• N14106 United Airlines (Her Art Here-California Livery) Boeing 757-224 (1)
    United Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    UA/UAL
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Guam International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1931
    Alliance:
    Star Alliance
    CEO:
    Scott Kirby
    Country:
    United States

United Airlines has filed an application with the US Department of Transport (DOT) to launch non-stop flights between Washington DC and Cape Town, South Africa. It hopes to operate three-weekly services between the two cities, beginning on November 17th.

If the flights are approved, this would be the first time that the two cities have been linked with a non-stop service. United has said it intends to use its Boeing 787-9 aircraft to operate the flights between its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

United-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-Dreamliner
Become an airline employee and your opportunities to travel and see more of the world can increase. Photo: United Airlines

The proposed flights would offer connecting opportunities to Cape Town from 55 cities across the US. At the other end, connections would be provided throughout South Africa by Airlink.

United’s senior vice president of international network and alliances, Patrick Quayle, commented,

"From creating new jobs, to supporting key civic and aid organizations, United has taken tremendous pride in growing our family and operations in South Africa, and across the African continent. If awarded by the DOT, this historic nonstop service will significantly enhance travel options for consumers, strengthen ties between our countries legislative and diplomatic epicenters, and benefit thriving travel and tourism industries serving our respective countries."

A long-overdue route

According to United, Washington DC to Cape Town is the largest US to South Africa market currently unserved by non-stop flights, and as a result, the route is "long-overdue." The Washington DC area is home to the fifth-largest South African population in the US.

As South Africa’s legislative capital, there are also significant diplomatic ties between Cape Town and Washington DC, in addition to growing economic and tourism links.

Washington Dulles
The proposed flights would depart from United's hub at Washington Dulles International Airport. Photo: Joe Ravi via Wikimedia Commons

United itself has strong ties to South Africa. It maintains a close relationship with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The airline also recently announced a collaboration with the travel company Certified Africa, which aims to "make travel to African countries easy, immersive, and life-changing for the African diaspora across the United States."

United Airlines' services to Africa

United has a growing presence in Africa. The airline’s three-weekly Newark to Cape Town flights launched in December 2019, and following suspension throughout the pandemic, they are due to resume on June 5th. Those flights are also operated by the Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

The carrier later launched non-stop Newark to Johannesburg flights in June 2021. However last month, it had no option but to cancel a number of flights to Johannesburg to fuel shortages.

From its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport, the airline launched services to Accra, Ghana, in May 2021, and to Lagos, Nigeria, in November 2021.

United’s growth in Africa shows that the airline is keen to capitalize on the gap in the market left by South African Airways’ departure.

South African Airways Airbus A340-642 ZS-SNG
United Airlines is keen to take advantage of South African Airways' withdrawal from the US market. Photo: South African Airways

The proposed Washington DC to Cape Town flights would be operated by United’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft. They feature 48 of the airline’s Polaris lie-flat business class seats, 21 Premium Plus seats, 39 Economy Plus seats, and 149 Economy seats. All seats are equipped with seatback, on-demand entertainment – something that passengers will no doubt appreciate on the 14+ hour flights.

What do you think of the proposed new route from Washington DC to Cape Town? Do you expect to see further United routes to Africa in the future? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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