United Airlines is upgrading its Guam-based fleet with new Boeing 737 MAX jets, marking the first major refresh for its Micronesia operation in decades. This will transform both the island-hopping experience across the Pacific and the daily service United provides from its Guam hub.
United Upgrades Guam Fleet With Boeing 737 MAX
United announced it will replace its aging 737-800 aircraft based in Guam with new737 MAX 8 aircraft starting in 2026. These jets will be used across United’s extensive Micronesia network, including the storied “Island Hopper” service from Guam to Honolulu, which stops in a series of remote Pacific islands along the way.
The new aircraft will feature “United Next” signature interiors, including:
- High-speed Wi-Fi (Viasat for now according to JonNYC) and streaming entertainment options
- Power at every seat (AC + USB outlets)
- Cabin-wide LED mood lighting
- United’s latest domestic-style first class recliners and slimline economy seats
United currently operates about 30 aircraft from its Guam hub, and many have been flying for more than two decades. Continental Micronesia, which merged with United in 2010, began replacing its Boeing 727 fleet with Boeing 737-800s in 1999. The shift to the 737 MAX will not only improve fuel efficiency but also refresh the onboard product to match what passengers expect elsewhere in United’s system. With added range, we might even see more destinations from Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Guam or from Tokyo Narita (may I suggest Bali?).
David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer, explained:
“Our investment in new aircraft and a complete refresh of our lobby in Guam will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United and is part of our broader commitment to elevating the customer experience for our customers in Guam and the broader Pacific region. For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland U.S., these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.”
The lobby refresh Kinzelman is referring to refers to recent updates to the check-in kiosks at GUM that are quicker and more efficient (but also the kind that don’t like to print boarding paper passes!)
> Read More: United Airlines Makes It Grueling To Print A Paper Boarding Pass From Airport Kiosk…
Island Hopper Experience
For avgeeks and adventurous travelers, the highlight of United’s Guam operation is the Island Hopper, which links Honolulu with Guam via Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Chuuk. It remains one of the most unique scheduled services in the world, offering views of isolated atolls and a glimpse of communities few travelers ever see.
I had the chance to fly this remarkable route years ago—read my Island Hopper trip report—and it remains one of my favorite United trips of all time. With new aircraft coming, I’m already looking forward to doing it again! I also flew from Manila to Guam via Palau, another fun Micronesia route on the 737.
United also uses its Guam 737s from its former Tokyo Narita hub, where it offers service to:
- Cebu, Philippines (CEB)
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan (KHH)
- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN)
CONCLUSION
United’s decision to upgrade its Guam fleet with 737 MAX aircraft is a long-overdue investment in its Pacific operations. For both locals who rely on these flights and travelers chasing one of aviation’s most unique experiences, the new aircraft will deliver better comfort, connectivity, and efficiency. The Island Hopper is about to get a serious upgrade, and I cannot wait to experience it again.
Upgrade? 737Max?
They can’t possibly belong in the same sentence.
Compared to 30+ year old 737-800s? Upgrade indeed.
I’d quite happily fly on a 737-800, I’ll never set foot on a Max.
On the current Island Hopper, 2A/B are blocked so 1A/B can recline the required 40° for crew rest. Any word on how that’ll be handled on the MAX?”
UA’s representatives are working through modification plans and confirmed the pilot crew rests seats in the business cabin, along with the ability of the main cabin seats to fold-forward for medievac bedding and equipment when needed.
Couple of things:
You indicated that UA operates 30 “aircraft” from GUM; I think its more along the lines of 12 daily “flights” (according to UA) operated by around 10 737s and 1-2 77Ws.
Also one other tidbit….although the 738s replaced the 727s, initially 757s were used in the 1999 period but not sure how long they were used and when they phased them out. These were operated in a 12F, high density configuration.
should read 2F, high density Y configuration.
Great news for GUAM residents. UAL is willing to invest at her tiny base by replacing the aging B737-800 planes.
B737-8 max would allow UAL to open GUM to other large Asian cities like Brisbane, Singapore, Kuala-Lumpur without weight restriction.
NRT – DPS? On a seven-three? No. Thanks. I’d rather swim. UA recliner biz (and service) wouldn’t be worth the fare.
Isn’t it the same, though, from Australia? It’s a leisure market…
Probably. But I wouldn’t take one from there either. Just my preference. The route isn’t targeted to me, but even if it was, I wouldn’t do it. I know it’s a leisure market, but as a 1K burning UA miles from the US to DPS, there’s not a snowball’s chance I’m choosing a seat like that over ANA or EVA via TPE or even UA Polaris direct to SIN and then onward to DPS in a lie flat (though that’s a pretty short flight). And yes, I know business/first awards can be hard to come by on those partners, but it’s doable (we’ve done it) and if I’m flying to the other side of the world, I prefer not to fly the same product one could fly SFO to PHX. Again, all preference; I’m a consumer, not an MBA at United.