United Airlines Begins New Nonstop Indianapolis to San Francisco Service

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced new daily nonstop service from Indianapolis to its hub at San Francisco International Airport., beginning Jan. 7. The conveniently timed flights will operate using Airbus A319 aircraft, with eight United First seats, 40 United Economy Plus seats and 72 United Economy seats.

United flight 500 will depart Indianapolis International Airport (IND) at 8 a.m., arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 10 a.m. The return flight, United 317, will depart San Francisco at 1:35 p.m., arriving in Indianapolis at 8:51 p.m. The new service, which launches from San Francisco to Indianapolis on Jan. 7 and from Indianapolis to San Francisco on Jan. 8, will provide travelers with convenient connections from United's largest West Coast hub to points throughout North America, Asia and Australia. United currently offers nonstop service from Indianapolis to its hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Newark and Washington, D.C. with up to 35 daily flights offering single-connection access to more than 261 cities across the globe.

"We are thrilled to offer customers new mainline service between San Francisco and Indianapolis, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country," said Kate Gebo, United's vice president of corporate real estate. "The daily service will connect customers in Indianapolis to our largest gateway to the Pacific, where United offers more flights to more destinations than any other airline."

"Since becoming governor, the business community repeatedly identified the lack of access to San Francisco as an economic development barrier for Indiana, hindering our ability to compete for and win new jobs for Hoosiers," said Mike Pence, governor of Indiana. "With a reputation as a state that collaboratively works to solve problems, through public and private sector partnership we spearheaded an effort to secure a non-stop route from Indianapolis to San Francisco. This will not only maximize our opportunities for economic development, but will benefit companies and communities across the state."

United's San Francisco Hub

From San Francisco, United operates more than 300 flights per day to more than 90 cities in North America, Asia and Australia – more than any other carrier. With nonstop service from San Francisco to cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing and Shanghai – and beginning next year, to Taipei and Chengdu, subject to government approval – United offers customers unparalleled access to top destinations throughout the Pacific, and more points in Asia than any other carrier.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,341 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines