United Airlines is set to enhance its operations in 2025 with a renewed focus on its longest nonstop routes utilizing the Boeing 737 MAX. The airline has established itself as a significant player in the aviation market, with a fleet comprising over 50% Boeing 737s. United Airlines currently operates a total of 123 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 113 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, with an outstanding order for 278 additional 737 MAX aircraft. This strategic expansion aims to capitalize on the aircraft’s fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Longest Routes in 2025
Among United’s extensive network, its longest route scheduled for 2025 will connect Newark to Anchorage, Alaska. This seasonal route, only available during the summer months, spans a distance of 2,927 nautical miles (5,422 kilometers) and operates with a Boeing 737 MAX 8. Flight times are typically blocked at seven hours and 48 minutes in the outbound direction and six hours and 59 minutes returning to Newark. Competing with Alaska Airlines, which also operates a 737 MAX 8 on this route to New York’s JFK Airport, United’s service underscores Anchorage’s substantial demand as Alaska’s largest city.
The airline’s second-longest route to Anchorage departs from Washington-Dulles, covering 2,916 nautical miles (5,400 kilometers) and similarly utilizing a Boeing 737 MAX 8. This flight has a scheduled duration of five hours and 31 minutes heading west and five hours and five minutes on the return leg. Additionally, United operates seasonal services from Houston, which ranks as the airline’s fourth-longest 737 MAX route at 2,837 nautical miles (5,254 kilometers).
Connections to Other Alaskan Cities and Beyond
United Airlines also provides service to Fairbanks, Alaska, which is closer to the mainland United States than Anchorage. The airline operates daily flights from Chicago-O’Hare and Denver to Fairbanks, employing the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The Chicago to Fairbanks route, measuring 2,420 nautical miles (4,482 kilometers), ranks as United’s ninth-longest 737 MAX route. Flights are blocked at five hours and 31 minutes westbound and six hours and four minutes returning.
In addition to its Alaskan routes, United connects San Francisco to Panama City, marking its third-longest 737 MAX route, at 2,885 nautical miles (5,343 kilometers). This route is complemented by a daily Copa Airlines flight, reflecting the strong partnership between the two carriers. Other significant routes from San Francisco include flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, and Liberia, Costa Rica, with the latter operating year-round on weekends.
Another unique aspect of United’s network is its transatlantic service from Newark to Funchal, Madeira, utilizing the Boeing 737 MAX 8. This route, which began in June 2025, operates three times a week and covers a distance of 2,761 nautical miles (5,114 kilometers). It is notable as the only direct service from the United States to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Madeira.
Expanding Reach to Latin America
United’s Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a crucial hub for flights to the Caribbean and South America, heavily relying on the Boeing 737 MAX for these operations. The airline’s route from Houston to Georgetown, Guyana, is its eighth-longest 737 MAX route, covering 2,521 nautical miles (4,669 kilometers) and operating four times a week. This route is particularly noteworthy as it reinforces United’s commitment to serving Latin American destinations, despite competition from American Airlines, which holds a dominant presence in the region.
With United Airlines focusing on its 737 MAX fleet for these long-haul routes, the airline aims to maximize operational efficiency while providing passengers with a quieter and more comfortable flight experience. The extensive range and capabilities of the 737 MAX allow United to serve high-demand markets effectively, while the aircraft’s fuel efficiency helps reduce overall operating costs.
As United Airlines continues to expand its services, the focus on long-haul routes will likely reshape travel options for passengers, particularly those heading to Alaska and Latin America. The strategic use of the Boeing 737 MAX positions United to meet growing demands while enhancing its competitive edge in the global aviation landscape.
