United Airlines planning to expand operations in China

United Airlines is currently seeing immense growth potential in China and said it is planning to expand the operations of its flights services in the country sometime this year. The airline is presently offering more nonstop services to China than any other airline in the United States.

Media reports said that United Airlines’ ultimate goal is to expand its network in the secondary cities of China so that it can provide stiff competition to its domestic and international rivals. The reports quoted Brian Znotins, United Airlines’ network Vice President, as saying that the airline looks forward to a bright future despite the current slowdown of China’s economy. The trends are optimistic because air travel from China is growing day by day.

According to the reports, United Airlines however requires the approval of Chinese government for strengthening its network in the region. The airline has already sought approval from the government and some pending routes are awaiting the government’s approval. The airline is hoping that it would be able to launch nonstop flights to Xian by May 2016, if the route is finally approved.

Apart from Xian, the airline is also currently witnessing huge surge in demand from Chengdu as well, which it has termed as more than expected. United Airlines has indicated that it is planning to add more U.S. routes if the travel demand from Chengdu is going to further increase.

Travel experts have predicted that Asia is going to become the largest air travel market in the next 20 years. Another leading U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines is also looking forward to cash in the opportunity of the surging demand from Chinese travelers. The airline is planning to make Shanghai its international hub in partnership with fellow Sky Team alliance member China Eastern Airlines. This will enable Delta Air Lines to expand its reach to smaller cities in China.