United Airlines is toasting the reopening of the Australian border with Beach Beer Bondi XPA, bringing Aussie customers a taste of home on their way back to Sydney.
United has announced that Beach Beer Bondi XPA, one of Australia’s newest craft beers, is now available on all flights between Sydney and San Francisco and Los Angeles.
United says it’s the first U.S. airline to offer the boutique brand onboard its flights and it will be available for customers through March 2022.
United was the only airline that maintained passenger service between Australia and the U.S. with daily flights during the pandemic, repatriating Australians and supporting essential travel.
The airlines also maintained trade and global supply chains between the two countries through its cargo services.
“United flies the most to Australia among all U.S. carriers and this partnership is an example of what good mates do,” said Luc Bondar, a native Australian and United’s Vice President of Marketing and Loyalty and President of MileagePlus.
“We are deeply committed to the Australian market and today’s announcement to support a local Aussie start-up brewer is a celebration of that loyalty.”
United also announced this week a new partnership with Virgin Australia Group that will add even more flight options for customers.
Beginning in early 2022, United customers can access convenient one-stop connections to Australia’s top destinations while enjoying the benefits of MileagePlus membership and more.
Beach Beer Bondi XPA, the brand’s flagship beer, is an extra Pale Ale full of floral, fruity, stoney goodness perfect for sipping in the sky while dreaming of the beach.
The beer is brewed with a special yeast sourced from United’s hometown, Chicago, accenting the hop aroma while also keeping it balanced, crisp and dry.
In 2019, Beach Beer Bondi was recognized in the Top 50 Best Craft Beers in Australia at the Great Australian Beer Spectacular festival (GABS).
“Showcasing our flagship beer on America’s premier airline, United Airlines, is a dream for us,” said Paul Parks, Bondi Brewing Company’s founder and director.
“It’s very cool that United is supporting an independent brewer from down-under in what has been a tough couple of years for everyone.”
United currently operates daily nonstop flights between Sydney and San Francisco and Los Angeles with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and will upgauge the fleet to Boeing 777-300ER, effective December 18, eastbound.