First-Ever Direct Flight Connects New York With New Zealand

On September 17, 2022 the first-ever direct flight from New Zealand to New York City touched down after about 16 hours in the air at JFK airport.<br />CNN reports that Air New Zealand's NZ2 was first announced in March, 2022.<br />The direct flight has been a cornerstone of the airline's planned post-pandemic rebound.<br />"As one of the world's greatest cities, Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of <br />29 international destinations." Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO, via CNN.<br />NZ2 has a companion flight, NZ1, which flies in the opposite direction from JFK to Auckland.<br />"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." Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO, via CNN.<br />On July 31, 2022 New Zealand lifted COVID travel restrictions and reopened to international tourists.<br />New Zealand notables were on board the flight, such as Stuart Nash, New Zealand's minister of tourism and former prime minister Helen Clark.<br />Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran was on board and helped serve meals to customers in the premium economy and economy cabins.<br />CNN reports that current prime minister Jacinda Arden was scheduled to join the flight but had to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral instead.