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United Airlines and Air New Zealand Announce New Service to Auckland

An Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner (Photo: Boeing)

Air New Zealand announced new nonstop service between Auckland and Chicago beginning Nov. 30. This new route will deepen the joint venture relationship that United Airlines and Air New Zealand currently have. In addition, United’s current seasonal service from San Francisco to Auckland will be extended to year-round service beginning in April 2019.

“We expect the addition of Chicago to our network to be an attractive option for Americans keen to explore New Zealand Kiwis wanting to visit Chicago or head on to other North American destinations,” says Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon.

“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,” said United’s International Network Vice President Patrick Quayle. “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.”

Air New Zealand will operate three times weekly, year-round service on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The flight will be 15 hours northbound and 16 hours southbound. Air New Zealand will be code sharing with United on over 100 flights across the United States.

United’s flight to Auckland will offer passengers more than 20 connections across the region. Between November and March, United will utilize a Boeing 777-300ER and will use a 777-200ER between April and October.

The new Chicago – Auckland Northern Winter 2018 schedule from Nov. 30, 2018 is as follows:

Flight No. Operated by Aircraft type Departs Arrives Effective dates Frequency
NZ26 (UA6728) Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Auckland

20:10

Chicago

16:15

30 Nov 2018 –

8 Mar 2019

Wed, Fri, Sun
NZ26 (UA6728) Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Auckland

20:10

Chicago

17:15

10 Mar 2019 – 29 Mar 2019 Wed, Fri, Sun
NZ27

(UA6727)

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Chicago

19:10

Auckland

06:30+2

30 Nov 2018 –

8 Mar 2019

Wed, Fri, Sun
NZ27

(UA6727)

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Chicago

20:10

Auckland

06:30+2

10 Mar 2019 – 29 Mar 2019 Wed, Fri, Sun

The above timings are provided by the airline and are subject to change. Flights will arrive into and depart from Terminal 5 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

Samuel Chen

Author

  • Samuel Chen

    Ever since he made his first trip on a Boeing 747 in 2005, Samuel has been an AvGeek at heart. He is a dedicated United (ex-Continental) loyalist and frequent flier who attempts to live by Continental's slogan, "Work Hard, Fly Right." He has a huge love for the Boeing 777 along with any other Boeing wide body aircraft. Samuel is an avid collector of all types of airplane memorabilia ranging from model airplanes to in-flight magazines. In his free time, Samuel enjoys playing guitar and piano, and he is constantly on various airline websites scanning for any breaking news.

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