United Airlines on Aug. 8, announced nonstop service between Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and both Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to begin March 9. Newark, United’s hub in the New York area, and Chicago, United’s hometown hub, are highly requested destinations by Silicon Valley business and leisure travelers.
“We appreciate United Airlines’ continued commitment to San Jose by offering nonstop service to both Chicago and the New York area,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Mineta San Jose International Airport serves a market of four million people, and is the closest and most convenient Bay Area airport for most Silicon Valley companies. We know our residents and businesses will appreciate United Airlines’ additional flights in San Jose, and the extra time that they can save by flying out of Silicon Valley’s airport.”
United will operate twice-daily service to Chicago and one daily flight to Newark using Boeing 737-800 aircraft equipped with United Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment options. The two-cabin aircraft offers 166 seats including 16 in United First, 96 in United Economy and 54 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats.
“Our customers have told us that service between Chicago, New York/Newark and San Jose is important to them,” said Anthony Toth, United’s managing director of Sales in California. “This new service, combined with new service from our joint venture partners, enables unmatched access to United’s domestic and international networks.”
The flights are conveniently scheduled to allow travelers more choices in departure and arrival time, and to support ongoing demand for travel between Silicon Valley and both Chicago and New York/Newark. Travelers also benefit with added flight connections to domestic and international destinations at these two United hubs.
Flights begin March 9. United operates in SJC’s Terminal A.
“United is being responsive to Silicon Valley travelers by adding important new service to their hubs in Chicago and New York/Newark,” said Director of Aviation Kim Becker. “Our long-time partner has been successful with nonstop service from San Jose to other U.S. hubs in Denver and Houston, and we anticipate they will experience the same success with expansion to these two highly requested cities.”
United’s new flights contribute to economic benefits for both SJC and the region. Silicon Valley’s thriving airport creates an estimated 32,000 jobs annually in the San Jose area, and visitor spending each year generates $1.7 billion through hotel stays, dining, shopping, entertainment and ground transportation.
American Airlines offers three daily flights to Chicago O’Hare and Southwest Airlines offers daily service to Chicago Midway from SJC. New York area service from San Jose is offered on JetBlue with one daily flight to JFK; Alaska Airlines will launch daily service to Newark on March 12.
