Kiwis will be familiar with the long-endured pain of having limited options when it comes to taking a direct flight to a land far away. But all that has changed. Over the weekend, a set of direct flights to New York from Auckland launched.
The Air New Zealand flight NZ2 landed at JFK Airport in New York, after 16 hours in the sky, on September 17. The flight is the fourth-longest in the world. Certainly, this benefits not only those who live in New Zealand, but Americans who wish to explore our nation after the two-year-long pandemic. The NYC to Auckland flight is known as NZ1.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said: “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.” Adding that the flight connects his two favourite cities worldwide.
According to CNN, Foran was on the brand-new flight, giving a helping hand to staff in the premium and economy cabins. While some famous New Zealanders including former Prime Minister, Helen Clark and the Minister of Tourism, Stuard Nash, were also aboard for the first direct flights to New York.
The flights will depart on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, leaving Auckland at 7.40pm and arriving in NYC approximately 16 hours later. Meanwhile, returning flights depart NYC at 9.55pm and arrive in Auckland 17 hours later. Book via the Air New Zealand website.