United Airlines has started introducing Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft at its Guam hub, beginning the replacement of its existing fleet of 737-800 jets assigned to the Pacific operation. The airline plans to deploy a total of 10 MAX 8 aircraft in Guam, matching the number of aircraft currently in service, with full replacement expected by the end of 2026.

The first scheduled flights using the new aircraft will begin on April 30, initially on services between Guam and Tokyo Narita. The MAX 8 will also be used on routes linking Narita to Ulaanbaatar from the same date, followed by services to Koror starting May 2. By late August, all Guam–Narita flights are expected to be operated with the type, alongside United’s narrowbody services from Narita.

United said the transition will expand progressively across its regional network. By the end of 2026, all narrowbody operations from Guam, including the Island Hopper service across Micronesia, are expected to be flown with the 737 MAX 8. The aircraft will also be deployed on routes from Guam to destinations such as Manila, Taipei, Saipan, Yap and Koror.

Two Guam-based MAX 8 aircraft are already in place and have been operating within United’s wider network. The airline’s Guam hub currently connects 15 destinations, with up to 12 daily departures, and includes flights to Japan, Southeast Asia and multiple islands across the Pacific.

The 737 MAX 8 configured for Guam will have 164 seats, including up to 14 in first class. The aircraft also features seatback screens, onboard connectivity and increased overhead bin capacity compared with the 737-800 fleet it replaces.