United Airlines will run the service several times a week with the hopes it’ll bring more tourists to both California and Queensland. Source: United Airlines.
United Airlines is set to start direct flights from the US city to Brisbane three times a week beginning October 28.
The announcement was made earlier in the week the US carrier, second largest in the world, to begin these direct flights later in the year, utilising their 787-9 Dreamliner for the journey. According to Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff this could bring an added “80,000 seats in and out of Queensland” every year.
“Brisbane Airport is the gateway to Australia, offering 24/7 operations and direct connections to 53 domestic destinations, more than any other airport in the country.
“As Brisbane Airport welcomes more than 75% of all international arrivals into Queensland, securing United is good news for tourism and hospitality businesses from Coolangatta to the Cape.”
It’s expected this initiative will bring in $73 million into the local economy.
Brisbane to San Francisco flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays with the opposite route planned for Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk commented on the importance of getting Queensland’s tourism industry back up and running.
“This airline route is also of strategic importance for Queensland when it comes to growing our share of the international tourism market,” she said.
“San Francisco is a major hub for United with direct connectivity to 80 North American cities.
“By securing these flights, Queensland becomes an easy choice for thousands of visitors throughout the US.”
United Airlines have recently agreed to a new partnership with Virgin Australia, something Senior VP of international network alliances at United Patrick Quayle said will bring more US tourists to the country.
“From Brisbane, United customers will be able to easily connect to nearly 20 other cities within Australia. With United’s strong history in Australia – and now with a great partner in Virgin Australia – it’s the ideal time for United to expand service to Brisbane as demand for travel continues to grow.”
