Following up this topic Air New Zealand hint ULH flight to New York or Chicago
Air New Zealand this Wednesday (Tuesday US/Europe) is rumoured to be announcing a new ULH service at its “where to next” conference. Chigaco is frontunner city previously CEO Luxon had mentioned plans to fly there, Chicago is somewhat 13,200km away and it would be one of the longest routes in the world.
Chicago is the most likley new destination
This would make sense as Chicago is a big hub of Air New Zealand star alliance partner United Airways and it would allow for many connections around the USA. The route would be operated with either the 787-9 (North American heavy premium configuration) or the 777-200ER. Another likely candidate is New York some 14,185 km away which would be the 4th longest flight in the world only 10km shorter then 3rd place Auckland - Dubai opearted by Emairtes. This though is pushing aircraft range right to the limit the 787-9 only able to fly this distance by changing configuration and cargo/logistical limits. Air New Zealand might have to wait for next generation aircraft such as the 777-8X and A350-900ULR before opening up routes to the US east coast which may also be bought up in the conference. Possibly giving clues to what will go on to replace the 777-200ER in the early 2020’s.
Air New Zealand 787-9
Air New Zealand currently flies to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Vancouver in North America and this would be its 5th route.
Where do you think Air New Zealand will fly?
- New York
- Chicago
- Other (say in comments)
0 voters
What aircraft should replace Air New Zealand 777-200ER?
- 777-8X
- A350-900ULR
0 voters
I’ll update post once it has been announced see if you guys guessed right :)
Update:
Update 2: