Air New Zealand resumed its non-stop service to Chicago yesterday, bringing the airline back to all of its 29 pre-COVID international destinations.
The services will initially operate three times a week with a modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, meaning customers flying on these routes will be able to enjoy the airline’s innovative Premier Business, Premium Economy and Economy Skycouch.
“This is an exciting time for us. Since the reopening of New Zealand’s borders, we have been slowly resuming services and it is a milestone for us to now be flying to all our international destinations,” Leanne Geraghty, Air New Zealand’s chief customer and sales officer.
“The North American network plays a key role in rebuilding Air New Zealand and as the third largest city in the United States, Chicago is an important destination for us,” she said.
In 2019, US visitors spent over $1.5 billion in New Zealand, supporting local tourism and hospitality industries.
With 12,000 visitors from Illinois alone and nearly 40 percent of travelers connecting to Chicago from other states in the United States, that figure is expected to increase further.
Air schedule Chicago New Zealand
In addition, the airline announced that it will be bringing back its non-stop flights to Bali in March 2023.
Geraghty said tickets are on sale today to Bali, which remains one of the hottest international holiday spots for Kiwis.
“We first flew to Bali in 2012. Our last flight was in 2019 when around 17,000 customers flew,” said Geraghty.
“It’s great to be back offering non-stop services and giving Kiwis direct access to a tropical getaway to suit all types of travellers.
“Bali is often one of our most searched destinations – currently in the top five – and we’re expecting interest to be hotter than the Balinese sunshine as Kiwis fly in to book a winter getaway. “
Next year, Air New Zealand will fly a seasonal service between 29 March – 27 October 2023. This seasonal service covers the April, July and October school holidays and is subject to government and regulatory approval.
The airline’s Dreamliner 787-9 will fly three times a week on the only non-stop flight between Auckland and Denpasar.
Following Air New Zealand’s customer research on longer flights, Bali will switch to the airline’s full-service carrier, meaning all customers will receive an economy meal, in-flight entertainment, and a checked bag.
Air schedule Bali New Zealand
*The time will be adjusted by one hour during daylight savings (March 29-31 and September 27-October 27).
