United Airlines Expands Daily San Francisco-Tahiti Flights with Boeing 787 Dreamliner
United Airlines plans to enhance its service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, by increasing the frequency from five weekly flights to daily operations. These flights, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, highlight United Airlines’ confidence in this route, which has steadily grown in popularity since it began seven years ago.
Transition to Year-Round Service
The Chicago-based airline, a founding member of the Star Alliance, initially offered this route on a seasonal basis starting in October 2018. It marked the first time since Continental Airlines that a U.S. carrier provided direct flights from the mainland to Tahiti. By March 2019, United had extended the service to operate year-round. Janet Lamkin stated, “We are thrilled to extend this exciting flight to a year-round schedule. For Californians and our customers connecting through San Francisco, this route offers an escape to a little corner of paradise.”
Flight Schedule and Connectivity
According to a recent Aero Routes report, United Airlines will increase its San Francisco-Papeete service to daily flights next summer, pending government approval. This daily operation is scheduled to commence on June 29. Here is the current schedule:
| Flight Number | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| UA115 | 13:25 from San Francisco | 18:55 in Papeete |
| UA114 | 21:10 from Papeete | 08:20 +1 in San Francisco |
These timings accommodate both local travelers and those connecting through San Francisco, facilitating seamless transitions for passengers from various starting points, including Western Europe and Tel Aviv, as noted by Patrick Quayle, United’s VP of International Network.
Non-Stop Competitors on the Route
Per Cirium data, United is among five airlines offering non-stop flights from the U.S. to Tahiti. United’s direct competitor, French bee, serves the San Francisco-Papeete route thrice weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. In Los Angeles, Air France and Air Tahiti Nui also fly non-stop to Tahiti, operating up to ten times weekly with A350s and 787s, respectively.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft United uses on this route accommodates 257 passengers across three classes: 48 Polaris business seats, 21 premium economy, and 188 economy. Air Tahiti Nui operates two weekly direct flights from Papeete to Seattle with 294-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Hawaiian Airlines completes the list of carriers flying to Tahiti, offering weekly services from Honolulu with A330-200s.
