United Airlines has announced a new Dreamliner 787 service will start on December 8 and fly three times a week for four months.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the new service will get South Islanders to the US on one flight and also responds to Americans’ interest in the South Island.

“The American travel market is buoyant. Americans are travelling widely again and we know they want to experience what the South Island offers,” he says.

“This new service will supercharge tourism value to New Zealand. Statistics show American visitors who enter the country through Christchurch Airport spend 42% more in New Zealand and stay 33% longer. 

"Based on government data, the seasonal service is forecast to bring in $44 million in visitor spend for New Zealand, with $32 million of that in South Island regions.  This is the ideal combination of national value impact and regional economic impact.

“The service will help South Island high-value exports to the US, which, based on historical records, could exceed 800 tonnes for the season.”

Justin Watson says the United Airlines service will connect Christchurch, America and Antarctica.

"We are the world’s southernmost gateway to Antarctica, with the United States Antarctic Programme based here.  That brings more than 3,000 staff, researchers and supplies from the US every year to Christchurch, and on to Antarctica in our summer.