The New York Times reported that UA will resume all trans-Pacific flights (including Hong Kong) in September 2003. The threat of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) forced UA to cut 75% of flights in and out of Hong Kong during the apex of the disease although reinstatement of many flights began as early as last June.
This paves the way for United Airlines to open talks in China to cash in on the thriving mainland Chinese market. According to Glen Tilton, UA¹s chief executive officer, code-sharing agreements, frequent flyer programs, and facility sharing agreements with Chinese airlines poses a significant international opportunity for United. Chinese airline partners would likely become members of the Star Alliance network which includes United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Singapore.
