United Airlines is moving tomorrow with its
Star Alliance partners into the new South Wing of Tokyo’s Narita Airport
Terminal 1.The new south wing facility is Star Alliance’s largest co-location
project and the global alliance’s most ambitious project to date. It will
offer some of the fastest connection times for Star Alliance travelers in
addition to providing a world-class airport facility and innovative
customer services. The new operation will also significantly enhance
Tokyo’s competitiveness as one of the region’s premier aviation transport
hubs.
  “We are pleased to join our Star Alliance partners in consolidating our
airport operations under one roof to better serve our global customers,”
said Glenn F. Tilton, president, chairman and CEO, United Airlines, who
traveled to Tokyo to join fellow Star Alliance CEOs at the opening. “The
Narita airport complex embodies a vision of international aviation in which
Star members work together to improve efficiency and better serve our
customers. Our customers deserve nothing less.”
  United’s customers will benefit from a superior customer experience
that includes significantly reduced connection times between Star Alliance
domestic and international flights, a choice of six departure lounges, new
state-of- the-art baggage screening technology that will cut down passenger
waiting time, priority security lane for premium passengers, plus an array
of world- class shopping and restaurant options.
  The spacious and bright terminal, which offers stunning aircraft views
at check-in, has been designed with the industry’s first zonal check-in
area that serves customers by the class of travel and not by individual
airline. United’s Global Services, 1K and Premier Executive customers
will have access to an exclusive Star Gold check-in zone.
  The terminal will also offer the latest technological advances
including 126 common use self-service units that will feature United
EasyCheck-In software. Passengers arriving at Narita by car or bus can
also use Japan’s first ever curbside self-service check-in units.
  The new terminal now has five connecting satellite concourses, and
United will continue to operate from satellites 3 and 4 in the new
210,000-square- meter facility. From tomorrow, passengers will benefit from
a shorter and more convenient walk from check-in to the aircraft gates.
  The United First International Lounge, United’s flagship lounge
facility with breathtaking views onto the runway, is located by gate 31. It
offers more than 150 seats, four shower suites, massage chairs and business
services, such as Internet, fax and meeting rooms. United’s Red Carpet
Club(R), also by gate 31, offers more than 650 seats, 13 shower suites, a
family room and business services.
  United currently serves approximately 5,500 passengers each day at
Narita airport with flights arriving and departing from six cities in the
U.S. as well as five intra-Asia cities including Bangkok, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Seoul and Taipei. Japan is United’s largest market in the Asia
Pacific region, accounting for approximately half of the airline’s capacity
in Asia. Nearly 25 percent of United’s worldwide capacity is committed to
the Asia-Pacific region.
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