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Airlines

United Airlines to Launch Nonstop Flight from Denver to London Next Spring

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United Airlines plans to launch its first nonstop flight from Denver to London next spring, competing directly with British Airways. The new route will be made possible by an agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom on a treaty to free up slots at London's Heathrow Airport. United officials are confident that an agreement will be reached, with a start date of April 2, 2000, using a Boeing 777 wide-body jet.

Key Takeaways:

  • United Airlines will launch its first nonstop flight from Denver to London next spring, competing with British Airways.
  • The flight will operate daily, departing Denver at 3:25 p.m. and arriving at Heathrow at 7:35 a.m. The return flight will depart London at 9:40 a.m. and arrive in Denver at 12:40 p.m.
  • The new route is made possible by a proposed "open-skies" agreement between the US and UK, which would drop regulatory barriers across the Atlantic.
  • United Airlines plans to use a Boeing 777 wide-body jet for the flight, which will be launched on April 2, 2000.
  • The airline hopes to capitalize on the strong connecting market in Denver, which has no nonstop flights to Europe.
  • British Airways has been flying the same route since last September, using a Boeing 777 and a larger Boeing 747 jumbo jet for seasonal traffic.
  • British Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer announced plans to open a consulate in Denver before the end of the year, indicating growing economic ties between the UK and Colorado.

Statistics:

  • The proposed "open-skies" agreement between the US and UK aims to drop regulatory barriers across the Atlantic.
  • British Airways lost $117 million in its latest quarter amid stiff competition and a price-cutting battle over the Atlantic.
  • The airline promised to return to profitability by reducing capacity, reducing economy-class seats, and seeking more premium first-class and business class passengers.
  • United Airlines has considered nonstop flights between Denver and London or Frankfurt, Germany, but has backed off previously.
  • The new flight from Denver to London will depart Denver at 3:25 p.m. and arrive at Heathrow at 7:35 a.m., about the same time as British Airways' flight lands at London Gatwick Airport.

Sources:

  • UAL Corp, (UAL: NYSE) $71.06, down $1.06.
  • [Andy Clews, United Airlines Spokesman]
  • [British Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer]

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