Now that New Zealand has announced plans to reopen to U.S. tourists this May, Air New Zealand has revealed more details on a new direct flight between New York City and Auckland.
Starting Sept. 17, Air New Zealand will offer direct flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to New Zealand’s Auckland International Airport. The new route’s launch, originally announced in October 2019, was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The U.S. has always been a key market for us, and this new route cements our commitment to growing opportunities for tourism between the two countries,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said in a news release Tuesday. “In the six years leading up to COVID, the U.S. visitor numbers to New Zealand doubled so we expect our much-awaited non-stop service to be incredibly strong year-round.”
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Air New Zealand’s new flagship route
The flight will take about 17½ hours in a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, making it the fourth-longest flight in the world, according to a statement from Air New Zealand.
The route is set to operate three times a week and will be the first nonstop flight from the East Coast to the South Pacific, according to the airline.
Air New Zealand currently offers service from Los Angeles International Airport. San Francisco International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago are set to restart later this year.
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Foran said New York will be Air New Zealand’s flagship route.
The flight will offer 215 economy seats, 27 business seats, 33 premium economy seats and 13 economy skycouches – private economy seats that convert into a couch after takeoff.
Tickets are on sale at airnewzealand.co.nz.
New Zealand COVID travel requirements
After closing its borders for nearly two years, New Zealand announced plans this month to reopen to foreign tourists from visa-waiver countries. All travelers must be fully vaccinated and show a negative pre-departure test to enter.
Visitors will be provided two free at-home rapid antigen tests upon arrival. The first test should be taken on the day of arrival and the second should be taken on day five or six.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.
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