Originally Posted by
cesco.g
From the earnings call two days ago:
Scott Kirby:
"China is just completely different for United today than it was pre-pandemic. We used to fly, I think, roughly 10 flights a day to China, and I think those days are gone. The demand environment is just entirely different. We just recently resumed Los Angeles to Shanghai and we're bringing that up to daily, that will bring us to three daily flights. And I really don't anticipate based on the demand we're seeing a lot more than that anytime soon. It's just a completely different world. "
It is a sad reality caused by many factors. The demand will come back (but not to pre-Covid period) if air fares are reduced by, at least, 50%. If the cheapest RT economy fare falls below $1500, Kirby will sing a different tone. But he still clings to $3000 RT economy fare (except for SFO, LAX and other cities under the pressure of competition from other airlines). Two connections from small east coast cities and inconvenient schedule (esp., return trip from China) are not particularly appealing. Passengers do have other options (cheaper but equally inconvenient schedules as United).