Air New Zealand has announced its highly anticipated Auckland to New York non-stop service to begin on September 17th. 

The flight will operate three times a week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

It’s been a long time coming for the national airline, as the global pandemic stalled its progress for nearly two years, with the airline hoping to start in October 2020.

Air New Zealand also plans to launch a new program called ‘Zentertainment’ on its inflight entertainment system. 

Air New Zealand’s general manager Australia, Paul McLean says it’s part of their sleep proposition, and includes meditation to help customers get a good night’s sleep. 

“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.”

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McLean says the airline’s new 787-9 business class seating would not 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 says. 

Before you fly

International visitors over the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated, and there are very few exceptions for this. 

Travellers two years or older must show documentation proving they’ve recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test result no more than one day before travel. 

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