Air New Zealand set to expand its network in the United States

New Zealand’s national carrier Air New Zealand is all set to expand its network in the United States and is likely to make an announcement to the effect soon. Media reports said that the airline had started exploring the possibilities of launching new flights to new U.S. destinations last year itself.

According to the report, the airline seems to have set its sights on three major U.S. cities and is expected to announce by the third week of April 2015. The airline is considering beginning new service to any of the three destinations, which include Las Vegas, Houston and Chicago.

Air New Zealand has however declined to comment or disclose the city where it may finally launch its flights services. The timing of the announcement is also yet to be known.

The reports said that the airline may choose to launch flights to Houston or Chicago because of the better connectivity that these cities offer. Las Vegas is however being viewed more of a one-stop leisure destination, which will not offer the same returns as flights with more premium travelers would do.
 
The reports indicated that Chicago might be selected as the final destination for launching the new service because it also happens to be the hub of Air New Zealand’s U.S. Star Alliance partner, United Airlines. The city is best suited to provide good connectivity to hugely popular destinations on the east coast such as Washington and New York, and also to Canada as well. Moreover, Chicago is also not being presently served with direct flight services from this region by any other airline.

According to the reports, Air New Zealand might also consider Houston as well. The city is a big hub for connecting to the U.S. eastern seaboard and also to the Caribbean, which is rapidly growing fly-cruise market. Houston also provides better connectivity to Latin America as well.