United to launch Rome link this weekend

United Airlines will inaugurate a new link between Washington D.C. and Rome on Sunday (April 1).

Flight 966 will take off from Washington Dulles for the first time at 6:16pm, touching down in Leonardo da Vinci International at 8:50am the following morning, local time. Flight 967 will leave Rome at 11:15am and return to DC at 3pm on Monday afternoon, Eastern Time.

First Class and Business-Class passengers will be treated to a selection of Mediterranean cuisine and regional wines on the link with the Italian capital, with a choice of entrees such as pecan chicken in alfredo peppercorn sauce, or pasta rotollo with marinara sauce.

Pours will include Rocco delle Macie 2004 Chianti Classico and Straccali 2004 Chianti Classico until April 23.

Rome will become the eighth European destination served from the carrier's Dulles hub. The Chicago-based airline offers more international links from the capital's primary airport than any of its rivals.

"Our service to Rome will give our passenger and cargo customers direct access to one of the world's key economic and cultural centers," said Kevin Knight, Senior Vice-President of Planning at United.

The new route will be served by a Boeing 777 with capacity for 198 Economy-Class fliers, 45 Business-Class passengers, and 10 First Suite customers.

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