United debuts new cargo facility in Newark — here's a behind-the-scenes look

07.04.2024 - 19:07 / thepointsguy.com / Airlines

United Airlines' growth strategy for the next decade includes bigger planes on more routes from modernized airports.

To date, the so-called "United Next" plan has already ushered in spiffy new planes with seatback entertainment, revamped lounges, renovated terminals and more.

While the plan brings big upgrades to the passenger experience, it's also designed to propel United's growth over the next decade and beyond. To accomplish that, the Chicago-based carrier has ordered hundreds of new jets, many of which will be stationed at the carrier's strategic New York City-area hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

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Newark, unlike the rest of United's hubs, is capacity-restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since United is limited in how many daily flights it can operate from the airport, the airline's next-best growth opportunity is "upgauging" its fleet operating at Newark to include bigger planes.

That means bringing larger two-cabin regional jets to the airport, as well as introducing more wide-body service from the city.

Twin-aisle jets represent a big opportunity for United. Not only do they have more room for passengers, but they also have bigger bellies for more cargo. Given the airline's plan to increase wide-body service at Newark over the next 10 to 20 years, it's perhaps no surprise that the carrier is investing in an all-new cargo facility at its hub there.

United (and Seagis Property Group, the building's owner) cut the ribbon on a new 165,000-square-foot cargo facility Thursday; it's just a stone's throw away from EWR at 100 Frontage Road. This facility has been in the works for a while, and it represents the latest step in the United Next growth plan.

"Our investment in Newark is very important because it is such a critical hub for us. It is not only one of our most important hubs, but it is also a gateway to the world for United," Mike Hanna, United's senior vice president of airport operations, said at Thursday's unveiling.

Hanna was standing on the stage, flanked on one side by a posse of executives and on the other by a Boeing 747 in United's new livery.

Though it would've made for some major breaking news, United didn't announce that it'll fly the 747 again. Rather, this massive Boeing 747 model was purchased by Choice Aviation Service — the providers who actually run United's cargo facility — as a show of goodwill for their client.

Immediately north of the airport, this new cargo facility will process all types of shipments, including pharmaceuticals, flowers, fish, perishables, apparel, machine parts and much more, according to Rory Lawson, the man in charge of United's cargo