Summary
- United Airlines launched direct flights from San Francisco to Christchurch, becoming the one airline to supply this route.
- This recent service is a component of United’s expansion within the South Pacific.
- The flights are expected to generate increased tourism and boost Latest Zealand’s economy.
Chicago-based United Airlines became the one airline to supply direct flights between the US and Latest Zealand’s South Island on Friday, with service from its West Coast hub at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Christchurch Airport (CHC). The flight departed just after 23:30, with a scheduled flying time of just over 13 hours.
The service is a component of United’s largest expansion within the South Pacific in its history, increasing flights between the US, Australia, and Latest Zealand this season by greater than 40% in comparison with last 12 months. It comes after service from Los Angeles to Auckland and Brisbane were also launched recently.
Flight details
UA730, the inaugural flight from SFO to CHC, took off on Friday around 23:30 for a flight duration of 13 hours and 23 minutes. The aircraft operating the flight is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as N28987, and is predicted to reach at CHC on Sunday just before 10:00, in response to Flightradar24.com.
Photo: Brisbane Airport
Tim Wallis, United’s Regional Sales Manager for Australia, Latest Zealand, and Tahiti spoke concerning the recent service.
“At United, we’re excited to strengthen our presence in Latest Zealand with the inaugural flight UA730, the primary non-stop service from San Francisco to Christchurch. Latest Zealand will at all times be a bucket list destination for our U.S. travellers, and this flight offers direct access to the natural wonders of the South Island, while also making it easy for Latest Zealand’s southern population to go north into the Americas and beyond.
“We’re proud to be the primary U.S. airline to supply this direct service for travellers into Christchurch from the U.S., and vice versa. We sit up for continuing to nurture our close ties in Latest Zealand and offering travellers more selection, due to our great partnership with Air Latest Zealand.”
The return flight, UA731, is scheduled to depart CHC on Sunday at 14:15 and arrive at SFO at 06:23 on the identical day after flying for 13 hours and eight minutes. The 787-9 or -8 are scheduled to operate the route this month, in response to aviation data and provider Cirium.
Generating tourism
The brand new service is seasonal, lasting 4 months during Latest Zealand’s summer with three flights per week. CHC Chief Executive Justin Watson said the flights are expected to generate increased tourism within the country, in response to the Christchurch City Council.
“The American travel market is buoyant. Americans are travelling widely again and we all know they wish to experience what the South Island offers. This recent service will supercharge tourism value to Latest Zealand. Statistics show American visitors who enter the country through Christchurch Airport spend 42% more in Latest Zealand and stay 33% longer.”
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Easy Flying
Throughout its four-month stint, tourists are reportedly forecasted to spend $44 million in Latest Zealand, with $32 million of the portion in regions in southern Latest Zealand. Watson explained the quantity is the to positively influence the region’s economy. The service can also be expected to assist with the exports of products to the South Island, which could surpass 800 tons. The chief executive also mentioned that the brand new flights will connect not only America to Christchurch but additionally Antarctica.
Watson said.
To have a good time the arrival of UA730, CHC is opening up a special area alongside the runway from 9:00-15:00 on Sunday, referred to as “Planespotters’ Park,” which can allow fans to see the 787-9 arrive and depart.
Wallis explained.
A significant expansion
This 12 months, United will operate 66 weekly flights between the US and Australia/Latest Zealand, significantly boosting its transpacific network by 94% in comparison with 2022. On October 28, the airline commenced service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Auckland Airport.
One month later, the carrier became the biggest airline operating between the US and Brisbane, inaugurating a brand new service from LAX to Brisbane Airport.