Originally Posted by
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It seems what UA does will be based on what CA does. Until CA serves enough destinations out of PKX, I don't see UA even start to think of servicing it. The difference between PEK and PKX is not like between NRT and HND.
Keep in mind, UA has four existing route authorities to serve BJS -- one each from SFO, CHI, WAS, and EWR. While I agree that PKX isn't currently as desirable as HND, as you pointed out, that's liable to change as the government directs new investment to southern Beijing.
I suspect that they will move one of their existing routes, which should be much easier than trying to acquire a new one. That would still leave three flights for connecting passengers, to whatever extent they care. I suspect it's not as much as it's being made out to be: UA and CA don't have a JV, and UA's Chinese strategy appears to be long/thin routes on the 787. If they want to sell connecting flights to interior China, they have several other options, including HO/MU via PVG, CX via HKG, and NH/CA/etc. via NRT/HND/KIX.