Auckland Airport says the return of United Airlines' San Francisco-to-Auckland service will contribute $190 million annually to the New Zealand economy.

The airline will start flights from July next year as part of an alliance with Air New Zealand.

It'll use the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, to operate the flights.

United Airlines last flew into Auckland Airport in 2003.

Auckland Airport general manager Norris Carter says this new service is expected to deliver an additional 140 thousand seats every year on the North American route.