Manchester United’s “other” hubs have made great improvements in airport upgrades through new jets
United Airlines is breathing new life for its only non-government hub.
The airline announced this week that it will replace the Boeing 737-800 fleet currently stationed at its Antonio BB Won Pat International Airport (GUM) center and use the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Manchester United will start deploying 10 maximum 8 jets in Guam in February 2026.
For those located in the mainland, Manchester United’s largest 8 aircraft are common. The airline has 122 in its fleet, and all airlines, including those that will reside in Guam, have the airline’s signature interior.
This includes seatback TVs for each seat, greater economy and long-term parts, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, power outlets, faster Wi-Fi and larger overhead bins. While United’s signature interior has already made a lot of upgrades to the old product, it will be a more popular upgrade in Guam, which currently has some of the oldest Boeing 737S.
Interestingly, since Manchester United offers many remote destinations for Guam, the airline will install a unique LOPA or “passenger accommodation layout” (seat layout) on its Guam-based Max Jets. The plane will have up to 166 seats, including 16 first-class recliners. However, the airline sometimes blocks some seats as crew members rest longer flights and when needed, the economic front row plus seats may collapse to accommodate medical stretchers for patients who require MEDEVAC transport.
Manchester United said Wi-Fi will be available for purchase on Guam-based 737s, but it is no longer shared and which provider will be installed from the start. Currently, the mainland-based Max 8 jet has Viasat connectivity, but the Viasat may not provide coverage anywhere 737 people fly in. Even though Manchester United says it will eventually deploy star stripes on these jets, there are still some mystery to the interim provider.
Reward your inbox with TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
The Guam-based 737 Max 8 aircraft will serve gum and all narrow routes operating as the fifth label flight, such as Narita International Airport (NRT) from Tokyo to Cebu, Philippines, in the Philippines, Ulaanbaatar, Meriana Island on North Mariana Island, Mariana Island, Mariana Island, Mariana Island, Mariana Island, Mariana Island, Mariana Island, Mariana Island, taiun and tai an and tai.
In addition to aircraft upgrades, Manchester United will also use the new latest generation boarding kiosk to modernize the airport experience in Guam, which is 55% faster than the current kiosk.
The hall area of the gum is also reconfigured by a check-in kiosk in a two-step configuration to reduce congestion and waiting time. The construction of the terminal is expected to be completed by mid-October.
In addition, Manchester United will withdraw from Saipan as they hope to arrive in Honolulu and beyond. Effective from December 1, 2025 to March 27, 2026, flights from Saipan to Guam will depart about four hours at 6 a.m. with a 55-minute connection in Guam, establishing the same day connection with Honolulu. Flights returning will depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“Our investment in new aircraft and a complete refresh of Guam lobby will provide the advanced experience we expect from Manchester United as part of our broader commitment to enhance the customer experience in Guam and the wider Pacific region.” “For customers on connected flights to and from the mainland, these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.”
Related readings:
