Air New Zealand officially brought the East Coast of America a little closer to Oceania late last week when its first non-stop service from Auckland to Chicago touched down.
Air New Zealand’s Flight NZ26 departed Auckland International Airport at 5.00pm on Friday (30 November 2018) and touched down at Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1.00pm (local time) where the cool snow welcomed first flyers.
Passengers on board the Dreamliner 787-9 spent 15 hours exploring the special aircraft, which was specifically designed for the long route with extra Business Class and Premium Economy seats.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqymWbpgOLX/
Meanwhile, back home in New Zealand and across the ditch in Australia, the airline celebrated the first flight by providing Travel Agents with a free Chicago-inspired pizza for lunch.
Nom Nom!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqyoL2GHKGl/
As the longest flight in the Air New Zealand network, Chief Executive, Christopher Luxon, said he’s excited about the opportunities the route presents for travellers and the airline.
“We’re excited to offer our customers a direct link between New Zealand and Chicago.”
Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand Chief Executive
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0KD3OA2U3/
“With our alliance partner United operating more flights out of its hub of O’Hare International Airport than any other airline, the new service to Chicago will provide customers with convenient one-stop codeshare connections to around 100 destinations across the US.”
He continued, saying that he expects the route to also increase number of US visitors travelling to New Zealand every year from the current 340,000.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0cliuAdwS/
Air New Zealand’s direct service on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will operate Auckland on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- READ: Auckland-Chicago + 5 other new routes taking off soon
- READ: Air NZ to send 787 with extra Business seats to Chicago
- READ: Air New Zealand to fly Auckland to Chicago direct
