While extra competition may keep some airline heads up at night, United’s local boss isn’t concerned over new rivalry on the trans-Pacific route because “2016 is the year of United in Australia”.
Earlier this year, the carrier’s biggest competitor, American Airlines, revealed it would commence Los Angeles-Sydney services as Australia’s biggest airline, Qantas diverts its aircraft to the growing Sydney-San Francisco path – both routes frequented by United.
Speaking KarryOn, United Director of Japan and the Pacific, Alison Espley, admitted that while flights between Australia and the US are becoming highly competitive, she believes her airline is in a good position to continue succeeding Down Under.
United’s Alison Espley says 2016 is the year of United in Australia.
Next year, the airline will celebrate 30 years of consistent flying from the country, a milestone Espley believes was achieved through great brand awareness and tight industry relations.
“We’re a global airline, we’re use to competition,” she said shrugging off any concerns.
She continued, explaining that the carrier’s position will be further cemented in the market by mid-2016 when the 787 replaces all Boeing 777-200 on Sydney-San Francisco and Sydney-Los Angeles services. This move will compliment existing 787 operations on the Melbourne-Los Angeles route and see the carrier fly a full Dreamliner fleet from the country.
Onboard, United’s Dreamliners are fitted with the latest inflight technology and entertainment such as Wi-Fi, extra large windows, large overhead bins, versatile LED lighting, lower cabin altitude and better air humidity.
Additionally, they have streaming capabilities, which allow guests to download inflight entertainment to their personal devices – giving them extra choice in the sky.
“By next summer we’ll be an all 787 service to both Sydney and Melbourne, that a very strong message.”
Alison Espley, United Airlines Director of Japan and the Pacific
“If we focus on what we’re doing and do it right, given the consistency we’ve had in the market and given the product innovations we’ve got, we will continue to be successful.”
In addition to bringing innovative aircraft to the country, United plans on working with the industry to increase visibility amongst trade while also improving consumer awareness through partnerships such as the recent BBQ Champion Cook Off.
“It’s all exciting, I think 2016 is the year of United in Australia.”
Alison Espley, United Airlines Director of Japan and the Pacific