UAL to Resume Auckland-San Francisco Nonstop Service

United resumes the seasonal nonstop service with the brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring United Polaris business class seats

United Airlines (UAL) today announced that it will resume its nonstop flight between Auckland Airport (AKL) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hub, effective October 31, 2017 (northbound).

United will operate the seasonal flight service with the new Boeing 777-300ER, the newest aircraft type featuring the all-new United Polaris business class seats.

"Starting this spring in New Zealand we will resume our popular Auckland-San Francisco service with a larger Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Over the years we have seen an overwhelming demand during this popular summer season and we are excited to offer not just the new United Polaris business class but also an increased capacity." said Julie Reid, Director of Australia and New Zealand, Sales. "This means we'll be getting more customers to the moments that matter most, elevating their overall travel experience."

Auckland - San Francisco Flight Schedule

United's seasonal flight between Auckland Airport and San Francisco International Airport begins on October 31, 2017. United will fly six days per week from October 31, 2017 until December 17, 2017 and daily thereafter until the end of the seasonal service on March 24, 2018. United Flight 916 will depart New Zealand's Auckland Airport at 3:30 p.m., arriving at San Francisco International Airport at 6:50 a.m. the same day. The return flight, UA 917, will depart San Francisco at 10:45 p.m. arriving in New Zealand at 8:55 a.m. two days later (all times local). Flying time will be approximately 12 hours 20 minutes northbound and 13 hours, 10 minutes southbound.

The United Polaris Experience

United Polaris business class is the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience for intercontinental travelers.

Launched on December 1, 2016 on all long-haul international flights, United Polaris featured an elevated inflight food and beverage experience, tranquil custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, and exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa.

All-New Business Class Seat

United's 777-300ER aircraft offers a modern, spacious interior envisioned in partnership with design firm PriestmanGoode, including the airline's all-new United Polaris business class seat. Each United Polaris suite-like pod features direct access to the aisle, a 180-degree flat-bed that measures 6'6'' and 23 inches wide with infinite seat recline options and one-touch lumbar support, ample storage, multiple surfaces that enable passengers to dine while working, universal A/C power as well as 2-USB ports, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen, electronic privacy dividers for seats in the center of the cabin, mood lighting and an illuminated "Do Not Disturb" sign. Additionally, a marble-topped bar unit offers customers in business class a place to grab a mid-flight drink or snack.

This new seat represents the latest in the continued roll-out of United Polaris, the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing experience for intercontinental travelers.

The Boeing 777-300ER features 60 seats in United Polaris business class in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct-aisle access from all seats, as well as 102 seats in United Economy Plus and 204 seats in United Economy.

777-300ER Cabin Experience

Throughout the aircraft, the cabin interior is comprised of bespoke branding elements as well as carpets, fabrics and wall laminates - that, like the United Polaris seat, were specially

designed for United, as well as redesigned lavatories which include modern finishings and

farmhouse-style sinks. With a focus on providing a more tranquil journey for customers, the new cabin design features LED mood-lighting to complement sleep and assist with time-zone changes as well as textured and softer touch materials which not only provide a more premium feel, but will absorb aircraft noise and other sound within the cabin.