First non-stop US to SA flight lands at Adelaide Airport as United Airlines opens new route

There were touching family reunions and kangaroo onesies on show as United Airlines’ inaugural non-stop flight to SA touched down in a historic first.

The first United Airlines flight touches down in Adelaide after a 16 hour journey from San Francisco. Picture: Supplied

There were touching family reunions and kangaroo onesies on show as the first ever direct US to Adelaide flight touched down on Saturday morning.

The inaugural United Airlines flight – a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 257 passengers from San Francisco – landed just after 9.30am following the marathon 16-hour flight time.

The Dreamliner was plastered with a postage stamp decal with Adelaide written on it.

This sticker will stay on the plane for the next few weeks with the aircraft literally taking the city’s name around the world.

The inaugural United Airlines flight – a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 257 passengers from San Francisco Picture: Supplied

Adelaide Airport’s international arrivals gate was packed with excited families, with emotional scenes as children held handmade “Welcome home daddy” signs and wrapped returning loved ones in big hugs.

Passengers were treated to a taste of South Australia in the air, with premium travellers served local produce including Penfolds Grange and lobster.

Among the first off the plane was San Francisco local and self-described “aviation enthusiast” Philip Wong, who was hopping straight back on a flight home later the same day.

Mr Wong said he was part of a group who regularly catch inaugural United Airlines flights simply for the thrill of it.

“There’s three of us actually that got on the flight here and we’re heading straight back,” he said.

“Being on the planes is our happy place … so it’s not a chore to take the flight.”

The flying fan said he will use his six hours in Adelaide to freshen up and have some food.

Warren Rieutort-Louis went to the trouble of making a kangaroo suit with the San Francisco and Adelaide flight details. Picture: Dean Martin

Warren Rieutort-Louis is part of the same group but will stay in Adelaide for two days before heading home.

The Californian was dressed for the occasion in a kangaroo onesie.

“I wore it the entire flight it was actually surprisingly cosy and really soft,” he said.

“There was some really good food on board so we really enjoyed it.”

After four weeks away from home, Sam Clapton was happy to be back home and greeted by his children Freddie, 6, and Lily, 7, and parents Karen and Peter Mingham.

“There was a fair few clapping (on the plane),” Mr Clapton said.

“It feels very nice to see you guys (Freddie and Lily) again, I’ve missed you so much.”

Sam Clapton had been in Florida for the past four weeks, and his kids, Lily, 7, and Freddie, 6, who made welcome home signs. Picture: Dean Martin

At a post-arrival party at Gate 15, Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was “wrapped” to see the United Airlines partnership come into fruition.

“We’re very conscious of the size of the investement and comittment that United has made to the South Australian people and the South Australian market,” the Premier said.

“This is a moment South Australia has been looking for 20 years … we have had an ambition as a state to have a direct flight in and out of the United States of American; the world’s largest economy, the beacon of hope to every person that believes in democratic freedoms globally.”

SA politicians pose for a selfie with the inaugural plane. Picture: Supplied

Minister for Trade and Toursim, Don Farrell joked that he deserved “a little bit of credit” for United Airlines arrival in South Australia after he pushed for the flight introduction last year.

“It’s great to be here with Brenton (Adelaide Airport managing director) and all of his team,” Mr Farrell said.

“Congratulations on this fantastic setup today and it’s really good to be in a place where they like family reunions and this is exactly that spot.”

Three United Airlines return flights between Adelaide and San Franciso will run every week until the end of March, 2026.

While currently operating for this limited season, United Airlines senior vice president, network planning and alliances Patrick Qule did not rule out the possibility of an extension and said future decisions would be made with a “measured way of going into the market”.

Originally published as First non-stop US to SA flight lands at Adelaide Airport as United Airlines opens new route