United Airlines’ inaugural flight to Christchurch has landed this morning, the first time a US airline has flown directly into the South Island.
The 787-8 Dreamliner from San Francisco touched down just after 10am today.
It’s the first flight of what will be a regular service between the US and the South Island city.
The new UA731 service will be carried by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departing Christchurch three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, all at 2.15pm.
In the other direction, the UA730 service will depart San Francisco on Fridays, Sundays and Wednesdays at 11.30pm.
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United said in a release the inaugural aircraft is christened with the name Kiwi Cruiser and sports a silver fern “signifying a defining moment in aviation history, and the strengthening of United Airlines’ relationship with New Zealand for years to come”.
“By the end of 2023, United will operate 66 flights between the U.S. and the South Pacific region each week,” the carrier said in a release.
“With nearly 50% growth over the past year, it is the largest expansion to the region in US aviation history.”
United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances Patrick Quayle said adding the route was a personal passion after backpacking in Aotearoa earlier in his life.
“It’s such a special destination that offers travellers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world,” he said, “and because of United’s partnership with Air New Zealand, customers can easily connect from Christchurch to 19 other destinations across New Zealand.”
Air New Zealand chief transformation and alliances officer Mike Williams said the new route expands South Islanders’ international travel options, as well as the relationship between the airlines.
“This new route is great news for customers, who now have even more connection options between New Zealand and the US,” he said.
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“What’s more, our alliance with United Airlines means customers can book to travel on the new service on an Air New Zealand booking and receive the same loyalty benefits as they would travelling with Air New Zealand – and vice versa for United Airlines customers.
“With fantastic onboard experiences available across the airlines, we’re thrilled to welcome United into another region here in Aotearoa (New Zealand).”
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the airport is excited to welcome the San Francisco service, and that it will “supercharge” tourism in the region.
“The American travel market is buoyant, with Americans travelling widely again and we know they want to experience what the South Island offers,” he said.
“In addition, the service brings much needed air freight capacity for South Island producers and enables South Islanders direct access to the US and beyond.”
Christchurch Airport has opened Planespotters’ Park specially for the inaugural flight from 9am to 3pm for observers to watch the aircraft’s landing and departure.
