United Airlines will introduce new flights from Newark to Olbia and Catania in summer 2027.
Olbia and Catania to join the United Airlines’ network
There’s even more of Italy in United Airlines’ network for summer 2027: starting with direct flights to the islands, which will see the launch of two new destinations, Olbia and Catania, served from Newark. Alongside these two new additions will be the further introduction of a service from Washington to Milan Malpensa, marking a return to this route after many years. The flight to Olbia will commence on 27 May three times weekly, and the service to Catania (which will therefore join Palermo airport, already served by United) will take off from 28 May, operating four times weekly
Expanding the international network
This investment in Italy forms part of United’s wider plan to expand its international network, with the launch of services to 10 new cities by 2027 (eight of which are not served by other US carriers) and three new routes in Europe and Asia. The airline also unveiled the latest international aircraft in its fleet, the A321XLR “Born to Explore”, during an event held at Newark Liberty International Airport.
“We offer the most flights across the Atlantic”
“The creative and strategic way in which we have expanded our international network since the start of the pandemic has made all the difference, not only for our passengers and employees, but also as a means of differentiating United and building a customer-centric brand. We offer the most flights across the Atlantic and the Pacific, and Newark is the best Atlantic hub in the country. So far this year, it has been the most punctual airport in the New York City area. We will continue to build on this momentum as we welcome the new A321XLR into our fleet and continue to improve the travel experience for every customer who chooses United,” said the airline’s CEO, Scott Kirby.
The new “Born to Explore” Airbus A321Xlr
In addition to the 10 new cities, the airline is adding new flights from Los Angeles to Osaka; from Washington, D.C. to Milan; from Denver to Paris; and will resume service from San Francisco to Tel Aviv. The airline will serve more destinations in Japan, Spain, Portugal, Italy and France than any other US carrier. The addition of the “Born to Explore” Airbus A321Xlr to the fleet will support the airline’s international growth in the summer of 2027 with routes to new destinations such as Ibiza, Luxembourg, Marseille, Toulouse and Valencia.
Tickets are now on sale
The configuration of the new aircraft features 32 premium class seats, including 20 United Polaris suites and 12 United Premium Plus seats: 16 more premium class seats than the Boeing 757-200.The A321Xlr is expected to begin operating on selected domestic routes this coming September and will transition to international service on 1 December, with flights from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport to Amsterdam and Dublin. Tickets for the first international flights went on sale on Thursday 27 August.
