United Airlines’ new direct flights to Adelaide from San Francisco this coming December have been hailed as ‘historic’ by the South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, who is thrilled to see the first ever non-stop services to California from his state.

The new thrice-weekly services have been made possible thanks to the South Australian Government and South Australian Tourism Commission and will provide a massive economic injection to the city.

“Today is an historic occasion for South Australians who have long wanted to fly direct to the United States,” Malinauskas said.

“For many years, the ambition of a direct route between South Australia and the US has been out of reach.

“With our State’s economy outperforming the nation, and the historic AUKUS agreement set to drive unprecedented investment into South Australia – now is the right time for direct flights to the US.

“I encourage any South Australians who are heading to the US to take advantage of this magnificent service into San Francisco each year,” he said.

Commencing as a seasonal service departing San Francisco on 11 December 2025 and subject to government approvals, the 15-hour flight will operate three times per week until March, “with a possibility to increase in the future as demand grows”, according to United.

The first flight will depart Adelaide for San Francisco on 13 December 2025 and it will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 257 seats, including 48 in United Polaris Business Class and 21 in United Premium Plus.

Flights will arrive into Adelaide at 9:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and departing the same day for San Francisco at 2:55pm.

When the new flight launches, United will become the only airline with nonstop service to four Australian cities — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide — offering more routes between the two countries than any other carrier.

“The United States is a key tourism market for South Australia, with more than 44,000 visitors experiencing our State last year – contributing $77 million to our State’s economy,” said South Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison.

“Our guests from America love to explore and know that South Australia is a great place to experience unique settings and wildlife – to get up close with kangaroos and koalas or swim with dolphins and sea lions.

“They love the rugged outback of the Flinders Ranges, and the pristine nature of Kangaroo Island, t our premium produce, delicious dining – and of course our wine.

“I’d like to congratulate the team at the South Australian Tourism Commission and Adelaide Airport Ltd for their hard work in attracting United Airlines to our State – it’s a tremendous result for our tourism industry,” she said.

South Australia’s deal with United Airlines will see direct flights from the 3rd largest international visitor market for Australia.

For the year ending December 2024, there were 669,000 trips from the United States to Australia with visitors spending AU$2 billion.