United Airlines kicked off service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Christchurch Airport (CHC) on Dec. 10, establishing the only nonstop air connection between the U.S. and New Zealand’s South Island.

The first flight from SFO was operated with a Boeing 787-9, according to CHC. The airline will use a 787-8 on the route going forward, flying the service 3X-weekly. 

Tim Walls, United’s regional sales manager for Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti, says in a statement that “New Zealand will always be a bucket-list destination for our U.S. travelers, and this flight offers direct access to the natural wonders of the South Island.”

CHC CEO Justin Watson notes United’s partnership with fellow Star Alliance carrier Air New Zealand means United passengers “can access all the domestic network via Christchurch Airport’s single terminal transfer.”

He adds: “United’s flights will provide much needed additional airfreight capacity for South Island exporters to get their precious cargo out quickly and onto the shelves in offshore markets.”

Overall, United is planning to operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand during the 2023-24 northern hemisphere winter versus last year.

In addition to the Air New Zealand tie-up, United signed a codeshare agreement with Virgin Australia in late 2021, replacing a Virgin Australia-Delta Air Lines partnership that had existed for more than a decade.