United Airlines has unveiled its most ambitious South Pacific network expansion to date, which includes the first-ever non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch, New Zealand. This groundbreaking expansion, the largest from the continental United States, will further strengthen connections between the U.S. and the South Pacific region.
Starting December 1, United will operate a three-times-weekly non-stop service between San Francisco, California and Christchurch, New Zealand using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. In addition, the airline is set to introduce four weekly flights from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand beginning October 28.
The expansion also includes the addition of three weekly flights between Los Angeles and Brisbane, Australia commencing November 29 on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane will be introduced on October 28.
United's South Pacific network will see further growth with twice-daily flights between San Francisco and Sydney using Boeing 777-300ERs from October 28. The same day, the airline will deploy its largest aircraft on flights between San Francisco and Melbourne, Australia adding nearly 100 daily seats to each departure.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President at United, highlighted the airline's commitment to the South Pacific region, stating, "This past winter, United enhanced our network and became the largest carrier to the South Pacific region. Now, this upcoming winter, we will expand even further."
United's strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia ensure exceptional connectivity in the region. With this historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United Airlines is set to become the go-to choice for travelers journeying to the South Pacific.
Already offering more service to Australia and New Zealand than any other American airline, United's expansion will make it the world's leading carrier for connecting the U.S. with these destinations. Operating 66 flights weekly between the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, the airline will offer nearly 40 percent more flights between these locations in 2023 compared to the previous year.
