Air New Zealand Connects NYC and Auckland with First Direct Flights
Air New Zealand touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport earlier this week, after 16 hours in the sky, marking the airline’s first ever direct flight to New York City.
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, along with key tourism and travel partners.
The flight, NZ2, was first announced back in March and has been a major cornerstone of Air New Zealand‘s post-pandemic rebound. Its companion flight, NZ1, flies the opposite route from JFK to Auckland. That trip lasts about 17.5 hours.
The airline’s new international menu was debuted onboard NZ2, showcasing the best of New Zealand produce to the world. This features more choice in the air, so Premium customers can 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.
As part of the new menu, Business Premier customers were welcomed to their dining experience with an amuse-bouche of New Zealand paua saucisson (abalone sausage) with herb cream and tomato.
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.
Flight Schedule
|
Flight No. |
Aircraft type |
From |
To |
Departs |
Arrives |
Frequency |
|
NZ2 |
Boeing 787-9 |
Auckland |
New York |
19:40 |
19:55 |
Mon, Thu, Sat |
|
NZ1 |
New York |
Auckland |
21:55 |
07:30 +2 |
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The a-holes are usually right. Non-stop would be the appropriate title.
Direct and Non-Stop are not the same. Direct means no change of flight number (ideally no change of plane but an intermediate stop, while non-stop is just that. I’d expect the lack of precision of a general blogger but not from someone in the travel space.
You know this guy just waits & waits for a post like this and then… ‘this is my moment!’