The addition of the larger aircraft will begin with the arrival of Flight 1513, an Airbus 320 aircraft originating at SFO. The same aircraft is scheduled to depart from EUG at 1:20 p.m., Flight 997, returning to SFO.
United will utilize Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft on the EUG-SFO route for three daily arrivals and three daily departures. One additional arrival and departure will still be served by a regional jet.
“United’s decision to use mainline aircraft to serve the Eugene Airport is, in part, a recognition of sustained passenger growth,” said Eugene Airport Director Tim Doll, AAE. “We are very pleased with their decision to offer more seat capacity to the Bay Area.”
United Airlines planners are anticipating a 20 percent increase in the number of seats available on the EUG-SFO route in June, with seat capacity continuing to grow through the summer months. The A319 and A320 aircraft seat between 118 and 166 passengers, while the smaller regional jets seat 50 to 70 passengers.
United Airlines operates 57 A319s and 97 A320s. United was the first airline to serve Eugene, beginning in May of 1943. Today, they hold 32 percent of the market share with daily nonstop service to Denver and San Francisco.