United Airlines has just launched its newest transatlantic flight from its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. However, unlike the majority of its European services, this route will be operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to a small Portuguese summer sun destination. The relatively niche market will be served several times a week, reflecting the lower demand but potentially profitable nature of the route.
United Airlines
IATA/ICAO CodeUA/UALAirline TypeFull Service CarrierHub(s)Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Guam International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International AirportYear Founded1931AllianceStar AllianceCEOScott Kirby
United is launching the service as demand for transatlantic travel continues to thrive. The carrier is one of many airlines deploying narrowbody jets across oceans. This strategy aligns with the carrier’s goal of appealing to travelers desiring to get “off the beaten path” by making smaller markets viable through lower-capacity jets.
United Launches A New Route To Portugal
The first service from Newark to Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira Airport (FNC) is about to depart (as of the time of writing), marking a major milestone for United Airlines. The new route was first announced with a series of other new destinations, including Nuuk, Greenland and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. While Funchal may not be the most exotic of the new routes launched by United this year, more uniquely, the long flight will be operated by a Boeing 737.
With the addition of Funchal, United will soon have a record three transatlantic services operated by the Boeing 737. Beyond Funchal, United also serves Ponta Delgada, Portugal with the popular Boeing jet. Additionally, next week, United will launch 737 services to Nuuk, Greenland, though only on a twice-weekly basis.
While United’s recent additions, including Funchal, are relatively unique compared to previous network expansions, the airline seems confident they will serve their customers well. In a press release, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, Patrick Quayle, explained:
“Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers, whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.”
Flights To Funchal Will Operate On A Limited Frequency
According to the Portuguese American Journal, United’s new flights will be operated three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flights are seasonal, with the last one being operated on September 24, 2025. Passengers have all summer to take advantage of United’s new route.
Like most transatlantic flights outbound from North America, United’s flight to Madeira will be an overnight flight. It will depart from Newark late in the evening, arriving in the morning in Funchal. According to Google Flights, United’s Funchal flight schedule is as follows.
| Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
| EWR to FNC | 20:55 | 8:45 |
| FNC to EWR | 11:30 | 14:00 |
The return trip, like most transatlantic flights bound for North America, is a daytime flight. Prices vary for the direct service, but in mid-July, fares now start at $793 round trip for economy class.
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Long-Haul Narrowbody Flights Are Becoming Increasingly Common
As United starts operating a record number of transatlantic Boeing 737 flights, the rest of the industry is also embracing next-generation narrowbody aircraft on services across oceans. Airlines like WestJet, La Compagnie, Icelandair, and SAS have also continued to rely on the deployment of aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo on transatlantic services.
In addition to being cheaper to operate, these smaller aircraft unlock smaller, more niche markets for airlines to serve on the other side of the ocean. This is best exemplified by United’s new seasonal service to Madeira, and other unique additions to its network using the Boeing 737.