United Airlines (United) has reported the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1. United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. and the South Island of New Zealand. With 66 flights between the U.S. 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 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. Thanks to United’s relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travellers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these 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.”
