United launch Houston route

Star Alliance member United Airlines will launch a new daily route from Los Angeles (LAX) to Houston, Texas (IAH). The service will come into effect from August 24th and will be operated by affiliated carrier SkyWest, with regional equipment (CRJ700) deployed on the sector.

UA will enter a market dominated by fellow Star Member Continental Airlines, the two carriers have been rumoured to be in talks regarding a potential merger. Continental offers 88 weekly flights from its Houston stronghold to LAX. IATA BSP data (Airport IS) shows that over 440,000 O+D pax flew the route between Feb 09-10, which the majority of leakage via Phoenix with US Airways.