Air New Zealand will start direct flights to New York City later this year as the airline looks to recover from the financial impact of Covid-19.
Air New Zealand intends using its Dreamliners on the flagship route to New York. Photo: Getty Images
The national carrier said it would operate its flagship Auckland to New York route three times a week, year-round, with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
It would be one of the longest flights in the world, at just over 16 hours to New York and 17 and a half hours return.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said in a statement the United States had always been a key market for the airline.
"This new route cements our commitment to developing growing tourism opportunities between the two countries.
"In the six years leading up to Covid, the US visitor numbers to New Zealand doubled and looking at the average spend in New Zealand by US tourists, we estimate that this new route would contribute an additional $65 million per year into the local economy."
He said the flight numbers "1" and "2", which are traditionally reserved for an airline's flagship route, will be used on flights between Auckland and New York.
The company said the new service would also provide greater choice for travellers between New Zealand and North America.
The first flight will depart from Auckland on 17 September.