United Airlines made history last October 29, 2023 when it launched its inaugural direct flight, UA Flight 191, from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), thereby becoming the first American carrier to fly nonstop to the Philippines from continental United States.
UA Flight 191 landed in Manila via NAIA Terminal 3 early Monday morning, October 30, carrying 325 passengers and a full cargo load. On its official Facebook page, United announced, “One of the most requested routes in United history is now a reality. Proud to be the first and only U.S. airline to fly direct to Manila, Philippines. Now flying daily from San Francisco.” The inaugural direct flight from SFO UA191 was given a grand welcome via a water cannon salute when it touched down in Manila.
Here is United’s daily flight schedule from SFO and MNL:
From San Francisco (UA 191): Departing SFO 11:35PM, arriving in NAIA 6:50AM+1
From Manila (UA 190): Departing NAIA 9:55AM, arriving in SFO 6:20AM (same day arrival)
The daily direct flights will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the largest in United’s fleet. Passengers on the 15-hour nonstop flight will also be served Filipino-inspired meals. “The Filipino team created the menu for this flight so customers can expect a good meal,” UAL Country Manager for Philippine Sales Pam Navarro told reporters.
Speaking to reporters at the arrival event of UA 191 in Manila, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson revealed that there could be more American carriers that will offer direct flights from U.S. to PH.
Also at the event, United Managing Director for International Sales Marcel Fuchs said United chose to have direct flights to the Philippines from the U.S. because of close ties between the two nations. “There’s a strong Filipino diaspora in the United States. Many want to come home and see their loved ones and their families. But we also know there are tourists coming in,” Fuchs shared, adding that they may add new routes to and from Manila in the future.
Philippine Airlines is the only other airline with direct flights from the U.S. to PH.
The Boeing 777 aircraft at SFO, about to fly passengers and crew of UA Flight 191 to Manila for the first time
(Photo courtesy of San Francisco PCG)
Meanwhile in San Francisco, Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer led the launch of the maiden flight along with United Airlines Vice President for San Francisco Lori Augustine.
“This exciting new route signifies not only a significant milestone for United Airlines but also a testament to the strengthening of economic ties and people-to-people connections between our nations,” Consul General Ferrer said in his remarks. “Now, more travelers from continental United States will be able to experience first-hand why there is so much to see and much more to ‘Love the Philippines,'” he added.
Aboard the Boeing 777 aircraft of the inaugural UA Flight 191 were airline officials and lifestyle influencers such as @bucketlistbums, @laxtoluxury, @cherrielynn, and @johnrickalmonte, who were invited to explore a number of tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Consul General Ferrer noted that the event was not only historic but meaningful as it coincided with the celebration of Filipino American History Month, which commemorates the first documented presence of Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, in October 1587. According to the Philippine Consulate General’s office, over 4.2 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans currently live in the U.S.
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa lauded this latest accomplishment by United Airlines, recognizing the significant Filipino American population in San Mateo County. He proclaimed October 28 as United Airlines Day in honor of this achievement.
