The new flight will be the only nonstop service to Australia from Houston and offers customers from Houston as well as from hundreds of cities across the U.S. the opportunity to conveniently travel to Sydney.
United currently serves Sydney nonstop from its West Coast hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
At 8,596 miles, this flight will be United’s second longest. Together with its service from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Singapore, United will fly the three longest flights by a U.S. airline, making United the leader in ultra-long haul flights.
United Airlines President, Scott Kirby, said: “Our Houston hub is stronger than ever and it continues to be an absolutely vital part of our industry-leading network.
“We are honored to have served this vibrant city for nearly half a century, and this exciting intercontinental flight is one more way we are demonstrating United’s commitment to our customers who call Houston home as well as the millions of customers who connect through Houston each year.
“This new route will serve more than 70 cities across North America making one-stop service to Sydney faster and more convenient than ever before,” he said.
United’s flight between Houston and Sydney will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with a total of 252 seats – 48 flat-bed seats in United Polaris business class, 63 Economy Plus seats and 141 seats in United Economy.
United Polaris business class features a reimagined, sleep-enhancing experience for intercontinental travelers, including elevated inflight food and beverages, tranquil custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, comfortable pajamas and exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House and Co’s Cowshed Spa.
United Economy Plus offers additional legroom and increased personal space. Located near the front of the economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of allowing a swifter exit from the plane on arrival.
United Economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. Additionally, the seats feature an adjustable headrest and a personal on-demand entertainment system.