United Airlines adds direct flights to LA, more flights to San Francisco from Brisbane

Hundreds of new direct flights to the US will take off from Brisbane after a landmark deal with a major carrier, including new direct flights to LA and four more flights a week to San Francisco.

Hundreds of new direct flights to the US will take off from Brisbane after a landmark deal with United Airlines.

In a major windfall for the tourism industries of both Queensland and the US, United will launch flights from Brisbane to Los Angeles, starting in early December, while the airline’s existing Brisbane-San Francisco route will bump up from three times a week to daily by late September.

The deal, announced overnight in the US, received a ringing endorsement from America’s ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, who has spent the past few days enjoying the best of the Sunshine State.

“This is a great result for Queensland and such an important investment by United Airlines in Australia,” she said.

“They (United) know what so many Americans know – that Queensland is unique in the world and a destination of choice.

“Americans love coming to Australia because of the wonderful people, the rich cultural heritage, and the incredible landscapes.

“This announcement is a sign of our ever-growing economic relationship and the enormous flow of students, business people, researchers and workers between Australia and the United States.”

ESCAPE: Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco at twilight Picture: iStock

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff the new services would “turbo charge” tourism and trade opportunities right across the country.

“As Brisbane Airport welcomes more than 75 per cent of all international arrivals into Queensland, partnering with United to increase San Francisco frequencies and add new non-stop LA services is terrific news for tourism and hospitality businesses from Coolangatta to the Cape,” he said.

The increased volume of flights will make United – which partners with Virgin – Brisbane’s biggest provider of flights to the US.

Qantas operates daily flights to LA, but only United has committed to flights to both of California’s most strategic destinations.

Patrick Quayle, United Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said the deal showed the airline’s confidence in ties between Queensland and the US, which will be heading into a cold winter when the extra flights to sunny Queensland come online.

Hollywood Boulevard, LA, at dusk. Photo – istock

“Our enhanced network will make United the largest carrier between the US and Brisbane and provide unparalleled access and connectivity for travellers,” he said.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the deal, secured as part of the $2b aviation war chest designed to bring more flights to our four international airports, represented a huge opportunity with one of the world’s biggest travel markets.

“The United States is one of Queensland’s top five source countries for visitors and growing,” he said.

“Our strong trans-Pacific partnership with United and Brisbane Airport is behind the airline’s decision to fly direct from Los Angeles for the first time from December.

“Extra San Francisco services and the new LA flights give US travellers more opportunity to escape the northern hemisphere’s winter and enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle.

“This is great news for Queensland tourism operators and the rebuild of our international visitor economy.”

Originally published as United Airlines adds direct flights to LA, more flights to San Francisco from Brisbane