On October 29, 2023, United Airlines took off from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the newest destination in our global network: Manila, Philippines (MNL). As we’re the first and only U.S. airline to fly to the capital of the Philippines, the flight was met with lots of anticipation and excitement from both customers and employees.
In honor of the inaugural flight, United SFO team members, led by our multi-cultural business resource group, UNITE, donated and packed more than 350 backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students at Manila’s Makati Science High School.
SFO Aircraft Records Analyst Cecilia Reyes has been with United for 35 years and has volunteered often in that time, but this event (and flight) was near and dear to her. “This event is really special because it will help students that are not well off and aid them in their school activities,” says Reyes, who was born in the Philippines and visits family there at least twice a year. “Although this is not much, it will give them inspiration that they are being thought of and will encourage them to become better people in their pursuit of higher education.”
After UA Flight 191 arrived in Manila and the special cargo cleared customs, UNITE hosted an event at Makati Science High School, where team members and United employees (some came all the way from Guam and Denver) delivered the backpacks, met with aspiring aviators, and shared what it’s like to work for an airline. Students attended seven breakout sessions, learning about the many opportunities in the aviation industry.
“It was a very fulfilling experience to share our different paths and to motivate and inspire youth who are our future,” says Tech Ops Administration Supervisor Laarni Gusto.
Maria Finley, an SFO Air-port Ops Station Support Coordinator who was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. at age 9, also found this volunteer experience particularly rewarding. “This event is so close to my heart, not only because it’s held in my beloved Philippines,” Finley says. “Being part of the amazing United family, this experience has brought nothing but joy to me. It’s astonishing knowing we made a difference to these kids.”
