United Airlines has announced its largest expansion ever to and from the South Pacific, including the first-ever non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch, set to begin on December 1.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, making it the first and only direct flight between San Francisco and Christchurch.

This expansion will make United the largest carrier to the South Pacific region from the US.

United Airlines already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than any other US carrier. With this latest expansion, the airline will offer nearly 40% more flights from the US to Australia and New Zealand next winter season than it did last year.

In addition to the new direct flight to Christchurch, United Airlines will also be adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland, as well as increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney, and larger aircraft flying to Melbourne.

Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said, “Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with our historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers’ travel to the region.”

Tickets are now available for purchase on United’s mobile app and website, just in time for customers to plan their trips for the region’s peak winter season. This upcoming winter, the airline will be nearly 70% larger in New Zealand than it was in 2019.