TIA: New air service to Chicago a milestone for New Zealand tourism

28 March, 2018

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) welcomed (28-Mar-2018) Air New Zealand's announcement it plans to launch Auckland-Chicago service from 30-Nov-2018 as a "milestone for New Zealand tourism". Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts said the new three times weekly Boeing 787-9 service will "bring New Zealand closer to the booming visitor markets of America and Europe than ever before" and is "another important advance for our industry." TIA estimates the direct connection will save travellers between three and five flying hours to get from New Zealand to Chicago, and vice versa, in addition to eliminating a stopover. Mr Roberts noted the US visitor market grew nearly 20% in 2017 and is worth NZD1.3 billion (USD937 million) to New Zealand p/a. Mr Roberts said: "Much of this growth has been ignited by a massive expansion of our air links to the US in recent years, including the addition of Air New Zealand's service to Houston, and the entry of United Airlines and American Airlines into the market". [more - original PR]