United has commenced Boeing 787-9 flights to Sydney, meaning Australia is now an all-Dreamliner market for the US-based carrier.
The 787s have replaced Boeing 777-200ERs that previously served United’s daily Sydney-San Francisco and Sydney-Los Angeles services. The Star Alliance member started its Melbourne-Los Angeles nonstop service in October 2014 with the 787.
United’s first Dreamliner flight to Sydney arrived a little after 0730 on Sunday March 27, when UA863 touched down after a 14-hour journey from San Francisco.
Meanwhile, United’s first Dreamliner-operated service on Los Angeles-Sydney, UA839, landed at Mascot at about 0720 on Monday, March 29.
United director of sales for Australia and New Zealand Julie Reid said switching to the 787 from the 777 highlighted the airline’s commitment to and investment in the Australian market, which stretches back 30 years.
“We’re excited that Australia has become United’s first country with multiple daily operations with Dreamliner only and thrilled that all of our customers in Australia can now enjoy the more comfortable cabin experience offered by the Dreamliner,” Reid said in a statement.
There are more United Dreamliner flights planned for Oceania in 2016, with the Star Alliance member due to return to New Zealand in July when it launches Auckland-San Francisco nonstop service as part of a revenue-sharing joint-venture with Air New Zealand.
