Originally Posted by Further optimize the network

United is building on its strengths by leveraging its trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic joint ventures to further develop its unmatched route network. The company expects to improve results on its trans-Pacific network by redeploying certain widebody aircraft, including beginning a second daily Houston-Tokyo service, subject to government approval, and eliminating Seattle-Tokyo flying. United also will eliminate Tokyo-Bangkok 747 service and down-gauge Tokyo-Seoul flights, reallocating those long-haul aircraft to more profitable routes. ANA, United's trans-Pacific joint venture partner, will provide the appropriate amount of the beyond-Tokyo connectivity for United's trans-Pacific flights.

The company will use its highly efficient 787 Dreamliner aircraft to provide service to new markets, including previously announced service from San Francisco, the premier Pacific gateway, to Chengdu, China, subject to government approval. This is in addition to new 777 service effective March 29 from San Francisco to Taipei. The company will capitalize on its ability to serve growing secondary markets in Asia directly from the United States, similar to its successful strategy serving secondary European markets non-stop from its East Coast hubs.

Using aircraft previously operated on intra-Asia routes, United is also building its trans-Atlantic flying with new service from Houston to Munich and new seasonal routes from Washington/Dulles to Madrid and Chicago to Edinburgh. The new Munich and Madrid service is subject to government approval. Additionally, United will introduce all-widebody service to the Newark-London Heathrow route during the summer peak season, nearly doubling the number of flat-bed seats on each upgraded flight.