UNITEDis to investigate new ways of increasing capacity out of Heathrow following the collapse of open-skies talks last month.
The carrier had hoped the talks would allow Star Alliance partner British Midland to launch transatlantic services. United would have looked to codeshare with the UK airline to offer increased flights. Instead, United is to see where it can increase capacity through existing frequencies or replacing aircraft with bigger jets.
This starts in June, when, until October, the carrier will put a Boeing 747 on one of its double daily San Francisco flights in place of a B777.
Routes using B767s, including some New York and Chicago flights, will also be upgraded to a larger B777 in the future. New services under discussion include a Denver service, although bilateral agreements need to be changed first.
United vice-president Atlantic Judy Bishop confirmed the airline was considering codesharing with British Midland on transatlantic flights from Manchester, but said this was unlikely before summer 2001.
Bishop said United was also trying to improve Heathrow services by offering self-service check-in. She said all Star Alliance carriers, except British Midland and Lufthansa, were working to consolidate operations at Terminal Three.