United Airlines schedules the largest South Pacific network expansion in its history for the austral summer season: the airline will have 66 weekly flights between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand, representing a 40% increase over last year’s levels.
See also: United Airlines launches seasonal flights between Newark and Shannon
The airline is expanding its transpacific operations from Los Angeles (LAX) with new flights to Brisbane (BNE) and Auckland (AKL) and strengthening its schedule from San Francisco (SFO) to major Australian cities. United has a codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia and a joint venture with Air New Zealand that provides travelers with convenient connections to more than 50 cities in the region.
The Chicago-based airline has more destinations between Australia and New Zealand than all U.S. carriers combined, and will now have flights to and serve more airports in the region from the U.S. than any other airline in the world.
“Last winter, United enhanced our network and became the largest operator in the South Pacific region. Now, this coming winter, we are expanding even further. Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unmatched connectivity, and with our historic expansion into five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customer travel to the region“, said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network alliances and planning.
San Francisco – Christchurch, New Zealand
Beginning December 1, United will be the only airline to have nonstop flights between the United States and the South Island of New Zealand, with the first San Francisco (SFO) – Christchurch (CHC) service with three weekly flights operated on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
Flight Itinerary
- San Francisco – Christchurch Flight UA 730 SFO 23:30 – CHC 10:35+2 Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- Christchurch – San Francisco Flight UA 731 CHC 14:15 – SFO 06:02 Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
With this new service, the airline will be 70% more in New Zealand compared to 2019 levels.
Los Angeles – Auckland
After 20 years, United will once again fly between Los Angeles (LAX) and Auckland (AKL) beginning October 28 with four weekly flights operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Flight Itinerary
- Los Angeles – Auckland Flight UA 642 LAX 21:00 – AKL 07:25+2 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- Auckland – Los Angeles Flight UA 643 AKL 16:40 – LAX 08:00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
United will be the only North American airline to fly to Auckland from two destinations and to operate year-round, this new route will be complemented by daily services from San Francisco (SFO).
Los Angeles – Brisbane
In 2022, United became the only airline to have nonstop flights between Queensland and the United States. Beginning November 29, the airline will have service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Brisbane (BNE) with three weekly flights operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Flight Itinerary
- Los Angeles – Brisbane Flight UA 283 LAX 21:00 – BNE 05:15+2 Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- Brisbane – Los Angeles Flight UA 282 BNE 12:45 -LAX 08:00 Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
With this service, the airline will fly to the three main Australian cities from Los Angeles (LAX) and will be the main carrier in the segment between the United States and Queensland.
More flights to Sydney and Brisbane
For the austral summer schedule, United will double its offerings on the San Francisco (SFO) – Sydney (SYD) route with two daily flights operated on Boeing 777-300ERs and service between SFO and Brisbane (BNE) will move to daily service on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
More seats to Melbourne
As of October 28, United is increasing seating capacity between San Francisco (SFO) and Melbourne (MEL) with the introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER on this service to replace the Boeing 787-9 operation, representing an increase of nearly 40% over the previous season.
In addition, the airline also operates daily flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Melbourne (MEL) and is the largest U.S. carrier in the U.S.-Victorian segment. For the austral summer season, United will offer 65% more seats at Tullamarine Airport (MEL) compared to 2019.
