In what is a historic moment, Air New Zealand has touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport today, marking the first of its non-stop flights connecting the city of sails and the city that never sleeps.
The inagural flight (NZ2) from Auckland (AKL) to New York JFK), departed at 19:40 New Zealand time on Saturday evening with a flight time of 15 hours and 46 minutes.
The route, flown on a Dreamliner 787-9 is 14,215kms in total and now the fourth-longest currently operating commercial flight in the world.
Minister of Tourism for New Zealand Hon Stuart Nash, Chair Dame Therese Walsh and Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran were onboard the inaugural flight and key tourism and travel partners.
Foran said introducing a non-stop service between Auckland and New York connects his two favourite places.
“As one of the world’s greatest cities, Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of 29 international destinations. By adding greater access to the East Coast of the US, we’re connecting our North American customers to the possibilities of 20 destinations within New Zealand as well as the Pacific and Australia, all within easy reach. This is terrific for our customers.”
The airline’s new international menu was also debuted onboard NZ2, showcasing the best New Zealand produce worldwide.
Premium customers can now add the likes of seared salmon from Marlborough, free-range chicken from Waikato or bacon, and streamed green vegetables or fresh, crisp salads picked straight from orchards and fields in Gisborne, Waikato and the Manawatū.
Air New Zealand now serves seven destinations in North America – Chicago (from 31 October), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and (after much anticipation), New York City.
The new direct route to New York will fly three times weekly, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flight NZ1, the first return flight from New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL), will depart at 21:55 ET with a flight time of 17 and a half hours.
This week, Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand launched a joint campaign in the US and Canada to showcase Aotearoa and encourage North American travellers to book a holiday in New Zealand.
The requirement for face coverings was also removed on any Air New Zealand-operated flights on 13 September 2022 after the NZ Government dropped the mask mandate on inbound international services to Aotearoa and internal domestic flights.
For more, head to www.airnewzealand.com.au
