United Airlines has applied to the US Department of Transportation for authority to begin new services between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. United plans to operate non-stop three-times-weekly flights to Cape Town starting in December 2019.
“We are always looking at ways to expand our industry-leading international route network to offer our customers more convenient options. We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Africa to our global route offering,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s Vice President of International Network. “This new flight will provide customers with the only non-stop service between the United States and Cape Town.”
United’s non-stop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will decrease the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours and provide customers from more than 80 US cities with easy one-stop access to Cape Town. If approved, United’s service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.
Proposed Flight Schedule, beginning December 15 2019*
| From | To | Depart | Arrive | Aircraft |
| New York/Newark | Cape Town | 8:30pm | 6:00pm +1 | Boeing 787-9 |
| Cape Town | New York/Newark | 8:50pm | 5:45am +1 | Boeing 787-9 |
*Subject to government approval