Air New Zealand have announced they will be launching a new long-haul flight to Chicago out of Auckland Airport.
From November 30 it will fly three times a week to the US city, with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners taking up the 15-to-16-hour trip.
House of Travel's, Brent Thomas told TVNZ1's Breakfast today Kiwis are already flocking to the long-haul flights from New Zealand as they want to "stop over in different places".
"It's going to be another opportunity to see the mid west America or the eastern seaboard of America," Mr Thomas says.
The new route would also benefit tourism in New Zealand, Mr Thomas says.
"New Zealand is a very favourite of Americans, they love coming down here."
It will also open up options for travellers from Europe coming into Chicago to then making their way to New Zealand in one flight.
"As well as being great for travellers, this new route is good news for New Zealand, as we expect it to contribute around $70 million annually to our economy," Air NZ chief executive Christopher Luxon said.
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