United Airlines to Increase Flights to Australia and New Zealand; Launch SFO-CHC

Dark/Light Mode (19/04/23)  United Airlines has unveiled its largest ever South Pacific network expansion to and from the continental U.S.A., including the first non-stop flights between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on 1 December 2023.

United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S.A. with the South Island of New Zealand (Aotearoa).

With 66 flights between the U.S.A. and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.

The carrier is 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.

United Boeing 787-9 reg: N27959. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

And, thanks to United's relationship with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from those cities to more than 50 destinations in the region.

"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," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with our historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers' travel to the region."

San Francisco – Christchurch, NZ

Starting 1 December, United will become 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 the route thrice weekly using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner airraft.

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. The airline will fly its Los Angeles-Auckland route using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, starting 28 October 2023.

Los Angeles – Brisbane

In winter 2022, United became the only airline to offer direct flights between Brisbane and San Francisco. On 29 November 2023, United will add to this service by adding thrice weekly Los Angles-Brisbane flights using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

More Flights to Sydney and Brisbane

In addition to adding new flights to its schedule, United will also increase service from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney.

Starting 28 October, United will offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft 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 using Boeing 777-300ERs starting 28 October.

More Seats to Melbourne

This past winter, United became the largest airline from the U.S. to Melbourne, increasing from ten to fourteen weekly round trip flights, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Starting 28 October 2023, 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.

International flights are subject to required government approvals.

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