United Airlines is set to launch a new direct service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Panama Tocumen International Airport (PTY) on May 22. This will mark the first time United has operated this route year-round, going head-to-head with Copa Airlines, which currently operates up to 11 weekly flights on the same route using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
The new United Airlines service will be operated daily with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. It will be the airline's ninth destination in Latin America from San Francisco and the only U.S. carrier offering direct flights between San Francisco and Panama City. As part of its expansion in Latin America, United has also introduced routes to Monterrey and Belize City, with plans for San Jose, Costa Rica, starting May 22.
Currently, there are about 265 daily seats available on average between SFO and PTY. The schedule for the first week of United's operation includes flight UA1103 departing San Francisco at 10:55 and arriving in Panama City at 20:10. The return flight UA1104 leaves Panama City at 15:15 and arrives back in San Francisco at 20:58. Prices start around $647 for basic economy tickets.