As I said, it depends on how many Star Alliance status members are in both the LA Basin and in the Seoul area that could make UA flying LAX-ICN for Star Alliance worthwhile. But I would not be surprised if YP enters the market. Also to consider that DL is strongly rumoured to be launching LAX-ICN with their own metal once the KE/OZ merger closes. Might squeeze out any competition there.

UA tried LAX-AKL/BNE last NW but there was way too much capacity and they stopped LAX-BNE about six weeks early. Let’s see how long DL lasts with their own seasonal LAX-BNE. At least UA can rely upon SFO-BNE. The second LAX-LHR is just another sign of overcapacity in the LHR market. Delta left the market on their own metal in May and AA cut one flight, down to two LAX-LHR flights. I think UA has previously used the 77W for one of their SFO-LHR flights but next NS, it’s just two 772s on SFO-LHR. Filling the front isn’t the problem it’s that there are way too many seats in the back for sale, trashing yields, hence the sole LAX-LHR flight is staying at a 789 instead of the 78J which it has done so in previous years.

Reportedly LF is adamant about flying this route entirely with its own metal and not having UA add or subtract capacity with their own metal flying it.