On 7th March 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 777 bound for Osaka lost one of its main landing gear tires while taking off from San Francisco. Following the incident, the B777 diverted to Los Angeles for a thorough inspection.
The Boeing 777-200ER with registration N226UA was performing flight UA35 from San Francisco to Osaka with 235 passengers and 14 crew members on board. However, shortly after taking off from San Francisco, the B777 lost a tire, which fell in an employee parking lot.
Footage shared on social media shows the tire falling from the B777 operating as United Flight 35. The tire reportedly damaged vehicles in the long-term parking area of the airport.
United Airlines confirmed the incident, assuring passengers that arrangements were being made for a replacement aircraft to continue their journey.
“Our team quickly arranged for a new aircraft to take customers to Osaka this evening. We’re grateful to our pilots and flight attendants for their professionalism in managing this situation. We’re also grateful to our teams on the ground who were waiting with a tug to move the aircraft soon after it landed and to our teams in the airport who assisted customers upon their arrival.”
United Airlines Spokesperson
The Chicago-based carrier said that it would collaborate with the owners of the affected vehicles at San Francisco Airport to ensure their needs are taken care of.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting an investigation, instructing any information related to potential debris from the aircraft to be directed to the San Francisco Police Department’s airport bureau. As of now, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
United Announces Three New International Destinations
United has announced flights to new destinations spanning three different continents. It has added three brand-new international destinations and increased service to popular locations across Asia and Europe.
The Chicago-based carrier announced three new routes, to Marrakech, Morocco; Cebu, Philippines; and Medellin, Colombia. In addition, the carrier has also announced a new fifth freedom flight between Tokyo and Cebu.
The exciting new destinations include:
Marrakesh, Morocco: United will be the only U.S. airline offering non-stop flights between New York/Newark and this Moroccan city, starting next winter with three flights weekly. Launching on October 24, the flight will be operated by a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, equipped with 46 United Polaris Business Class and 22 United Premium Plus seats.
Cebu, Philippines: This year-round service from Tokyo-Narita marks United as the only U.S. carrier flying to Cebu, with convenient connections from major U.S. airports. Starting on July 31, the daily flight will be operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Besides, United is the only U.S. carrier to offer transpacific service to the Philippines with its daily flights between San Francisco and Manila and also it flies to Manila from Guam and Palau.
Medellin, Colombia: For the first time, United will offer daily non-stop flights between Houston and Medellin, further strengthening its presence in Colombia. Beginning on October 27, the daily flight will be operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft.
“We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad. With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can’t have with any other carrier.”
Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances
Expanded International Schedule
The new additions come alongside increased services to popular destinations like Hong Kong, Seoul, Porto, and a return to regular flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai in late October.
United is continuing to rebuild its mainland China schedule, with four weekly flights between Shanghai-Los Angeles on a Boeing 787-9, starting August 29. Further, in late October, Shanghai-Los Angeles will increase to daily service.
United is also adding more flights to Hong Kong and Seoul, South Korea. United will launch its second daily Los Angeles-Hong Kong flight on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft on October 26, complementing its two existing daily flights to Hong Kong from San Francisco.
The airline will also offer year-round, twice daily flights between San Francisco-Seoul, starting October 25. Additionally, United recently expanded its Tokyo service with a new route between Haneda and Guam, launching in May.
Across the Atlantic, United will add a second daily flight between New York/Newark-Porto, Portugal on a Boeing 757-200, starting May 23. United has more flights to Portugal than all U.S. carriers combined and is the only U.S. carrier to serve Porto.
Feature Image via Twitter (Cali Planes)