United Airlines today announces 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 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 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. And thanks  to United’s relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy  easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region.  

United already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all other  U.S. carriers combined, and now will have more flights and serve more destinations in the  region from the U.S. than any other carrier in the world. Tickets are now on sale on the  airline’s mobile app and on United.com – just in time for customers to plan their trips for  the region’s peak winter season.  

“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 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 – becoming the largest carrier  between the U.S. and Brisbane.  

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.