Today marks the 10th anniversary of United Airlines operating at London Heathrow Terminal 2, commemorating the inaugural flight at The Queen’s Terminal on 4 June 2014. The milestone flight, UA958 from Chicago O’Hare, arrived six minutes ahead of schedule at 5:49 a.m., setting the stage for a decade of service.
Since the move to Terminal 2, United Airlines has carried over 16.5 million passengers and transported nearly 630,000 tonnes of cargo on over 102,000 flights between London and the U.S. For Summer 2024, United is set to offer 20 flights per day from Heathrow to seven major U.S. hubs: New York/Newark, Washington D.C., Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. United leads all U.S. airlines in flights and business class seats from Heathrow to the New York metropolitan area and the U.S. Northeast and West Coast.
Before 2014, United’s operations at Heathrow were divided between Terminals 1 and 4. The move to Terminal 2 unified its operations under one roof for the first time since the United-Continental merger in 2010. Since then, 22 of United’s Star Alliance partners have joined at Terminal 2, streamlining connections for passengers.
Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales UK and Ireland for United Airlines, remarked, “We are proud to mark 10 years at Terminal 2, one of the most important airports in United’s global network. We have provided a critical link between London and the U.S. for over 30 years, maintaining service throughout the pandemic and growing our schedule strategically. We anticipate another busy summer in 2024 and are proud to offer extensive travel options to our UK customers.”
Renato Ramos, Vice President Strategy at Star Alliance, added, “Together with our member airlines, including United, we celebrate a decade at Heathrow Terminal 2. United was the first Star Alliance member to commence operations at T2, setting the foundation for a seamless collective experience.”
Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow, said, “Heathrow is delighted to celebrate a decade of excellent service at Terminal 2. We have seen almost 148 million passengers travel through its doors, enjoying world-class retail and dining options. This landmark allows us to reflect on a decade of achievements and look forward to the future.”
Over the past decade, United Airlines has:
– Increased daily flights from 17 to 20 for Summer 2024, offering greater travel choices.
– Added Denver as a direct connection, increasing the number of U.S. hubs served from six to seven.
– Expanded its Heathrow Terminal 2 workforce by 30% to nearly 650 employees.
– Tripled its Technical Operations team from over 50 to more than 150 employees.
– Opened a new aircraft hangar, the first in Europe since the late 1990s.
– Introduced a bag drop shortcut service for a faster check-in process.
– Launched the first touchless check-in experience at Heathrow.
– Expanded United PolarisSM business class and United Premium PlusSM seating on all flights from Heathrow.
– Celebrated the retirement of the Boeing 747 from its fleet.
– Completed three UK fantasy flights in collaboration with children’s charities.
United Airlines offers premium onboard experiences with United Polaris business class, United Premium Plus, and Economy Plus seating on all trans-Atlantic flights. Passengers can enjoy amenities such as inflight dining, Saks Fifth Avenue products, and spacious seating configurations.
The United Club lounge at Terminal 2 provides a luxurious environment with views of the airfield, seating for over 400 guests, a full-service bar, buffet, and eight shower suites.
United Airlines has served the UK for over 30 years, with a robust schedule connecting London Heathrow to key U.S. hubs. Year-round service is also available from Edinburgh to New York/Newark, and seasonal flights to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles.