With travel between China and the US still languishing below pre-pandemic levels, US airlines need to find new markets to ensure their widebody aircraft are making money this winter season.
This year, widebody capacity between the US and New Zealand has soared to the point where competition for seats has pushed fares and airline profits lower.
Undeterred, United Airlines has resumed its seasonal service between San Francisco and Christchurch, the major city on the South Island of New Zealand.
Following a successful (southern) summer season last year, United relaunched the service last week, with the first flight from San Francisco touching down in Christchurch at 10:24 on Friday, December 6, 2024.
United Airlines (United) flight UA730 departed San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Thursday at 00:14 and, after a 13:10-hour flight, landed at Christchurch International Airport (CHC) at 10:24 on Friday.
The service was operated with a 2014 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration N28912 and MSN 34828, that departed Christchurch at 14:30 and arrived in San Francisco at 05:51.
As the top picture shows, the Dreamliner's fuselage carries the name Kiwi Cruiser and the New Zealand Fern, a quasi-national emblem, painted on it, although this may be just a promotional design for the launch service.
The route between San Francisco and Christchurch International Airport will operate three times weekly and is the only nonstop connection from the South Island to the USA.
Last year, the nonstop seasonal service increased the number of visitors to Te Waipounamu (the South Island) from the US by almost 80%, and with bookings already booming, Christchurch Airport predicts similar visitor numbers from the US in the 2024/2025 season.
Tim Wallis, United Airlines Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand said:
"After a solid first season last year we are delighted to return this seasonal service to Christchurch, and we are excited to continue that airbridge between the United States and the South Island. This route showcases the demand for travel and trade, and we look forward to another promising season ahead."
Airlines put a lot of time and energy into researching routes, and airports and tourism bodies spend just as much time trying to attract them.
The return of this service is a vote of confidence in the South Island from United and is part of a collaboration between United and Air New Zealand through their joint venture.
Christchurch Airport said the route's success is down to three specific unique needs:
- Tourism: The nonstop route aligns with the peak tourist season, providing American travelers with easy access to the South Island's stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for adventure, boosting the local tourism industry.
- Antarctic Operations: Christchurch is the primary gateway for the US Antarctic Program, and this service supports the travel of significant numbers of American and international scientists and technicians to and from the frozen continent.
- Exports: When the pandemic grounded most of the world's aircraft, the impact on exports was significant, and every time a new route opened, exporters of perishable goods breathed a sigh of relief. This service enhances trade opportunities, and cargo space is already filling with New Zealand's fresh exports, such as kiwifruit, fish and meat destined for US markets.
Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson said United's direct service from San Francisco is a game-changer for Christchurch, and the airport is excited to continue that airbridge between the United States and the South Island, adding:
"This route showcases the demand for travel and trade, and we look forward to another promising season ahead."
Passengers looking for connections at either end of the route will be well served. US travelers can enjoy easy connections to more than 30 destinations across New Zealand and the South Pacific, and Kiwis can make the most of more than 125 destinations within the United States.
