Air New Zealand and United Airlines announced that the only nonstop service between New Zealand and the United States East Coast will begin in October 2020. This will be a three-times-weekly new nonstop route between Auckland and New York/Newark operated by Air New Zealand. The flight further strengthens the joint venture relationship between Air New Zealand and United Airlines.
New Flight
Air New Zealand will operate a three times weekly, year-round service with its newly configured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Flight time will be approximately 17 hours and 40 minutes southbound and 15 hours 40 minutes northbound.
| Flight No. | Aircraft | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
| NZ1 | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | New York/Newark 19:05 | Auckland 06:45+2 days | Mon, Thurs, Sat |
| NZ2 | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | Auckland 19:55 | New York/Newark 17:35 | Mon, Thurs, Sat |
This flight will be Air New Zealand’s longest and the world’s fifth longest by distance. New York/Newark will be Air New Zealand’s sixth North American destination, after Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.
Air New Zealand’s nonstop flight will cut travel time by around three hours, putting New Zealand in easy reach of New York and the East Coast United States. It’s terrific that we can make a seamless journey a reality for Kiwis wanting to experience New York and for U.S. travellers who have added New Zealand to their bucket list and we look forward to partnering with United Airlines to grow travel in both directions.
Jeff McDowall, Air New Zealand’s acting Chief Executive Officer
Withdraw London
London service has been a flagship route for Air New Zealand since it began in 1982 and it holds special memories for many travellers.
According to the airline, less than 7 percent of all airline travellers between Auckland and London chose to fly via Los Angeles last year.
If you’re currently booked to travel to London with Air New Zealand, there’s no impact on your travel plans. It’s as usual for Los Angeles-London flights until the service ceases in October 2020.
After October 2020 Air New Zealand customers will be able to travel year-round between Auckland and London with partner airlines in Asia and the Americas, including to New York.
For now, you can continue to book travel between Los Angeles and London on Air New Zealand to October 2020.
Bottom Line
When Air New Zealand operated the Aukland-Hong Kong-London route between 2006-2013, it was the only airline in the world that operated both the Kangaroo Route and the Southern Cross Route. It is sad to see Air New Zealand finally giving up on Europe after 37 years of flagship operation. At the same time, their London cabin crew base of 130 people will close.
What do you think about the new route from Aukland – New York/Newark?