United Airlines Launches Largest South Pacific Expansion Ever

United Airlines is continuing to boost its international schedule, this time in the South Pacific.

The carrier today announced its largest, and what it says is the largest in aviation history, South Pacific expansion ever, with new flights from the U.S. to both Australia and New Zealand. The additions will see United operating 66 flights between the U.S. and the two countries every week, which amounts to nearly 40% more flights compared to the same time last year.

Through the additions, United will have a New Zealand network 70% larger than in 2019, will offer the most flights to Sydney from the U.S., and will become the largest carrier between the U.S. and Brisbane. Specifically, the new routes include:

• San Francisco to Christchurch, New Zealand – three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner starting on Dec. 1.
• Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand – four weekly flights on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, starting on Oct. 28.
• Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia – three more weekly flights between Los Angeles and Brisbane and on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner starting on Nov. 29.
• Daily flights between Sydney and Brisbane starting on Oct. 28.
• Twice daily flights between San Francisco and Sydney on a Boeing 777-399ERs starting Oct. 28.

The expansion is part of United’s further drive into international travel. Earlier this year, United said that it was concentrating on boosting its international schedule this summer by 25% versus 2022, a move that was motivated by the continued strong demand for international travel by consumers.

Previously announced additions include additional flights to a number of stalwart European destinations such as Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Belin, and London-Heathrow, along with expanded service to other, less popular places including Amman, the Azores, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife.

United said that international bookings are already 15% higher than in the same period for 2022, so additions are being made to meet that extra demand.