United Airlines has announced what is its "largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental US"
The network growth includes the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch, which is set to take off on December 1 and make United the only carrier to directly connect the US 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 US to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year," the carrier said in its statement.
Among the new offerings are direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increased service from San Francisco, 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, travellers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region," the airline said.
"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, United's senior vice president of global network planning and alliances.