United Applies to Operate Seasonal San Francisco-Xi’an Service, with 787s

United Airlines has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to begin seasonal non-stop service between San Francisco International Airport and the city of Xi’an in China.

If approved, the seasonal service would be the first transpacific service to Xi’an operated by any airline, and United Airlines would be the first U.S. carrier to serve the city, according to United.

United Airlines was the North American launch customer for the Boeing 787, being the first North American airline to receive a 787-8 off the production line. However, the former Northwest Airlines had been the first U.S. airline actually to order 787s, well before it merged with Delta Air Lines

United intends to use Boeing 787 Dreamliners to operate the proposed three-times-weekly service between May 8 and October 27, 2016.

Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China, at the eastern end of the Silk Road. With a population of more than 8 million, it is one of China’s oldest cities and an important cultural, economic and educational center.

The plains surrounding Xi’an are home to the famous Bingmayong (Terracotta Warriors), thousands of life-size, hand-molded figures buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

United Airlines received the first of 50 Boeing 787-8s on order on September 24, 2012

Subject to receiving government approvals, United’s flight would depart San Francisco International Airport (IATA code SFO) at 1:25 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from May 8 to October 27 and arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) at 5:30 p.m. the following day, local time.

The return flight would leave XIY at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May 10 to October 29 and land at SFO at 7:35 a.m. the same day, local time.

Flying times would be approximately 13 hours 5 minutes westbound and 12 hours 5 minutes eastbound.