Air New Zealand begins inaugural flight to Houston, Texas
Air New Zealand launched a new service between Auckland and Houston, Texas which arrived on Wednesday 16th of December. Flight NZ28, served by a Boeing 777-200ER, took off from Auckland International Airport at 18:30 on Tuesday evening and touched down at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 0745 of the following day, Auckland time (1245 local time).
Guests were welcomed on board by the ‘Kia Ora Y’all’ theme for the trip which were on the seat headrests, then were treated to a traditional Kiwi kappa haka greeting on the tarmac upon arrival at Houston, performed by a group of Air New Zealand staff. Passengers travelling in Premium Economy and Business Class received the special amenity kit to commemorate the event.
Special guests were invited to experience the new route, including minister of economic development Steven Joyce, and US ambassador to New Zealand Mark Gilbert. Mr Joyce said before leaving, "It's hugely exciting to see our national carrier flying there and reaching into the middle of the continental US for the first time."
"Houston is the fourth largest city in the US and a major airline hub for the southern and eastern United States."
Seeing the economic benefits, he also said, "Trade with Texas alone is worth $500 million a year and this new air link will support more New Zealand companies to build ties in the southern states and through Central and South America."
Whilst chief executive for Air New Zealand, Christopher Luxon commented, “This week we mark 50 years of flying to the US – it’s a huge milestone and fantastic that as we celebrate this we also celebrate the operational launch of our latest US service which directly connects New Zealand to the heart of America’s south.
“We are committed to continuing to expand our Pacific Rim network and are excited to give our customers direct access to Houston and beyond.”
The launch of the new service to Houston is the Airline’s fifth to North America, rounding out a busy month for the Star Alliance member which has also started its first scheduled South American service to Buenos Aires, as well as marking its alliance with Air China with a new Auckland to Beijing route. In addition, Air New Zealand last month announced yet another new service which will be a seasonal one to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.
