United Airlines Dominates Longest Boeing 757 Flights in September

Scheduled passenger flights using Boeing 757 aircraft are rapidly declining, with the majority of remaining services operating within the United States. As of September 2023, 84% of these flights are conducted by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. United maintains a fleet of 61 Boeing 757s, while Delta operates 102 of the aircraft. Notably, none of Delta’s services appear in the list of the longest flights, as they primarily focus on shorter routes.

A recent analysis by Cirium Diio reveals that United Airlines has maximized the use of its Boeing 757-200 and 757-300 aircraft on routes exceeding eight hours. This assessment accounts for the entire month of September, highlighting the maximum block time for each route, which encompasses the duration from chocks-off to chocks-on.

Key Long-Distance Routes

The longest scheduled Boeing 757 flights recorded in September include several routes from Newark, New Jersey, primarily serviced by United Airlines. The standout flight was from Stockholm Arlanda to Newark, clocking in at a maximum of 8 hours and 40 minutes. Other significant routes include:

– Malaga to Newark: 8 hours and 35 minutes
– Brussels to Newark: 8 hours and 30 minutes
– Bilabo to Newark: 8 hours and 25 minutes
– Edinburgh to Chicago O’Hare: 8 hours and 25 minutes

These flights are part of United’s strategy to maintain long-haul operations even as they prepare to phase out the 757 in favor of newer aircraft, such as the Airbus A321XLR.

The transition away from the Boeing 757 is evident, as United has replaced several long-haul 757 routes with larger, more modern aircraft, including the Boeing 787-8 and 787-10. For example, the flight from Dublin to Chicago O’Hare has shifted from the 757 to these newer models, reflecting a broader trend within the airline industry.

New Routes and Market Potential

On May 16, 2025, United Airlines launched a historic service from Newark to Faro, marking the first direct flight from the United States to this popular destination in Portugal’s Algarve region. The new route is part of United’s broader strategy to explore less conventional destinations, supported by substantial financial incentives and risk-sharing agreements. Initial booking data indicates that United achieved an impressive 84% seat fill rate during the early months of operation.

Additionally, the launch of the Newark to Bilbao service on May 31, 2025, signifies another milestone, as it is the first time this northern Spanish city has been connected with transatlantic flights. With the recent cessation of service to Tenerife South, United’s Spanish operations now encompass five airports: Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca.

Icelandair also maintains a presence in the long-distance 757 market, operating routes from Keflavik to Denver and Portland, both recording maximum block times of 8 hours and 5 minutes in September. Although services to Seattle and Vancouver are not currently operated by the 757, Icelandair plans to increase its frequencies to Denver next summer, indicating a robust demand for these routes.

As the aviation landscape evolves, the decline of Boeing 757 operations in favor of newer aircraft underscores the industry’s shift towards efficiency and passenger comfort. While United Airlines continues to leverage its fleet for long-haul flights, the future of the Boeing 757 remains uncertain as airlines adapt to changing market needs and customer preferences.