Air New Zealand connects Auckland and New York non-stop for the first time

Air New Zealand launched its first non-stop service between Auckland and New York yesterday on New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The route is the longest in its network, with an average flying time of 17 hours.

New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, Chancellor Dame Therese Walsh and Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran were on the inaugural flight with travel and tourism partners.

Foran explained, “Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of 29 international destinations. By adding greater access to the US East Coast, we connect our North American customers to 20 New Zealand destinations, as well as potential destinations in the Pacific and Australia. It’s great for our customers.”

Three weekly flights will be operated between Auckland and New York-JFK, with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner carrying 18 passengers in Business Class, 21 passengers in Premium and 263 passengers in Economy (including 42 Skycoach).

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Following this introduction, flight NZ2 will depart at 7:40pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight NZ1 departs New York (JFK) at 9:55pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and lands two days later at 7:30am, for a total net flight time of 5:35pm.

Air New Zealand will serve a total of seven destinations in North America: Chicago (from October 31), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and New York.