United Airlines Chooses Boeing 737 MAX 8 for Newark to Terceira Route

United Airlines has chosen to operate its new route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Terceira in the Azores on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, rather than a widebody aircraft. The route will be United's shortest European service by both distance and scheduled flying time, with flights scheduled three times per week from June 9 through September 5, 2027.

The choice is significant because United is otherwise using larger aircraft across much of its 2027 European expansion. Newark to Ljubljana, Olbia, and Catania are being assigned 767 aircraft, while routes to Luxembourg, Toulouse, Ibiza, Valencia, and Marseille will be operated by the Airbus A321XLR.

The 737 MAX 8 has the range to handle the mission without requiring the capabilities of a long-haul widebody aircraft. Boeing rates the aircraft for services of up to around 4,000 miles (6,437 km), with typical two-class configurations accommodating roughly 160 to 180 passengers. Terceira is therefore not asking the aircraft to operate at the edge of its capabilities.