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CHICAGO,USA: United Airlines has announced major transatlantic expansions from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), introducing its longest Boeing 737 MAX 8 routes yet — connecting Newark with Glasgow (GLA) and Santiago de Compostela (SCQ). The move strengthens the carrier’s East Coast hub and demonstrates the extended range capability of the MAX 8.
The new service to Glasgow marks United’s return to the Scottish city after seven years, while Santiago de Compostela in Spain gains its first-ever regular U.S. air connection. Both routes were revealed on October 9 as part of United’s five-route European expansion plan for the upcoming summer season.
From May 18, 2026, daily flights will link Newark and Glasgow, while May 22, 2026, will see thrice-weekly services to Santiago de Compostela. Both routes will operate seasonally with 166-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Before these additions, United operated two European destinations with the MAX 8 — Funchal (FNC) and Ponta Delgada (PDL) in Portugal. Ponta Delgada joined in May 2022, followed by Funchal in June 2025. According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, United’s Funchal route achieved a 67% seat load in June 2025, signaling encouraging early performance for a seasonal market.
The Newark–Glasgow connection revives a route historically operated by Continental Airlines (later merged with United) between 1998 and 2019, carrying over 2.2 million passengers with an average load factor of 85%. Post-pandemic, Scotland’s long-haul focus shifted toward Edinburgh, making United’s Glasgow return a timely move to reestablish direct U.S. connectivity.
With this expansion, United doubles its European MAX 8 network, positioning itself as a leader in long-range narrowbody operations. The airline’s longest MAX 8 route — Newark to Santiago de Compostela — spans 2,876 nautical miles (5,326 km) with an estimated block time of 7 hours 50 minutes, while Newark–Glasgow measures 2,805 nautical miles (5,195 km) with 7 hours 35 minutes flight time.
Though Icelandair’s Keflavik–Seattle route remains the world’s longest MAX service at 3,147 nautical miles, United’s latest additions underline its commitment to fuel-efficient, strategically placed European connections from the U.S. East Coast.
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