• New daily United Airlines Houston-Sydney service to start on 20 January 2018
• Service to operate on 252-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Next generation aircraft providing comfort and choice on long-haul flight

Sydney Airport has welcomed United Airlines’ announcement that it will commence a daily Houston-Sydney service from 20 January 2018.

Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said the new service provided an important connection with the largest city in the southern United States and a significant business hub in its own right.

“With Sydney Airport facilitating 58% of the passenger movements between the US and Australia, we’re delighted to welcome United Airlines’ new service,” Ms Mather said.

“Houston is an extremely powerful transport hub, with this service connecting Sydney to 70 cities in key US and South American destinations.

“This new service increases the choice available to more than 2.4 million passengers travelling between our countries each year.

“The service also adds to the growing number of next generation aircraft serving Sydney, providing our customers with the chance to access long-haul flights with even more comfort and convenience.

United Airlines Vice President of Atlantic and Pacific Sales Marcel Fuchs said the new service would be the airline’s second-longest route, at 8,596 miles (13,834km).

“At United we are proud to offer our customers the world’s most comprehensive route network and this new flight helps to bolster that offering further,” Mr Fuchs said.

“We look forward to offering travellers flying on this route a faster and more convenient travel experience.”

The flight will operate on the next generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with 252 seats, adding 184,000 seats per annum. It is the sixth US city destination served by Sydney Airport.

The first flight will commence on 20 January 2018, subject to government approvals, adding to United Airline’s existing Sydney services from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Flight details UA100 – Departs Sydney 11.50am daily, arrives Houston at 10.35am the same day UA101 – Departs Houston 8pm daily, arrives Sydney 6.30am two days later