

United Airlines will soon offer direct flights from Portland, Maine to the West Coast, with new routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco beginning this summer. This is a significant development as it will be the first time Portland International Jetport offers nonstop services to these major Californian cities. Starting June 27, travelers can use weekly flights every Saturday, operating on Boeing 737 aircraft, which has a seating capacity ranging from 126 to 179 passengers. Tickets for these anticipated routes go on sale Friday. Airport Director Paul Bradbury expressed excitement over this development, calling it a major expansion of services from Portland Jetport. This addition not only enhances Portland's connectivity but also aligns with United Airlines' strategy to expand their network, allowing more passengers to connect easily during the summer travel period. The service will complement existing flights, strengthening United's presence with direct connections to its seven key domestic hubs. For Zach Sundquist, Assistant Airport Director, these routes are seen as essential during the peak tourism season, providing convenient access for travelers to and from the West Coast. This move fills the gap in direct flights to high-demand destinations that were previously unserved by the jetport. In addition to the new West Coast routes, Portland Jetport will continue to offer Saturday flights to Houston and maintain daily operations to major cities such as Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Washington, D.C. The expansion promises to enrich travel options and boost local tourism by opening up critical markets.