Air New Zealand’s Auckland to Houston Intercontinental

Air New Zealand began flights between Auckland (AKL) and Houston Intercontinental (IAH) five times per week, operating with a refurbished 777-200 from 15 December. The 11,938-kilometre sector will face no direct competition and complements the airline’s existing US services to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu, while taking advantage of its Star Alliance partnership with United Airlines, which has a base at the Texan airport. “Air New Zealand has been flying to the US for 50 years and this new service connects the heart of America’s south to New Zealand,” said the carrier’s CEO Christopher Luxon at a post-landing event. “New Zealanders and Australians are going to really enjoy discovering this part of the world. And over the next year we’ll be making a big effort to build awareness of New Zealand as a destination for more American tourists to come down,” added Luxon.

“With the beginning of Air New Zealand’s service from George Bush Intercontinental to Auckland, Houston becomes the only city in North America with nonstop air service available to all six inhabited continents,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz.

aenna