Air New Zealand's inaugural direct flight from Auckland to New York prepares for take off. Video / Stephanie HolmesAir New Zealand's inaugural direct flight from Auckland to New York prepares for take off. Video / Stephanie HolmesThere were pizza slices, mini doughnuts, Cosmopolitans and, naturally, Manhattans, as ministers, passengers and tourism industry guests came together at Air New Zealand's Koru Lounge ahead of the airline's inaugural direct flight from Auckland to New York earlier today. Air NZ CEO Greg Foran acknowledged the significance of today: "It's evident just how important this flight is - to you, and to us," he said. Foran is on board, along with Air NZ chair Dame Therese Walsh, and former prime minister Helen Clark.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 17, 2022 20:10 UTC