16 April 2015
Air New Zealand has announced today that it will begin flying direct to Houston, Texas from December this year.
The new Air New Zealand service will see a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operate up to five flights per week between Auckland and Houston, commencing in mid-December.
Norris Carter, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical commercial, says he is delighted by the announcement which will see an additional 126,000 seats added to the American market per year, contributing an estimated $110 million to the New Zealand economy.
“The United States is New Zealand’s third largest international tourism market with 226,600 visitor arrivals in the year ending February 2015. This is an increase of 10.3 per cent when compared to the same period the year before,” says Mr Carter.
“This new Auckland to Houston service will help stimulate further growth as it provides a direct connection between New Zealand and Texas for the first time,” says Mr Carter. “It also offers a new gateway for New Zealand travellers visiting popular American East Coast destinations, such as New York, allowing for more one stop connections from Auckland.”
“Very importantly, the new service also provides American visitors from the South and from the East Coast with a one stop option when visiting New Zealand, enhancing the accessibility of our country as a tourist destination.”
“This new direct service strengthens Auckland’s position as a hub airport for Asia, Australasia and the Americas. Air New Zealand and its partner airlines offer 54 return flights per week to Asia, 110 return flights per week to Australia and, with the addition of this service in December, 30 return flights per week to the Americas.”
“We congratulate the Air New Zealand team on this Auckland to Houston service,” finishes Mr Carter.
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For further information, please contact:
Kate Thompson
+64 21 385 446