An Air New Zealand Plane Flies Over Mount Victoria
IN PHOTO: An Air New Zealand plane flies over houses in Mount Victoria as it approaches Wellington airport, October 7, 2011. Reuters/Marcos Brindicci

Air New Zealand plans to add a new route to the United States, with Chicago as the most probable new destination. The airline called a meeting of travel agents on Friday morning, but the topic of discussion has not been revealed. Air New Zealand sources have already said that it was considering a new route between Auckland and either Las Vegas, Houston or Chicago.

An aviation research analyst, Blake Moore, said that if Air New Zealand pushes through with its reported plan, it would be the sole operator for all three U.S. routes. A Stuff.co.nz source revealed previously that Air NZ plans to fly the fuel efficient long-range Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on the U.S route. The source added that the national carrier intends to start the service in the next 12 months.

Demand For Chicago

Another travel industry executive expects the new destination to be Chicago. "If I was a betting man I would put my money on Chicago," said Flight Centre New Zealand's general manager Simon McKearney.

House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said both Houston and Chicago were major hub airports and are attractive options. However, he is also hoping Air New Zealand will announce a South American route for which there is significant demand from New Zealand travellers. But Thomas reasoned that inbound demand is also required to support a South American route.

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon told Fairfax Media on Tuesday that he was looking to announce the airline's first flights to South America "shortly." However, he would not reveal the destination.

More Dreamliners

Meanwhile, Air New Zealand will add two more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to its fleet. This will take the number of Dreamliners to 12 by the end of 2018. Air New Zealand added its third 787 to its fleet last week. The airline's CEO announced the fleet investment at an event in Sydney on Monday. Luxon was quoted by New Zealand Herald as saying that strong commercial performance mandates ploughing back profits back into the business as products, services and fleet to enhance customer experience and ensure the business remains strong and competitive.