Socialist Republic of Vietnam

United Airlines Press Release

Chicago, December 9, 2004 -- United Airlines (OTCBB:UALAQ.OB) today launched the first scheduled flight of a U.S. airline to Vietnam in almost 30 years, the culmination of years of hard work and close cooperation between the governments of both countries.

A celebration will be held in San Francisco, bringing together government officials, dignitaries and news media from the United States and Vietnam. United will hold additional events upon the flight's arrival in Hong Kong and continuation to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.

“Today's launch of direct service to Vietnam marks an historic step in the relationship between the United States and Vietnam,” said Glenn Tilton, United’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The flight illustrates United's unsurpassed leadership in the Asia-Pacific market and comes at a time when Vietnam is experiencing robust economic growth and increased travel demand.”

No other airline provides the connectivity United does, with more flights between the Asia-Pacific region and the 50 United States than any other carrier. United's extensive route network, including Ted and United Express, connects our Asia-Pacific locations with more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations. Thanks to United's growing code-share relationship with other Star Alliance carriers, United customers have access to virtually all points in the region.

“Decades of economic renovation have transformed Vietnam into a lively market of 80 million hard-working and talented people,” said Ambassador Chien Tam Nguyen, the Vietnamese ambassador to the United States. “Being one of the safest tourist destinations and fastest-growing economies in the world, Vietnam is an ideal place to visit and do business. On behalf of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I welcome direct air service and the closer economic and cultural ties between our two countries that will surely result, thus furthering the understanding, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between them.”

“Today's direct service marks a new beginning for a relationship that holds tremendous potential,” said the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam Michael Marine. “Vietnam is a dynamic emerging market for the United States, and United's service will enable us to enhance trade and tourism to the benefit of both nations.”

“Today's historic flight resulting from the aviation agreement we concluded a year ago represents the beginning of a renewed relationship that will bring families closer together and open new doors for businesses both in the United States and Vietnam,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

Customers traveling on United between the United States and the Asia-Pacific region can relax and enjoy top-notch service. In 2004, United was voted "Best North American Airline" for the fourth year in a row by travelers participating in the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine's Annual Awards survey. United now serves 12 Asia-Pacific destinations, with more on the way. Nonstop service from San Francisco to Nagoya, Japan, is scheduled to begin in March 2005, and United is seeking the right to provide daily service between Guangzhou, China, and San Francisco in spring 2005.
For information about a United Mileage Plus® triple miles bonus offer, visit www.united.com/vietnambonus.

United will operate combined passenger and cargo service using a Boeing 747-400 aircraft configured with 14 United First Suite® seats, 73 United Business® seats and 260 United Economy® class seats, including 88 Economy Plus® seats.

United Flight 869 will depart San Francisco at 12:10 p.m. on Dec. 9 and arrive in Hong Kong at 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 10. The continuing flight will depart Hong Kong at 8:55 p.m. and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 10:25 p.m. Beginning Dec. 11, United Flight 862 will depart Ho Chi Minh City at 6:20 a.m. and arrive in Hong Kong at 9:45 a.m. The continuing flight will depart Hong Kong at 12:50 p.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 8:25 a.m. the same day.