A check-in lobby at a major airport in the westernmost territory of the United States is slated for an upgrade by the local carrier, United Airlines. United runs a hub at the Micronesian airport, offering vital international links to nearby nations, while also providing domestic and regional services, such as Honolulu.
The check-in lobby at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) will be renovated into a fresh layout designed to ease congestion during busy periods. The makeover will introduce new kiosks to streamline check-ins and, overall, save passengers time while at the airport. Not only is the terminal receiving a facelift, but United will also introduce new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to the airport.
A Premium Experience For Guam
United is dedicated to enhancing its facilities in Guam as part of a wider effort to boost the customer experience. New kiosks that are 55% faster than the existing units will be installed. This investment is aimed not only at Guam travelers but also at the broader Pacific region that uses the airport. These upgrades will assist passengers transiting and connecting to and from the mainland United States, delivering a uniform experience across the United network. Schedule tweaks are also planned for travelers to and from nearby Saipan, with United intending to retime departures to Saipan International Airport (SPN), moving flights four hours earlier to 06:00. This will create a 55-minute connection in Guam for onward travel to Honolulu. David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, said:
“Our investment in new aircraft and a complete refresh of our lobby in Guam will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United and is part of our broader commitment to elevating the customer experience for our customers in Guam and the broader Pacific region. For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland U.S., these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.”
New Aircraft En Route
In addition to revamping the ground experience, passengers flying to and from Guam will see the aging Boeing 737-800s replaced with the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8. The first of these new jets will arrive in February. The aircraft upgrade will allow regional passengers to enjoy United’s refined signature cabin, with all travelers having access to personal seatback entertainment. Larger overhead bins mean personal items are easier to stow, and planes are fitted with onboard WiFi (available for purchase). Specs of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft are below:
- Number In Fleet: 123
- First Class Seats: 16
- Economy Plus Seats: 54
- Economy Seats: 96
- Total Seats: 166
Extra legroom will offer greater comfort, while wireless Bluetooth connectivity lets passengers pair their own headphones to the seatback entertainment. The cabin is also brighter and feels more spacious thanks to LED lighting, delivering a more modern and comfortable in-flight experience.
United Operations At Guam
As the most western US territory in Micronesia, Guam serves as a key gateway for the United States, linking communities across the Pacific. As noted by Sam Shinohara, United’s Managing Director of Airport Operations in Asia-Pacific, United employs more than 1,000 staff in the region, and this investment reinforces United’s commitment to its Micronesia operations. Guam Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) sits just three miles (4.8 km) from the capital Hagåtña, and United serves 15 different domestic and international destinations from the airport, including Chuuk, Honolulu, Koror, Kosrae, Kwajalein, Majuro, Manila, Nagoya–Centrair, Osaka–Kansai, Pohnpei, Saipan, Taipei–Taoyuan, Tokyo–Haneda, Tokyo–Narita, and Yap. Other carriers flying to and from Guam include Air Busan, Air Seoul, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Star Marianas Air, Starlux Airlines, and T’way Air, with the top international routes including Seoul–Incheon, Busan, Taipei–Taoyuan, and Tokyo–Narita.
