In great news for Aussie and Kiwi travelers United Airlines have today announced the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S. Amongst the key takeout’s from the announcement include the launch of a brand new route for the airline between Los Angeles and Brisbane and for the first time ever the first link from New Zealand’s South Island directly to the United States (Christchurch to San Francisco)

The new or increased routes include:

San Francisco – Christchurch

From December 1 2023 United will operate a thrice weekly 787-8 Dreamliner service between Christchurch and San Francisco which will become the first ever direct commercial service between New Zealand and the USA and cutting out the need to first transit in Auckland or a third courtly for South Islander’s bound stateside.

Los Angeles – Auckland

From October 28 2023 United will add four weekly services between Los Angeles and Auckland using there Boeing 787-9 aircraft which will firmly cement United as the only carrier to serve Auckland year round with its already existing service to San Francisco.

Los Angeles – Brisbane

From November 29 United will significantly expand its Queensland reach by adding upon there existing flights to San Francisco by adding thrice weekly LA to Brisbane flights to be operated also by its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This will cement United’s place as the largest carrier operating flights between the U.S and Brisbane.

United Airlines senior vice-president of global network planning and alliance Mr Patrick Quayle said, “We are delighted to work with the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport Corporation to launch new nonstop flights between San Francisco and Brisbane – becoming the first U.S. airline to add a new transpacific destination to its global network since the start of the pandemic.

San Francisco – Brisbane

From 28th October United will also increase there San Francisco to Brisbane service to offer daily flights with their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Aircraft

San Francisco – Sydney

From October 28 flights between San Francisco and Sydney will also increase to an impressive double daily utilizing the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

San Francisco to Melbourne

Starting from October 28 2023 United will increase its San Francisco to Melbourne service to daily and will be operated by Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft which will add nearly 100 extra daily seats in each direction accounting for 65% more seats to Melbourne than compared to its operations in 2019

Los Angeles to Melbourne

Starting from October 28 2023 United will increase its Los Angeles to Melbourne service to daily and will be operated by their Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft which will add nearly 100 extra daily seats in each direction accounting for 65% more seats to Melbourne than compared to its operations in 2019

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed passengers landing in Brisbane onboard United Airlines with US Consul General Christine Elder.

“This really is history in the making,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“United Airlines’ inaugural direct flight is our boarding pass to the next leg of Queensland’s international tourism recovery.

“We know aviation is absolutely critical to rebuilding Queensland’s $6 billion international visitor economy, that’s why we’ve created Australia’s biggest international airline war chest.

“United Airlines from San Francisco alone is predicted to contribute $27 million to the State’s visitor economy and an extra 40,000 inbound seats, supporting 260 good Queensland jobs.

Meanwhile Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the US travel market “is buoyant”.

“Americans are travelling widely again and we know they want to experience what the South Island offers,” he said.

“Based on government data, the seasonal service is forecast to bring in $44 million in visitor spend for New Zealand, with $32 million of that in South Island regions.”

“The service will make the west coast of America one flight away for South Islanders and we have every expectation the service will be well used in both directions.”