United to start Chicago-Shannon flights, boosts Houston-London links

UNITED Airlines plans to operate five-times-weekly non-stop service between its Chicago hub and Shannon, Ireland from June 6 to August 26, 2013, subject to government approval.

The carrier will also launch a third daily service between its Houston hub and London Heathrow, starting from March 30, 2013.

"These new flights offer more choice and convenience, while our continuing investment in new aircraft, onboard products and services and technology results in a better experience," said United president and CEO Jeff Smisek."

The Chicago-Shannon flights will depart Chicago O'Hare five times each week at 6pm, arriving in Shannon at 0730 hrs the following day. The return flight will depart Shannon at 1100 hrs, arriving in Chicago at 1305 hrs the same day. The flight will deploy a Boeing 757-200 aircraft. Eastbound service to Shannon will not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Westbound service to Chicago will not operate on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The additional Houston-London flight will depart Houston daily at 2030 hrs, arriving at London Heathrow at 1205 hrs the following day. The return flight will depart London Heathrow daily at 1305 hrs, arriving in Houston at 1745 hrs the same day. United will operate the service between Houston and London using Boeing 767-300 aircraft.