected to open by early June, the lounge at George Bush Intercontinental in Houston this summer and the lounge at Los Angeles International Airport this fall.

Shower Suite at United Polaris lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

The focus behind the United Polaris experience has always been to provide long-haul travelers with what they’ve asked for: better sleep in the sky. On average, United plans to add one aircraft with the new United Polaris business class seat every 10 days from now through 2020. Beginning July 1, every seat onboard will be provisioned with a cooling gel pillow. The gel pillow, previously available by request, has proven to be one of the most popular items of United Polaris bedding.

In response to customer feedback, beginning May 1, United will offer customers a pre-arrival dessert in place of the pre-departure chocolate that is currently served. On flights departing the U.S., customers will be served a white chocolate cranberry cookie from Christie Cookie Co., handcrafted from gourmet ingredients in Nashville, Tenn. Customers on flights that originate outside the U.S. will receive a box of chocolates.

Photos: United.

Hong Kong Airlines expands North America network with San Francisco launch

Hong Kong Airlines celebrated the launch of its new A350 service to San Francisco on March 25. The City by the Bay becomes the airline’s third destination in North America, following the successful launch of services to Vancouver and Los Angeles in 2017.

Flight HX060 departed Hong Kong on time at 1303 and touched down at San Francisco International Airport at 1023 local time. Following a celebration event at the boarding gate hosted by Hong Kong Airlines, flight HX061 departed from San Francisco at noon and is scheduled to arrive ahead of time on early Monday evening. To mark this special occasion, Mark Farrell, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, proclaimed March 25, 2018 as the “Hong Kong Airlines Day in San Francisco.”

To make the San Francisco service extra special, Hong Kong Airlines has collaborated with USA celebrity chef and television personality Chris Cosentino to bring his flair for innovative cuisine onboard. Renowned for his seasonal and rustic cooking, Chef Cosentino is known for his restaurant, Cockscomb, where he reinterprets classic San Francisco dishes by adding his own unique twist. Business Class passengers travelling from San Francisco to Hong Kong will enjoy a specially curated menu created by Chef Cosentino featuring a three course meal presented in new tableware by Hong Kong designers JIA. This delectable menu will also be introduced on Hong Kong Airline’s Los Angeles – Hong Kong route in the months ahead.

Business Class passengers can also look forward to receiving an updated set of Hong Kong-themed amenity kits, designed by Hong Kong’s Ricebowl Republic and CLIP. Each pouch is made with thick cotton canvas and lined with bold-coloured fabric, featuring birdcage, teapot, rice bowl or the Hong Kong city skyline.

Hong Kong Airlines operates flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco four-times weekly at the following schedule^# (all times local).

Flight Number	Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
(25 March 2018 – 30 June 2018)
HX060	Hong Kong to San Francisco	1300	1015	Mon
HX060	Hong Kong to San Francisco	1310	1045	Wed, Fri, Sun
HX061	San Francisco to Hong Kong	1230	1735+1	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

#The flight schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

The new route is served with new Airbus A350-900s.

Bottom Copyright Photo (all others above by Hong Kong Airlines): Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A350-941 B-LGC (msn 168) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 940395.

Hong Kong Airlines aircraft slide show:

French Bee to start service to Tahiti via San Francisco on May 11

French Blue Airlines (Paris-Orly) announced on January 30, 2018 it was changing its name to French Bee to avoid any name conflict with JetBlue Airways.

French Bee has now announced it will now start the Paris (Orly) – San Francisco – Papeete (Tahiti) route on May 11, 2018 after receiving DOT approval. The new route will operate two days a week with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

French Blue Airlines aircraft slide show:

United Airlines to fly to Tahiti

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United Airlines (UAL) has announced it will begin service between San Francisco and Pape’ete, the capital of Tahiti, the South Pacific’s gateway to more than 118 islands in French Polynesia including Bora Bora, Moorea, the Marquesas and Raiatea. United is the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service to Tahiti from the mainland United States.

United will operate nonstop service, three times weekly with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft between its San Franciscohub and Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT), beginning Oct. 30, 2018, through March 28, 2019, subject to government approval.

Winter 2018 schedule – Subject to government approval

Flight	City	Frequency	Depart*	Arrive*
UA 115	SFO – PPT	Tues/Thurs/Sun	2:45 p.m.	9:25 p.m.
UA 114	PPT – SFO	Tues/Thurs/Sun	11:45 p.m.	9:50 a.m. ^{next day}
*Flight Times Subject to Change

United’s Long History Connecting Customers to the Pacific Islands

United’s love affair with the Pacific islands started more than 70 years ago and continues today. It began in 1947 with United’s first flight across the Pacific from San Francisco to Honolulu, making the Hawaiian Islands an easily accessible destination for tourism and business. Today, United offers more flights between the mainland and the Hawaiian Islands than any other U.S. carrier.

In 1968, United expanded its Pacific network linking the Hawaiian Islands, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Guam. Today, nearly half a century later, United’s Island Hopper – Flight 155 – departs Guam in the morning and makes a series of five, one-hour flights to the islands of Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae; Kwajalein and Majuro. In addition to the airline’s popular Island Hopper service, United connects customers from Guam to other island destinations including Palau, Yap and the Philippines.

In 1986, United began nonstop service from its West Coast hubs in the U.S. to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Today, United is the largest U.S. carrier to serve Australia, offering the most seats to Sydney and Melbourne with its daily nonstop service from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Building its powerful Pacific network, last year United began nonstop service from San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand, becoming the largest mainland U.S. carrier to serve the City of Sails.

French blue had recently announced plans to serve Tahiti from Paris via a technical stop in San Francisco.

United’s last Boeing 747 revenue flight

On November 7, 2017 United Airlines operated its last Boeing 747 revenue flight with flight UA 747 from San Francisco (SFO) to Honolulu (HNL). The last flight was operated with the pictured Boeing 747-422 N118UA. Flight UA 747 departed around noon almost an hour late due to a mechanical issue.

The aircraft is now expected to be ferried to Victorville, CA (VCV) for storage and final disposal.

Mark Durbin was there at SFO to record the historic departure. All photos by Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com.

United Airlines issued this statement and photos:

On November 7, 2017, United Airlines (UAL) flew – for the final time – a Boeing 747 aircraft, the jumbo jet with the unmistakable silhouette that once represented the state-of-the-art in air travel.

Serving as the ultimate throwback, the airline recreated the first 747 flight operated by United in 1970 for today’s historic farewell journey. Flight UA747 departed from San Francisco with service to Honolulu with more than 300 customers, employees and distinguished guests onboard.

From a 1970s-inspired menu to retro uniforms for flight attendants to inflight entertainment befitting of that first flight, the “Queen of the Skies” is being sent off in style. Seats for this flight sold out in less than 90 minutes when this farewell celebration was announced in September.

“The iconic 747 is a remarkably special aircraft that signaled a new era of air travel and was equally recognizable and beloved by our customers and crew alike,” said Oscar Munoz, CEO of United. “While today is bittersweet, we’ll continue to honor the Queen of the Skies’ game-changing legacy of connecting people and uniting the world with our next-generation of long-haul aircraft.”

The send-off began this morning at SFO with a gate party featuring a 747 gallery, 1970s costumes for use in a retro photo booth, a life-size retirement card for customers and employees to sign and of course, cake. Oscar Munozaddressed the crowd alongside State Senator Jerry Hill and executives from Boeing and Pratt & Whitney.

Upon landing in Honolulu, local employees will welcome the aircraft with final festivities to close out the historic day, including remarks from United leaders and Hawaii State Representative Henry J.C. Aquino.

747-400 Facts and Figures

The 747-400 ranks as the commercial airliner with the largest passenger interior volume, at 31,285 cubic feet.
At 231 feet, 10 inches from nose to tail, the 747-400 is roughly as long as five humpback whales end-to-end.
The wingspan (211 feet, 5 inches) is about 10 feet wider than the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Its wings have a surface area of 5,650 square feet, bigger than a standard size NBA basketball court.
A typical trans-Atlantic flight uses over 5.5 tons of food supplies— more than the weight of a large Asian elephant.
The tail height is 63.8 feet, equivalent to a six-story building.
The aircraft contains 171 miles of wiring, enough to connect New York City to Baltimore.
The 747-400 is one of the fastest passenger aircraft in service, with a cruise speed of 565 mph, more than twice as fast as a Formula One car.

