United Airlines’ South Pacific Expansion
United Airlines today announced its largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S.. This includes the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1st.
With 66 flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.
The carrier is also adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. Travelers can also enjoy more one-stop destinations in the region thanks to United’s relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia.
Tickets for these flights are now on sale on the airline’s mobile app and on United.com.
San Francisco – Christchurch, NZ
Starting December 1, United will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the U.S. and New Zealand’s South Island, with the first direct San Francisco–Christchurch service.
United will fly this route three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. United’s new flight to Christchurch is part of the airline’s broader expansion efforts in New Zealand and next winter, the airline will be nearly 70% larger in New Zealand than in 2019.
Los Angeles – Auckland
Next winter, United will build on its position as the largest U.S. airline to Auckland, adding four weekly flights from Los Angeles. United is the only U.S. carrier to serve Auckland year-round with its existing service from San Francisco.
United will fly its Los Angeles–Auckland route on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, starting October 28.
Los Angeles – Brisbane
In winter 2022, United became the only airline to offer direct flights between Brisbane and San Francisco. On November 29, United will add to this service by adding three weekly Los Angles-Brisbane flights on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
More Flights to Sydney and Brisbane
In addition to adding new flights to its schedule, United will also increase its flying from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney.
Starting October 28, United will offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will be able to fly nearly triple the number of customers to Brisbane from the US next winter than it did in 2022.
The airline will also fly twice daily between San Francisco and Sydney on Boeing 777-300ERs starting October 28, offering more flights to Sydney from the U.S. than any other carrier.
More Seats to Melbourne
United is increasing its service from the U.S. to Melbourne from ten to fourteen weekly roundtrip flights, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Starting October 28, United will deploy its largest airplane on flights between San Francisco-Melbourne. The 777-300ER will add nearly 100 daily seats to each departure.
Compared to winter 2019, United will offer 65% more seats to Melbourne.
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