First-Ever Direct Flight Connects New York With New Zealand

First-Ever Direct Flight , Connects New York , With New Zealand.

On September 17, the first-ever direct flight from New Zealand to New York City touched down after about 16 hours in the air at JFK airport.

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On September 17, the first-ever direct flight from New Zealand to New York City touched down after about 16 hours in the air at JFK airport.

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CNN reports that Air New Zealand's NZ2 was first announced in March.

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The direct flight has been a cornerstone of the airline's planned post-pandemic rebound.

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As one of the world's greatest cities, Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of 29 international destinations.

, Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO, via CNN.

NZ2 has a companion flight, NZ1, which flies in the opposite direction from JFK to Auckland.

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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.

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.

On July 31, New Zealand lifted COVID travel restrictions and reopened to international tourists.

New Zealand notables were on board the flight, such as Stuart Nash, New Zealand's minister of tourism and former prime minister Helen Clark.

New Zealand notables were on board the flight, such as Stuart Nash, New Zealand's minister of tourism and former prime minister Helen Clark.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran was on board and helped serve meals to customers in the premium economy and economy cabins.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran was on board and helped serve meals to customers in the premium economy and economy cabins.

CNN reports that current prime minister Jacinda Arden was scheduled to join the flight but had to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral instead.

CNN reports that current prime minister Jacinda Arden was scheduled to join the flight but had to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral instead