United Airlines Increases Puerto Rico Capacity

United Airlines’ winter service out of Newark calls for a increase in flights to San Juan and the launch of flights to Havana.

The carrier will increase its flights between Newark and San Juan to six weekly Boeing 777 flights, effective Dec. 18. The flights will be year-round and will operate every day except Tuesday. The current schedule calls for one weekly 767 flight.

“There was a need to increase the number of flights and the size of the aircraft to San Juan to accommodate an increase in our handling of temperature-controlled shipments to Puerto Rico’s pharmaceutical and other companies," a spokesperson said.

The widebody flights have been added to serve the increased demand for moving these types of shipments by air.

The increased flights and bigger aircraft mean many more seats to Puerto Rico, especially this winter, “and we are confident we can fill those seats,” according to the spokesperson.

The flights already are loaded into United’s system. The carrier is celebrating its 25th anniversary of service to Puerto Rico this year, according to Millie Uriarte, regional director of sales for Puerto Rico.

“This announcement is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to do business with customers throughout the island,” Uriarte said.

Cuba service launches Nov. 29 and calls for a daily flight between Newark and Havana; Saturday-only service begins Dec. 3 from Houston.

Flights are year round from both gateways to Havana. United is the only carrier serving Havana from both Newark and Houston.

Source: Travel Weekly