United Airlines has announced a large expansion in the south pacific region including new flights to Christchurch New Zealand from San Francisco starting on December 1, 2023. United Airlines will be the only carrier operating the route. Compared to last year, United will operate 66 flights to New Zealand a week, an increase of around 40%. Through Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand and codeshare Virgin Australia over 50 connections can be made in the region. Many routes will see increased frequencies including 4 weekly flights from Las Angeles to Auckland starting October 28, 2023. Additional flights to Brisbane and Sydney have also been added as a part of this massive expansion. Starting October 28, 2023 United will deploy the 777-300 between San Francisco and Sydney increasing capacity on the route. This announcement comes after rival Qantas unveiled their Project Sunshine A350 product which will operate ultra long Haul Routes from Australia to the United States and Beyond.