This was published 2 years ago
Air New Zealand finally launching non-stop New York flights in September 2022
By Katherine Scott
Air New Zealand will fly a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its new non-stop route to New York.Credit: AP
Air New Zealand has revealed the launch date for its highly anticipated Auckland to New York non-stop service, set to be one of the world's longest passenger flights.
The airline's first non-stop flights to the Big Apple will commence on September 17, operating three times a week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Air New Zealand's chief executive officer Greg Foran said the new service will form the carrier's flagship route, taking the numbers NZ1 and NZ2.
"Traditionally, flight numbers 1 and 2 are used for an airline's flagship route. And that's what New York will be – our flagship route," Mr Foran said.
"We've worked incredibly hard over the last few years to make this ultra-long-haul service a reality – it's one of the longest routes in the world, at just over 16 hours northbound and 17 and a half hours southbound."
Air New Zealand's general manager Australia, Paul McLean, said flying via Auckland would be "easier" for Australian than flying to New York via cities on America's west coast.
"They can connect onto the flagship Auckland-New York flights via nine of our Australian ports and as an international service from start to finish, it's a unique proposition and really is the easiest way to get to the Big Apple," he told Traveller.
McLean also hinted at some new features on the flight, to help ease the effects of long-haul flying.
"There's been a lot of thought put into the onboard experience and a particular focus on the sleep ritual for business premier customers, introducing relaxing balms and sleepy teas and snacks," he said.
The airline also plans to launch a program of 'Zentertainment' on its inflight entertainment system, according to McLean.
"Zentertainment is part of our sleep proposition and includes meditation to help customers get a good night's sleep – this will be available in all cabins," he said.
McLean confirmed Air New Zealand's new 787-9 business class seating wouldn't launch in time for the direct New York service.
"The new business premier, premium economy and economy seats is scheduled to arrive in the next few years and once we have that up and running, we will be retrofitting our current aircraft with the new configuration," he said.
The launch of the non-stop New York route has been delayed nearly two years due to the pandemic, with the airline originally planning to start the flights in October 2020.
The news comes as Air New Zealand prepares to reopen its Australian airport lounges, starting with its Sydney lounge on March 30.
Perth's lounge will begin welcoming customers again on April 5, with Melbourne and Brisbane following on April 6.
"We'll have a new menu for customers but expect to see some of the favourites returning – especially the beloved espresso martinis in Sydney," McLean said.
Qantas also aims to launch non-stop services to New York from Australia's major east coast cities as part of its "Project Sunrise" plan for ultra-long haul flights.
The project has also been delayed due to the pandemic, along with requirements for new aircraft that can travel the extreme distances required. Qantas has chosen the Airbus A350-1000 for the task but still requires regulatory approval to fly the planes on the long routes and has yet to official order the planes.
Project Sunrise will include services from Sydney and Melbourne to New York, London and Paris, with flight times ranging between 18 and 20 hours.
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the airline also planned to launch non-stop flights from Brisbane to Chicago using a Dreamliner.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce recently said the virus has only increased demand for non-stop travel.
"Our latest customer research shows that demand for direct long-haul flights is stronger than it was pre-COVID, so our focus on delivering non-stop services from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London remains," he said.
The New Zealand government last week announced the reopening of borders to vaccinated Australians on April 12 at 11.59pm (New Zealand time).
Borders have remained closed to Australians since July of 2021, following a short-lived Australia and New Zealand travel bubble in 2020.
See also: The world's longest flight gets an upgrade
See also: Longest flight in Qantas' history flies over Antarctica en route to Australia
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