United Airlines will stop flying to/from New York JFK later this year.
On October 25, the carrier will move its "p.s." premium service flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco, the only services it currently operates out of JFK, to its New York Newark hub.
The move is being made so that passengers arriving in New York from LAX or San Francisco can transfer on to connecting flights. No such United connections exist at JFK.
Subject to regulatory approval, United has agreed to trade its JFK take-off and landing slots with Delta for the latter's slots at Newark.
Jim Compton, United's vice chairman and chief revenue officer, said: "The introduction of p.s. premium service to Newark Liberty airport offers Los Angeles and San Francisco travellers the highest levels of service in the air and on the ground.
"We are investing in the three critical components of the travel experience for our customers – our network, our product and our facilities.
"It makes us even stronger in the New York-New Jersey market. Our customers have asked for that p.s. service into our premier hub."
Earlier this month, United and fellow Star Alliance member Air China expanded their codeshare agreement to include 22 new routes (see news, June 3).
Graham Smith
