by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:30 AM ET, Wed March 28, 2018
Air New Zealand and United Airlines announced Tuesday the carriers will begin a joint venture that offers nonstop service between Auckland and Chicago.
Starting on November 30, Air New Zealand will operate flights between the destinations three times a week throughout the year, with service taking place on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Flight time will be approximately 15 hours northbound and just over 16 hours southbound.
Not only will the partnership deepen the joint venture relationship between Air New Zealand and United, but the airlines also announced United will extend its seasonal service between San Francisco and Auckland to year-round beginning April 2019.
"We expect the addition of Chicago to our network to be an attractive option for Americans keen to explore New Zealand and Kiwis wanting to visit Chicago or head on to other North American destinations," Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said in a statement. "As well as being great for travelers, this new route is also good news for New Zealand, as we expect it to contribute around $70 million annually to our economy, and we know that more than 50 percent of spending by U.S. visitors is done outside of the main centers. We'll be working alongside our colleagues at United Airlines to grow the route and visitor numbers in both directions."
"By adding Chicago to the Air New Zealand route network, and with United's increased service between San Francisco and Auckland, we are proud to offer our customers more ways to get between the United States and New Zealand and more connection opportunities in those cities than any other airline in the world," United executive Patrick Quayle said. "Today's announcements are great examples of the customer benefits that result from the strong, strategic alliance and partnership between United Airlines and Air New Zealand."
When the service is expanded in April, United will offer flights between San Francisco and Auckland three times a week and offer passengers more than 20 connections across New Zealand. United also offers more than 290 daily flights from its hub at San Francisco International Airport to 79 airports across the United States and 26 international destinations.
Since United and Air New Zealand began their alliance in 2016, the joint venture has opened up more travel options than ever before.
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