United Airlines is bringing a bigger Dreamliner to New Zealand this summer.

The airline with the world’s biggest fleet is swapping the Boeing 787-8 for the bigger 787-9 on the San Francisco-Christchurch route.

United said the seasonal service would return from December 2 to March 26, operating three times a week.

It also said the 787-9 would provide increased capacity, including an additional 20 United Polaris business class seats.

United’s seat maps showed the new choice had 257 seats, 149 of them in economy.

The previous aircraft had 243 seats, 158 of them in economy.

The 787-9 is also longer, at 63m, and its range of 14,010km is almost 500km further.

United’s Dreamliners use General Electric GEnx engines.

Meanwhile, United’s Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand today announced three new direct international routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth.

The Christchurch-Singapore service will start on October 28, the Tokyo service a month later, and the Perth service on November 30.

“Japan has been our fastest growing destination for some time, up 14% last year,” House of Travel chief executive David Coombes said.

“The culture and history, plus the skiing that rivals anywhere in the world means it’s a fantastic destination to visit year round.”

Corporate Traveller NZ general manager Angie Forsyth said the new routes would improve onward connections into Europe.

“These direct services are a real boost for business travel out of Christchurch.”

Flight Centre NZ general manager Heidi Walker said the new Perth service was also exciting.

“With so many New Zealanders living and working in Western Australia, that route will be a real win for families staying connected and a brilliant leisure option for everyone else.”

A 2021 Census showed an estimated 60,000 Perth residents were born in New Zealand.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.