The first ever direct passenger flight between the United States and South Australia has touched down, with the new United Airlines service from San Francisco landing at Adelaide Airport on December 13.

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.

United will operate the flight three-times weekly seasonally through March 2026, with the San Francisco to Adelaide flight taking just under 16 hours, while the flight out of Adelaide to San Francisco will be slightly shorter.

United will operate the flights with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft offering 257 seats, including 48 all-aisle-access flatbed seats in United Polaris business class.

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.

“The first ever direct flights between Adelaide and the United States are now in the air,” said the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas.

“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.”

The new service means United becomes the only airline with nonstop service between the United States and four Australian cities — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and now Adelaide – to the USA.

The flight also serves as a one-stop connection for travellers from Perth, who are currently not served by a United States 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.

“Being the first airline to provide service between Adelaide and the U.S. is an exciting step for United and for travellers on both sides of the Pacific,” said 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,” he said.

Eligible guests will have access to the Virgin Australia Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport ahead of their departure.