Melbourne Airport is pleased to add a second non-stop service to San Francisco, increasing capacity on the popular route, thanks to United Airlines.  

The inaugural flight took off at 10:30am this morning, carrying 252 travellers on the 14 hour journey.  

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Andrew Gardiner said the new service was a win for Victorian travellers, as it not only facilitates travel to San Francisco but also the US west-coast.   

“We are pleased in United’s decision to add a non-stop connection between Melbourne and San Francisco, as the city is currently the second most visited US west-coast destination out of Melbourne,” said Mr Gardiner.  

“The service meets the demand we’re seeing between Melbourne and the US, and given San Francisco International Airport is United Airlines’ hub, there will be no-shortage of on-going flights available for Victorian travellers to choose from, providing connections to both the west and east coast.” 

Julie Reid, United’s director for Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti Sales, says, "Australia continues to be a strong international market for United, and we are committed to connecting Australians to more destinations in North America. We know Australians love San Francisco and are proud we can now deliver Melburnians there in style.” 

 United Airlines’ flights from Melbourne to San Francisco will depart every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:30am, arriving into San Francisco at 6:40am on the same day.