Chicago-based United Airlines has made changes to its flight schedule involving Canadian Airports, according to data from aviation analytics provider Cirium. The changes are set to occur this fall and last through next spring.
The majority of flights to and from major markets in Canada from United’s US hubs have been reduced. While not every route has been affected, some will see monthly frequencies lessen by as many as 60 flights.
Drastic updates
With United’s east coast hubs – Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – the carrier reaches airports in southeastern Canada regionally. However, the US legacy carrier also flies mainline aircraft to Canada from its other hubs, such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Franciso International Airport (SFO).
Out of Newark, the airline connects passengers to Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Quebec (YQB) on flights operated by Republic Airlines and GoJet Airlines, two regional airlines contracted to fly under the United Express brand. According to data from Cirium, United will cut flights back on its EWR-YUL and EWR-YYZ routes starting in October.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying
From 93 monthly flights to YUL scheduled last week, 90 will now reportedly operate as of this week. Six monthly flights to YYZ will be cut in October, meaning 261 flights will operate rather than the 267 scheduled last week. Monthly frequencies on flights between EWR and YQB will remain the same. In November, the cuts are undoubtedly more drastic. According to Cirium data, the EWR-YUL schedule decreased by 30 flights this week, for a total of 60 scheduled to operate. The change represents a reduction of 2,280 seats between the two cities.
Perhaps a more shocking statistic is the EWR-YYZ route, where the flight cuts doubled this week compared to last week, representing 60 fewer flights now scheduled in November. Last week, 270 flights, equal to 19,380 seats, were scheduled. Currently, 210 flights are projected, equivalent to 15,960 seats, meaning 3,420 seats were cut back from the schedule since last week.
Flight increases
Interestingly, flights will reportedly be added to the ORD-YYZ route in November. As of last week, 164 flights were scheduled between the cities, representing 9,916 seats. This week, the airline increased the number of flights to 180, which adds 6,464 seats to the route.
United currently flies the route with aircraft from its regional partners and its mainline fleet. Data from FlightAware indicate that multiple flights are operated as United Express, with either Republic Airlines or SkyWest Airlines using the Embraer E175. One daily flight operated by a Boeing 737-800.
Transborder changes
Routes solely operated by United mainline are also being reduced. In December, 31 flights, or 5,146 seats, are scheduled from SFO to YYZ this week compared to the 62 flights, equal to 10,292 seats scheduled last week. The flight is typically operated by a 737-800 or -900ER.
Photo: Phillip Pilosian | Shutterstock
The flight cuts, and changes are expected to last until March 2024, according to Cirium data. It could be likely that United made these changes due to its fairly new transborder route partnership with Air Canada. With both airlines sharing several routes, the agreement may have been the reason behind United’s decision to reduce monthly frequencies.