Now that New Zealand has announced plans to reopen to U.S. tourists this May, Air New Zealand has revealed more details on a new nonstop flight between New York City and Auckland. 
Starting Sept. 17, Air New Zealand will offer nonstop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Auckland International Airport. The new route’s launch, originally announced in October 2019, was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
“The U.S. has always been a key market for us, and this new route cements our commitment to growing opportunities for tourism between the two countries,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said in a news release Tuesday. “In the six years leading up to COVID, the U.S. visitor numbers to New Zealand doubled so we expect our much-awaited non-stop service to be incredibly strong year-round.”
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The flight will take about 17½ hours in a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, making it the fourth-longest flight in the world, according to a statement from Air New Zealand.
The route is set to operate three times a week and will be the first nonstop flight from the East Coast to the South Pacific, according to the airline. 
Air New Zealand currently offers service from Los Angeles International Airport. Flights from San Francisco International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago are set to restart later this year. 
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Foran said New York will be Air New Zealand’s flagship route. 
The flight will offer 215 economy seats, 27 business seats, 33 premium economy seats and 13 economy skycouches – private economy seats that convert into couches after takeoff.   
Tickets are available at airnewzealand.co.nz.
After closing its borders for nearly two years, New Zealand announced plans this month to reopen to foreign tourists from visa-waiver countries. All travelers must be fully vaccinated and show a negative pre-departure test to enter. 
Visitors will be provided two free at-home rapid antigen tests upon arrival. The first test should be taken on the day of arrival and the second should be taken on day five or six.
Face masks will be required in many enclosed spaces, including public transportation, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Wednesday that requirements to show vaccination status upon visiting everyday places like restaurants and retail stores will lift before borders reopen to tourists. Limits on outdoor crowds will also lift as well, making way for events like big concerts to resume.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. 

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