On December 8, 2023, United Airlines launched a seasonal non-stop route from San Francisco to Christchurch. With that, it became the first US airline to serve New Zealand’s South Island. Continue reading to learn more about the route. United...
On December 8, 2023, United Airlines launched a seasonal non-stop route from San Francisco to Christchurch. With that, it became the first US airline to serve New Zealand’s South Island.
Continue reading to learn more about the route.
On the inaugural flight, United used a Boeing 787-9
United Airlines’ New San Francisco – Christchurch Route
The first United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Christchurch departed on December 8, 2023, and was operated using a Boeing 787-9 registered N28987. Due to the flight’s schedule and the fact that it crosses the International Date Line, the first flight in the other direction departed Christchurch on December 10, 2023.
At this point, the San Francisco – Christchurch route is scheduled to operate three times a week until March 27, 2024, in the direction from the US, with the following schedule:
UA730 / San Francisco – Christchurch / 11:30PM – 10:35AM+2 / Wed, Fri, Sun UA731 / Christchurch – San Francisco / 2:15PM – 6:20AM / Tue, Fri, SunWhile the inaugural was operated using a 787-9, for the rest of the schedule, United plans to use the smaller 787-8. The United 787-8s are equipped with a total of 243 seats in three classes: 28 in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 194 in economy class (including 36 with extra legroom).
I assume United intends to operate the route next southern summer/northern winter too but this has not been confirmed yet.
For the rest of the season, the flights are scheduled to be operated by the 787-8.
A US Airline’s First Direct Route to the South Island
United Airlines’ new route from Christchurch is the first time for a US airline to operate direct flights to New Zealand’s South Island and the first direct route between San Francisco and the South Island overall.
That said, it is not United Airlines’ first route to New Zealand or the first route between the United States and New Zealand’s South Island overall. United already serves New Zealand’s largest city Auckland from San Francisco year-round and from Los Angeles seasonally. As for the latter, another Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand flew between Christchurch and Los Angeles until 2002.
Other non-stop flights between the United States and New Zealand include other major US airlines’ flights to Auckland. Oneworld member American Airlines offers seasonal flights from Dallas and Los Angeles (resuming later this month) and SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines offers service from Los Angeles.
Additionally, Air New Zealand offers flights to several US destinations including Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York JFK, and San Francisco.
Lastly, there are also fifth-freedom flights between the two countries: Air Tahiti Nui flies on the Los Angeles – Auckland route and Qantas on the New York JFK – Auckland route.
Unsurprisingly, Air New Zealand offers the largest network of New Zealand – US routes.
Summary
As part of its expansion in the Pacific, United Airlines launched flights between its San Francisco hub and Christchurch. The route is the first time for a US airline to operate direct flights to New Zealand’s South Island. More than 20 years ago, Air New Zealand used to connect Christchurch with Los Angeles.
The route is seasonal, only operating during New Zealand’s summer time, and runs three times a week.
There is plenty of other connectivity between the two countries too, not only by the major US airlines and Air New Zealand but also by Air Tahiti Nui and Qantas.
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