First-Ever Direct Flight , Connects New York , With New Zealand.<br />On September 17, the first-ever direct flight <br />from New Zealand to New York City touched <br />down after about 16 hours in the air at JFK airport. .<br />On September 17, the first-ever direct flight <br />from New Zealand to New York City touched <br />down after about 16 hours in the air at JFK airport. .<br />CNN reports that Air New Zealand's NZ2 <br />was first announced in March. .<br />The direct flight has been <br />a cornerstone of the airline's <br />planned post-pandemic rebound. .<br />As one of the world's greatest cities, <br />Air New Zealand is proud to add <br />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, <br />which flies in the opposite <br />direction from JFK to Auckland. .<br />Traditionally, flight numbers 1 and 2 <br />are used for an airline's flagship route. <br />And that's what New York will be <br />-- our flagship route, Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO, via CNN.<br />Traditionally, flight numbers 1 and 2 <br />are used for an airline's flagship route. <br />And that's what New York will be <br />-- our flagship route, Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO, via CNN.<br />On July 31, New Zealand lifted <br />COVID travel restrictions and <br />reopened to international tourists.<br />New Zealand notables were on board the flight, <br />such as Stuart Nash, New Zealand's minister <br />of tourism and former prime minister Helen Clark.<br />New Zealand notables were on board the flight, <br />such as Stuart Nash, New Zealand's minister <br />of tourism and former prime minister Helen Clark.<br />Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran was on board <br />and helped serve meals to customers in <br />the premium economy and economy cabins.<br />Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran was on board <br />and helped serve meals to customers in <br />the premium economy and economy cabins.<br />CNN reports that current prime minister <br />Jacinda Arden was scheduled to join the flight but <br />had to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral instead.<br />CNN reports that current prime minister <br />Jacinda Arden was scheduled to join the flight but <br />had to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral instead
