While United will explore NRT-bypass TPAC opportunties as circumstances warrant, there is no question in my mind that the NRT hub will continue. Among other things, the range/payload limitations of the United 772ER fleet would render a major TPAC hub operation in HKG unfeasible. Additionally, the USA-NRT routes are (or should be, anyways) cash cows for the airline. Alongwith LHR, NRT is one of the few markets where United can actually sell premium C & F tickets -- why should they move ot HKG and play a DISTANT second fiddle to CX instead?