United Airlines will become the first U.S.-based carrier to operate a nonstop trans-Pacific route between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in Xi’an, China. The service will run three times weekly—Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays—using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the roughly 13-hour westbound flight from San Francisco to Xi’an. Eastbound return flights to San Francisco will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with an approximate duration of 12 hours.
This new route marks United’s 30th anniversary of connecting the United States and China by air and expands the airline’s presence in a market projected to surpass the U.S. as the world’s largest for aviation and air travel demand. Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi Province, has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. Home to more than eight million residents, the city is also a significant center for research and development, including contributions to China’s space exploration efforts.
Rising demand for travel between China and the United States, along with an easing of some visa restrictions, motivated United to add this service in anticipation of growing passenger volumes. By introducing non-stop flights connecting Xi’an directly with San Francisco, the airline aims to offer more convenient options for travelers, strengthen business and cultural ties, and support tourism growth in both directions.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was chosen for this route due to its long-range capability and passenger comfort on extended international flights. With a modern cabin experience and improved fuel efficiency, the Dreamliner helps make the nonstop service feasible while enhancing the travel experience for passengers on this trans-Pacific corridor.
United’s new Xi’an–San Francisco link also provides expanded connectivity from Xi’an to United’s broader international and domestic network through SFO, facilitating smoother connections for travelers continuing across the United States or beyond. For residents and businesses in Xi’an and Shaanxi Province, the route opens more direct access to Silicon Valley, the Bay Area’s tech ecosystem, and other U.S. destinations served from San Francisco.
As trans-Pacific travel continues to recover and evolve, carriers are assessing route opportunities that balance demand, aircraft efficiency and network strategy. United’s decision to introduce a thrice-weekly nonstop service to Xi’an reflects a broader trend of airlines adding direct flights to secondary and emerging Chinese cities to meet shifting travel patterns.