United Airlines is considering opening a Boeing 787 pilot base at its Newark Liberty International airport hub in 2019, potentially to serve the 787-10s that begin arriving later this year.
The Chicago-based carrier is in discussions with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) about opening a base for Dreamliner pilots at Newark in around April 2019, says Paul Carlson, managing director for crew resources at United, in an employee newsletter on 2 May.
"I am unable to provide specific EWR B787 mission details; but for now, note that the B787-10 is well-suited for European destinations," he says.
United will take its first three 787-10s this year with firm orders for 14 of the type, its latest fleet plan shows. The aircraft will be configured with 318 seats, including 41 Polaris business, 21 premium economy, 45 extra-legroom economy and 208 economy.
The airline has not said where it plans to base or fly the 787-10.
Newark is one of just two United domestic hubs not served by the 787. Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington Dulles all see the aircraft on a regular basis, FlightGlobal schedules data show.
United operates its other two widebody types, the Boeing 767 and 777, to Newark.
The carrier has 787 pilot bases at Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington Dulles. Last September, it said it was considering reopening a base at Houston Intercontinental as well.
United declines to comment.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