United’s 747 Through the Years

June 26, 1970: United Airlines receives its first 747-100 complete with a christening ceremony fit for a luxury liner.

July 23, 1970: United makes its first 747 commercial flight, with a trip from San Francisco to Honolulu.

April 22, 1985: United announces its plan to acquire Pan Am’s Pacific routes, as well as 11 747SP planes. The 747SPs feature a 48-foot-shorter body and fly higher, faster, and farther than standard 747 models.

January 29-30, 1988: Friendship One, a 747SP owned by United Airlines, sets the around-the-world air speed record of 36 hours, 54 minutes, and 15 seconds. This special flight raises $500,000 for children’s charities through the Friendship Foundation. Tickets cost a minimum of $5,000, and special guest passengers included astronaut Neil Armstrong, famed test pilots Bob Hoover and Lieutenant General Laurence C. Craigie, and Moya Lear, the widow of Lear Jet founder Bill Lear.

June, 1989: United Airlines receives their first 747-400 which provides increased range.

September 1996: A 747SP previously flown by United is transformed into NASA’s SOFIA, or Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, which carries a 17-ton, 8-foot-wide infrared telescope mounted behind an enormous sliding door.

January 11, 2017: United announces that it will retire the 747-400 fleet in the last quarter of 2017.

July 28, 2017: United schedules a special domestic flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Francisco to allow more customers to experience the Queen of the Skies.

October, 2017: United employees get a chance to say goodbye to the 747 when the aircraft goes on a farewell tour with stops at each of the carrier’s U.S. hubs.

October 29, 2017: United flies its last international 747 flight from Seoul to San Francisco.

November 7, 2017: United celebrates the retirement of the 747 with a fitting full-circle moment. A special retro event sees the aircraft flying from San Francisco to Honolulu—a nod to its first-ever flight back in 1970.

United Airlines increases service between San Francisco and 18 destinations

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United Airlines (UAL), the leading carrier in the San Francisco Bay Area, has announced it is increasing the number of flights between SFO and eight destinations. Additionally, the airline announced it will convert select regional jet flights to larger mainline aircraft in ten markets. These schedule enhancements build on previously announced new service from SFO to seven U.S. cities beginning June 8.

Adding additional flights between SFO and 8 destinations

City Pair	Increasing service to	Beginning	Aircraft type
SFO – Seattle (SEA)	10 flights daily	Aug. 1	A320
SFO – Albuquerque (ABQ)	2 flights daily	Aug. 15	EMB-175
SFO – Baltimore (BWI)	2 flights daily	Aug. 15	A319
SFO – Indianapolis (IND)	2 flights daily	Aug. 15	A319
SFO – Kansas City (MCI)	3 flights daily	Aug. 15	EMB-175
SFO – Nashville (BNA)	2 flights daily	Aug. 15	A319
SFO – Philadelphia (PHL)	3 flights daily	Aug. 15	A319
SFO – Portland (PDX)	9 flights daily	Aug. 15	A319

Larger aircraft on daily service between SFO and 10 cities

SFO to	Starts	Aircraft
Burbank (BUR)	June 8	B737
Calgary, AB (YYC)	June 8	A320
Dallas (DFW)	June 8	A320
Kansas City (MCI)	June 8	A320
Minneapolis (MSP)	June 8	A320
Palm Springs (PSP)	June 8	B737
Santa Barbara (SBA)	June 8	A319
Bozeman (BZN)	July 1	A320
Sacramento (SMF)	July 1	B737
Fresno (FAT)	Aug. 15	B737

Service to Bozeman, Montana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Calgary, Alberta, are seasonal mainline flights for the summer.

New and expanded service between SFO and 7 cities starting June 8

United previously announced service to new destinations starting June 8. The new routes bring nonstop service to more cities, giving customers more convenient travel options to some of the country’s largest cities and beyond.

SFO to	Starts	Schedule	Aircraft
Cincinnati (CVG)	June 8	Year-round, daily	A320
Detroit (DTW)	June 8	Year-round, daily	A320
Hartford (BDL)	June 8	Seasonal, daily through Sept. 5	B737
New Orleans (MSY)	June 8	Adding summer service and expanding to year-round, daily	B737
Santa Rosa (STS)	June 8	Year-round, daily	CRJ
Spokane (GEG)	June 8	Year-round, daily	E175
Kalispell (FCA)	July 1	Seasonal, daily through Sept. 5	CRJ

United has approximately 300 daily departures to nearly 100 destinations from San Francisco, more than any other carrier in the Bay Area.

New trans-Atlantic service

Earlier this year, United announced new service to 31 destinations across the U.S. and Europe, including new seasonal service between San Francisco and Germany. Starting May 24, for the first time ever, United will launch nonstop, seasonal service between San Francisco and Munich (MUC). The route will be operated with one of the most advanced passenger airplanes, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which delivers unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions.

From San Francisco, United offers year-round, nonstop trans-Atlantic service to destinations including, Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Paris (CDG) and Tel Aviv (TLV).

There is no change to United’s full-year 2017 capacity guidance.

San Francisco International Airport, United’s gateway to the Asia Pacific

United flies nonstop to more destinations in Asia than any other U.S. carrier from San Francisco International Airport, United’s gateway to the Asia Pacific. The airline provides U.S. travelers with convenient access to some of the most dynamic cities throughout Asia and gives travelers access via San Francisco for onward convenient connections to destinations throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Copyright Photo: United Airlines Boeing 737-824 SSWL N73259 (msn 30803) (Split Scimitar Winglets) SFO (Mark Durbin). Image: 922829.

Fiji Airways arrives in San Francisco

Fiji Airways Inaugural Flight Lands at SFO (PRNewsFoto/Fiji Airways)

Fiji Airways’ new Airbus A330-200 aircraft landed at San Francisco (SFO) on June 16 and took off for the first time that night, marking the start of the airline’s new seasonal nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) to Fiji.

Fiji’s National Carrier will offer twice-weekly nonstop services from San Francisco to Nadi, Fiji until August 14th, 2016 and again during the holidays, in December 2016 and January 2017. The flights will operate from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Fiji (NAN) on Thursdays and Sundays.

Photo: Fiji Airways.

Fiji Airways is coming to San Francisco

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Fiji Airways (Nadi), Fiji’s National Airline, has announced plans to commence seasonal twice-weekly nonstop services from Nadi to San Francisco starting in June 2016. The flights, operating in June, July, August, December 2016 and January 2017, will depart from Nadi International Airport to San Francisco International Airport on Thursdays and Sundays.

The flight will depart Nadi on Thursdays and Sundays at 9 pm (2100) (local time), arriving in San Francisco 12:30 pm (1230) (local time, the same day). The San Francisco-Nadi flight will depart at 11pm (2300) (local time) Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Nadi at 5 am (0500) (local time, +2 days). The new service will be operated on Fiji Airways’ A330 aircraft, the 10-hour flights offer both Economy and Business Class travel options. All Fiji Airways flights are full-service, and include checked baggage, in-flight entertainment, meals and beverages.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

United to add the San Francisco – Nashville route

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United Airlines (Chicago) on May 5, 2016 will add a new daily route from its San Francisco hub. The SFO – Nashville route will be added with Airbus A319 aircraft per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-131 N840UA (msn 1522) approaches the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Virgin America begins flying from San Francisco to Maui, Hawaii

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Virgin America (San Francisco) yesterday (December 3) launched the San Francisco – Kahului, Maui route. The new route will be operated three days a week.

In November, Virgin America launched daily nonstop flights from San Francisco to Honolulu.

The Hawaii flights will be operated with new Airbus A320 aircraft that are equipped with fuel-saving, ‘sharklet’ wingtip devices, allowing the airline to operate flights more efficiently, especially over longer haul routes.

Copyright Photo: Andres Meneses/AirlinersGallery.com. Featuring an image of a Hula Girl and named “Pineapple Express”, Airbus A320-214 N281VA (msn 6669) is one of the aircraft assigned to the flights to Hawaii.

Virgin America aircraft slide show:

Video: On November 2, Virgin America celebrated the launch of new daily nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) with a series of festive events in San Francisco and Honolulu – including the opportunity for workaholics to score the ultimate #Hawaiiscape with Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson. Virgin America teamed up with Airbnb to encourage travelers to “Work Hard, Hawai‘i Hard” by experiencing all that the Aloha state has to offer. On December 3, the airline’s Hawai‘i schedule grew again with daily nonstop flights from SFO to Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG).