United Airlines’ first ever direct flight between the United States and South Australia has touched down, with the new service from San Francisco landing at Adelaide Airport on 13 December 2025.
Passengers onboard the inaugural flight were greeted at the arrivals gate with a number of South Australian icons, including Jurlique, Haigh’s, and Penfolds to entice them to sample more of what South Australia has to offer during their stay.
United marked the historic occasion with a special ‘Adelaide’ design on the aircraft, resembling a giant postage stamp, highlighting United’s new connection to Adelaide. The ‘Adelaide’ stamp decal will stay on this aircraft for the next few weeks as it flies around United’s global route network – showcasing Adelaide to the world.
The new service means United becomes the only airline with nonstop service between the US and four Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and now Adelaide – to the US The flight also serves as a one-stop connection for travellers from Perth, who are currently not served by a US direct route.
The new route also offers South Australian customers seamless connections to more than 40 destinations across the United States, including New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. United flies to more than 100 cities around the world from its hub in San Francisco, including destinations in North and Central America, plus connections to Europe.
United operates the flight three-times weekly seasonally through March 2026. The San Francisco to Adelaide flight takes just under 16 hours, while the flight out of Adelaide to San Francisco will be slightly shorter. United operates the flights with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft offering 257 seats, including 48 all-aisle-access flatbed seats in United PolarisSM business class. Eligible guests have access to the Virgin Australia Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport ahead of their departure.
United is the largest airline in the world, as measured by available seat miles, and flies to more international destinations than any other US carrier. Across the globe, United offers more than 850 daily flights to and from over 150 international destinations – including 41 that no other U.S. airline serves – next year.
“Being the first airline to provide service between Adelaide and the US is an exciting step for United and for travellers on both sides of the Pacific,” United Airlines senior vice president – network planning and alliances Patrick Quayle.
“This new route is about connecting people to places they want to go – whether that’s visiting family, opening doors for business and trade, or discovering the world-class food, wine and natural beauty in San Francisco, Adelaide and beyond. We’re proud to make these journeys easier and to support the growing ties between our two countries, and we thank South Australia for the warm welcome you’ve shown us.”
“The first ever direct flights between Adelaide and the United States are now in the air,” South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas MP said. “This represents a massive leap forward for aviation in South Australia and brings a big economic boost to the state, more visitors and more opportunities for business and freight which will inject millions into our state.
“The United States is a key strategic partner for South Australia, most notably through the AUKUS agreement. South Australia’s trade links to the US are also well established with key exports including wine, meat (especially beef), fruit and vegetables, and even nuts. To our American visitors arriving this morning; G’day and welcome! To the South Australians heading off to San Francisco this afternoon, enjoy your flight and we’ll see you when you get home.”
“Welcoming United Airlines to Adelaide Airport is historic – our first direct link to the United States,” South Australia Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said. “The addition of new international flights into Adelaide is a massive vote of confidence in our state as a visitor destination, and as a place to do business.
“We now have more international connections to South Australia than ever before; we are welcoming the world to see all we have to offer. We’ve seen the number of American visitors to South Australia increase over recent years, so this direct link will be a game changer in terms of connectivity for those wanting to visit and work in our wonderful state. California and South Australia have much in common, two Great Wine Capitals, two places which enjoy warm summers, and now it’ll be easier than ever to get between the two. We can’t wait to show even more American visitors all that our State has on offer.”
“Today’s launch enhances the ties between two innovation-driven regions and reflects the full steam ahead momentum in US-Australia cooperation, uniting our people, and our economies, even closer together,” United States Embassy to Australia acting deputy chief of mission David Muniz said.
“The launch of United Airlines’ first-ever direct flight between San Francisco and Adelaide, and the first US connection to South Australia, marks another chapter in the US-Australia partnership. Greater connectivity bolsters our commercial, scientific, and strategic cooperation, including AUKUS, which depends on seamless travel between our governments, militaries, and industries – and continues to strengthen our people-to-people ties.”
“Today’s launch opens up an entirely new continent for South Australians heading abroad, tourism operators looking to attract US visitors, and businesses seeking new export markets,” Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said.
“This is a core connection in our aviation network vision that has been decades in the making. It is the result of strong collaboration between Adelaide Airport and the South Australian Government, and the confidence and support of United Airlines. We will now have even greater business connectivity and export and supply chain opportunities with North America – improving links with what is already our State’s second biggest export market.”
Onboard products and services
The service from Adelaide to San Francisco is operated with United’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft, featuring a total of 257 seats – 48 all-aisle-access flatbed seats in United Polaris business class, 21 United Premium Plus and 188 in economy, including 39 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.
The design of the Dreamliner offers customers many features for increased comfort such as large windows, spacious overhead storage and modern LED lighting to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clock on the long-haul flight. In addition, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and smoother ride help customers feel rested on arrival.
United Polaris business class is a premium travel experience that prioritises relaxation and comfort, featuring quality inflight dining, amenity products and services from Brooks Brothers, Perricone MD and Saks Fifth Avenue and full flat-bed seats with all aisle access.
United Premium Plus features a spacious seat with more legroom, elbow room and recline than a standard Economy Plus or economy seat, as well as an amenity kit, Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and plush pillow.
United Economy Plus offers added legroom and increased personal space. Located near the front of the economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of a swifter exit from the plane on arrival. Economy Plus seating is available on all trans-Pacific flights.
United economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. On most aircraft, seats feature an adjustable headrest and a personal on-demand entertainment system.
