March 19, 2026
United has begun replacing the current Boeing 737-800 fleet in its Guam hub with ten Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes that offer screens in every seatback, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, more extra-legroom seating, and larger overhead bin space
The first regularly scheduled flights operated with the new MAX 8 aircraft will include services to Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN), and Koror, Palau (ROR)
United expects to replace the entire Guam fleet with MAX 8 aircraft by the end of 2026
CHICAGO and HAGÅTÑA, Guam, March 19, 2025 – In a first-look event in Guam today, United Airlines has officially unveiled one of its first Guam-based Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The arrival of the aircraft marks a significant step toward enhancing the travel experience for customers in Guam and across the Pacific.
The airline plans to replace its current fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 serving Guam with ten 737 MAX 8 aircraft by the end of 2026. Each 737 MAX 8 will feature United’s signature interior with seatback entertainment in every seat, larger overhead bins, Wi-Fi available for purchase, more extra-legroom seating, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a bright look-and-feel with LED lighting, bringing customers a more modern onboard experience. When needed, the front rows of Economy class can be collapsed to accomodate a medical stretcher for patients needing medevac transport.
There are already two United 737 MAX 8 aircraft in Guam, which have operated throughout United’s system, surprising and delighting customers.
“Guam has long played an important role in our Pacific network, both as a destination and for connecting communities across Micronesia with Asia and the continental United States,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President – Global Network Planning and Alliances, United Airlines. “The introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 helps us deliver a more consistent and reliable experience for customers traveling to the 15 destinations we serve throughout the region. We’re proud to invest in Guam and provide local customers and visitors with a premium experience that customers deserve and expect from us.”
The first regularly scheduled flights from Guam operating with the 737 MAX 8 aircraft will begin on April 30 on select services to Tokyo-Narita (NRT). By late August, all United flights from Guam to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) will be operated with the 737 MAX aircraft. The aircraft is also scheduled to operate Tokyo-Narita (NRT) to Ulaanbaatar (UBN) beginning April 30 and from Tokyo-Narita (NRT) to Koror (ROR) beginning May 2. By late August, all United narrowbody flights from NRT will be operated with a 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as all United flights from Saipan (SPN) and Yap (YAP). By December, United expects all its narrowbody flights from Guam, including the Island Hopper service, to be operated with a MAX 8 aircraft.
New signature interior
United's Guam-based 737 MAX 8 will have 164 seats total, including up to 14 United FirstSM seats. Every seat on these aircraft has access to USB charge ports and provides a seatback experience with accessibility features for people with hearing or visual disabilities. The aircraft also will have Bluetooth technology throughout for easy connections between wireless headphones and the seatback entertainment screens.
Wi-Fi will be available for purchase, with United planning to roll out Starlink to its entire fleet by the end of 2027. Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus customers and includes game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.
United's inflight entertainment – 13-inch high-definition screens in every first-class seat and 10-inch HD screens in every United Economy seat on the 737 MAX 8 – includes free access to more than 1,400 on-demand selections including movies, TV shows and international selections, as well as audio playlists, podcasts, and games. The entertainment system is translated into 16 different languages, including Japanese, Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified), and movies and TV shows from across the globe are available in various languages in audio or subtitles. United is increasing the amount of content with languages that are more relevant to the region, such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Japanese.
Customers can check what content is available ahead of their flight. Full seasons of select Apple TV+ global hits are available for free on the airline's seatback screens and in the United app, including award-winning shows such as Severance, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, Silo and more. In addition, United has a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Spotify that delivers 450+ hours of audiobook and video podcast content for free.
Serving Guam and the Pacific Region
United’s Guam-based narrowbody fleet currently serves 15 destinations from Guam, with up to 12 flights per day. These flights include the unique Island Hopper route that connects Guam and Hawaii through stops at Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Kwajalein, and Majuro. United also operates up to 42 flights per week to Japan’s three largest cities, including Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda, Osaka and Nagoya. The 737 MAX 8 will operate to all other points served via United’s Guam hub including Koror, Manila, Saipan, Yap, and Taipei, and routes between Tokyo-Narita and Cebu, Ulaanbaatar, Saipan, Kaohsiung, and Koror.
United takes pride in being one of the largest private employers in the region with more than 1,000 employees throughout Guam and Micronesia, many of whom have been employed with the company for more than 30 years.
As Guam’s hometown airline, United Guam is committed to playing an active role in the community and is a dedicated supporter of numerous nonprofits in the region, providing more than $150,000 in annual donations and hundreds of volunteer hours from our local employees.
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About United
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".