United Airlines: 20 years of Berlin-New York flights

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United Airlines is celebrating a significant anniversary: ​​For 20 years, the US airline has connected Berlin with New York/Newark. On July 1, 2005, the first flight took off with a Boeing 757-200, which seated 172 passengers. In these two decades, United has operated over 11,000 flights between the German capital and Newark Liberty International Airport, carrying more than 1.7 million passengers.

Over these two decades, the connection between Berlin and New York/Newark has established itself as a mainstay in United Airlines‘ route network. The tender is now being issued for modern Boeing B767-400ERs, which offer seating for 231 passengers in various classes. Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and Israel at United Airlines, emphasizes the importance of this connection for the airline: “We are proud to have been flying from Berlin to New York/Newark for 20 years – this anniversary demonstrates how important the German capital is in United’s global route network.”

New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Chicago

The year-round connection allows passengers not only to travel directly from Berlin to New York, but also to continue their journeys via Newark to numerous destinations within the USA. These include popular destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Chicago. This represents a significant benefit for travelers planning both business and leisure trips who want to benefit from an expanded network.

The management of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH, represented by Aletta von Massenbach, congratulated United Airlines on its commitment to the capital region. She emphasized: “What began in 2005 in Berlin-Tegel has developed into a stable, long-term partnership. The year-round connection to New York/Newark is a key pillar of our long-haul network. Together, we have transported 1.7 million passengers across the Atlantic.”

Boeing 767-400ER in operation between Berlin and New York

United Airlines operates a Boeing 767-400ER on its Berlin-New York route, featuring 34 United Polaris® Business Class seats, 24 United Premium PlusSM seats, 48 ​​United Economy Plus® seats, and 125 United Economy® seats. These different classes offer passengers different levels of service and amenities.

United Polaris Business Class offers a premium travel experience focused on relaxation and comfort. Travelers in this class can enjoy exclusive culinary creations, as well as products from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue. Seats in this class recline 180 degrees and are always located along the aisle for easy access and a more enjoyable experience.

United Premium Plus Class offers passengers more spacious seats with more legroom and width. These seats feature a greater recline angle, increasing travel comfort. Additionally, passengers in this class receive an amenity kit, as well as a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and fluffy pillow, further enhancing the travel experience.

Passengers who choose United Economy Plus also have access to seats with more legroom and a preferred location near the front of the cabin. This allows for faster deplane departure, a significant advantage for many travelers, especially for connecting flights.

United Economy Class offers complimentary meals, a selection of soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, and coffee and tea. Amenities include adjustable seat headrests and a personalized entertainment system with a wide range of entertainment options. These services are designed to make flying as enjoyable as possible for passengers.

Year-round flights from Frankfurt

United Airlines has been serving Germany since 1990 and has established a wide range of connections during this time. The airline offers year-round flights from Frankfurt and Munich to its hubs in New York/Newark, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, and San Francisco. These proven routes offer travelers numerous options for international travel and facilitate access to a variety of destinations within the United States and beyond.

All United Airlines flights arrive in the U.S. in a way that allows guests to conveniently connect at the hubs to other flights within United’s extensive network in the U.S. and across North, Central, and South America. This is a critical factor for travelers planning business trips, vacations, or family visits.

The connection between Berlin and New York/Newark has become a particularly attractive travel option, as Newark Liberty International Airport is just 23 kilometers from Manhattan. The airport offers excellent connections to many parts of the city, including a fast connection to New York Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan via the AirTrain, which takes less than 30 minutes.

50 destinations in 47 countries planned for the summer season

According to United Airlines‘ future plans, flights from Newark to over 150 destinations in 47 countries are planned for the 2025 summer season. This demonstrates the airline’s ambition to remain a major transatlantic gateway. Newark is already the largest transatlantic hub, with connections to 38 destinations in Europe, India, Africa, and the Middle East.

In addition, United Airlines has expanded the dining area of ​​the United Polaris Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport. This includes not only more seating, but also improved food options and impressive views of the New York City skyline, significantly enhancing the waiting experience for passengers in the Polaris Lounge.

Overall, the 20th anniversary of the Berlin-New York/Newark connection demonstrates how important this route is for both travelers and United Airlines. The constant development of the offering, the quality of service, and the variety of itineraries underscore United Airlines’ commitment to providing its customers with the best possible travel experience and the importance of maintaining sustainable partnerships with the cities it serves.

Over the past 20 years, the journey from Berlin to New York/Newark has established itself not only as one of the most frequented routes, but also as one enhanced by innovations and adaptations to travelers’ needs. United Airlines has proven that it’s not just about getting people from A to B, but also about creating an experience that goes beyond the boundaries of flying. The coming years promise to continue this tradition, reach new heights, and grow continuously.

Berlin (BER) – New York/Newark (EWR)

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