United Airlines Revitalizes Guam Hub with New Aircraft and Modernized Services
United Airlines is making significant strides to enhance its operations in the Pacific by upgrading its only nonmainland U.S. hub located at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) in Guam. The airline has announced plans to replace its aging Boeing 737-800 fleet with new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, marking a major step forward in improving the travel experience for passengers.
Starting in February 2026, United will introduce 10 MAX 8 jets into service in Guam. For travelers on the mainland, the MAX 8 is already a familiar sight, with 122 of these aircraft currently in the airline’s fleet. These planes come equipped with United’s signature interior features, including seatback TVs at every seat, a larger Economy Plus section with extra legroom, Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets, faster Wi-Fi, and bigger overhead bins.
While these amenities are standard across the fleet, they represent a much-needed upgrade for Guam, where some of the older 737s are still in use. The new aircraft will not only offer improved comfort but also modernize the overall travel experience for those flying from the island.
In addition to the aircraft upgrades, United has designed a unique LOPA (layout of passenger accommodations) for its MAX 8 jets operating out of Guam. These planes will have up to 166 seats, including up to 16 first-class recliners. On longer flights, some seats may be blocked off for crew rest, and the front rows of Economy Plus can be converted to accommodate medical stretchers when necessary.
Wi-Fi availability on the Guam-based MAX 8s is another area of focus. Although United has not yet revealed the provider for the initial deployment, it is expected that Starlink will eventually be used. In the meantime, an interim provider remains under consideration.
The new MAX 8 aircraft will serve all narrow-body routes departing from GUM, as well as fifth-freedom tag flights such as from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) to Cebu, Ulaanbaatar, Saipan, Kaohsiung, and Palau. This expansion will improve connectivity for passengers traveling between the U.S. and various destinations in the Pacific.
Beyond the aircraft, United is also investing in modernizing the airport experience in Guam. The airline will introduce brand-new, latest-generation check-in kiosks that are up to 55% faster than the current ones. The lobby area at GUM is undergoing a reconfiguration, with the kiosks arranged in a two-step setup to reduce congestion and wait times. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-October.
Additionally, United is adjusting its flight schedules from Saipan to better serve travelers heading to Honolulu and beyond. Starting December 1, 2025, and running through March 27, 2026, flights from Saipan to Guam will depart four hours earlier at 6 a.m., followed by a 55-minute connection in Guam. This change allows for same-day connections to Honolulu, with flights departing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, emphasized the importance of these investments: “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.”
These updates reflect United’s ongoing efforts to provide a seamless and consistent travel experience for passengers connecting to or from the mainland U.S.
