Source: TPG

I find United's current international strategy fascinating. The airline is taking a big risk by betting heavily on continued premium international leisure demand through the rest of the decade. It thinks it can build some of that demand by launching service to destinations that might not be intuitive or have strong business demand, but could have strong appeal to vacationers and those traveling to visit friends and family abroad.

To that end, Manila, Philippines, and Christchurch, New Zealand, both represent that plan. Manila has demand from Filipino Americans visiting relatives and travelers looking to explore the islands across the Philippines.

Christchurch, meanwhile, is mostly a pure leisure play. The route provides direct access from the continental U.S. to New Zealand's South Island with its incredible landscapes and adventure opportunities. This makes it more accessible — and therefore more appealing — to travelers deciding on a vacation spot.

Only time will tell if United can keep these routes profitable and if the broader strategy will play out. For now, it's fun to see where in the world the airline plans to go next.