In the westernmost point and territory of the United States, Guam, in Micronesia, is set to have its check-in lobby upgraded by local carrier, United Airlines. United operates a hub at the Micronesian airport, providing a lifeline of international services to neighbouring countries, while also offering domestic and regional links, such as Honolulu.
The check-in lobby at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) will be transformed into a new design that is set to reduce congestion at peak times, include new kiosks that make it easier to check in, and overall, save passengers time when they are at the airport. Not only is the airport getting a glow-up, but United will also deploy new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to the airport.
A Premium Experience For Guam
United is committed to improving its facilities at Guam, part of a broader commitment to improve the customer experience. Will see new kiosks that are 55% quicker than the current ones being installed. This investment is not only for the customers of Guam, but also for the wider Pacific region that travels via the airport.
These upgrades will support those with transiting and connecting flights to and from the mainland United States, providing a consistent experience across the United network. Schedule adjustments picked up by The Points Guy are also set to take place for travelers to and from neighbouring Saipan, with United planning to retime departures to Saipan International Airport (SWPN), with flights being moved four hours earlier to 06:00. This will result in a 55-minute connection in Guam for travel onwards to Honolulu. A statement from David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, explained:
“Our investment in new aircraft and a complete refresh of our lobby in Guam will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United and is part of our broader commitment to elevating the customer experience for our customers in Guam and the broader Pacific region. For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland U.S., these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.”
New Aircraft En Route
In addition to transforming the experience on the ground, passengers traveling to and from Guam will see the replacement of its aging Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8. The first of these new aircraft (which are already common on the US Mainland, but yet to make their way west to Guam), will arrive in February.
The upgrade of aircraft will enable passengers in the region to enjoy the United sleek signature interior, with all passengers being able to access their own dedicated seatback entertainment. Larger overhead bins ensure all your personal belongings can fit onboard, and aircraft are even equipped with onboard WiFi (for purchase). Specs of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft below as per ch-aviation:
|
Number In Fleet |
123 |
|---|---|
|
First Class Seats |
16 |
|
Economy Plus Seats |
54 |
|
Economy Seats |
96 |
|
Total Seats |
166 |
Extra legroom will provide elevated comfort, while wireless Bluetooth connectivity allows passengers to connect their personal headphones to seat-back entertainment. The cabin is also brighter, and feels larger with LED lighting, ensuring a more modern and comfortable onboard experience.
United Operations At Guam
As the most western US territory, in Micronesia, Guam is an important gateway for the United States that connects communities across the Pacific. As stressed by Sam Shinohara, United’s Managing Director of Airport Operations in Asia-Pacific in a report by Kuam News, United employs more than 1,000 staff in the region, and this investment cements United’s commitment to Micronesians operations.
Guam Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) is located just three miles (4.8 km) from the capital city of Hagåtña, and United operates to 15 different domestic and international destinations from the airport. Including Chuuk, Honolulu, Koror, Kosrae, Kwajalein, Majuro, Manila, Nagoya–Centrair, Osaka–Kansai, Pohnpei, Saipan, Taipei–Taoyuan, Tokyo–Haneda, Tokyo–Narita, and Yap.
Other carriers operating to and from Guam include Air Busan, Air Seoul, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Star Marianas Air, Starlux Airlines, and T’way Air, with the most popular international destinations including Seoul–Incheon, Busan, Taipei–Taoyuan, and Tokyo–Narita.
