United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) inches up to $42.75 today early trading session after the firm releases the greatest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental United States, including the first nonstop service between San Francisco and Christchurch, which will begin on December 1. United will be the only carrier connecting the United States with New Zealand’s South Island. With 66 weekly flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand, United will fly approximately 40% more flights from the US to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter than last year.
The airline is expanding its service to the area from its San Francisco hub, introducing additional direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland, as well as daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney, and bigger planes to Melbourne. Travelers may also enjoy simple one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 locations in the area due to United’s affiliations with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia.
United currently travels to more Australian and New Zealand locations than all other US carriers combined, and it will now have more flights and service more destinations in the area from the US than any other carrier in the globe. Tickets are now available for purchase via the airline’s mobile app and on United.com, just in time for travelers to plan their visits during the region’s busiest winter season.
The Senior VP of Global Network Planning and Alliances, Patrick Quayle stated that this winter, United expanded their network and became the region’s largest carrier to the South Pacific. They will expand even more this winter. Their strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with their historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers’ travel to the region.
United became the largest airline from the United States to Melbourne this winter, growing from ten to fourteen weekly roundtrip flights, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Beginning on October 28, United will use its biggest aircraft on flights between San Francisco and Melbourne. Each daily departure will gain over 100 seats thanks to the 777-300ER. In comparison to the winter of 2019, United will provide 65% extra tickets to Melbourne.
