Air New Zealand will operate the 4th longest flight in the world when it launches the first-ever nonstop route between the US East Coast and the South Pacific,

Air New Zealand at Auckland airport.ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

• Air New Zealand will launch an all-new long-haul route from Auckland to New York on September 17.
• The historic flight will be the first time that the East Coast and the South Pacific are connected nonstop.

As the spread of COVID-19 weakens and countries begin to open their borders, people are eager to start traveling again, and airlines are preparing with new routes and destinations.

Photo by Bob Riha/WireImage

New Zealand, in particular, has taken a conservative approach to entry restrictions during the pandemic. However, the country plans to reopen on May 2, and its home airline just announced a new milestone coming this year.

Rob Suisted

On September 17, Air New Zealand will launch its maiden flight from Auckland, New Zealand, to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on the first-ever nonstop route connecting the South Pacific with the East Coast.

Air New Zealand.      Philip Pilosian/Shutterstock.com

The first-of-its-kind journey will last 16 hours from Auckland and a whopping 17 hours and 35 minutes from New York, with the return journey becoming the fourth-longest flight in the world.

Air New Zealand at Auckland airport.      ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

The new route will strengthen ANZ's partnership with Star Alliance member United Airlines. The two currently operate codeshare services on certain flights between New Zealand and the US.

A United Airlines airplane is seen at the Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, United States.      ayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Source: Air New Zealand

"The US has always been a key market for us, and this new route cements our commitment to growing opportunities for tourism between the two countries," Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said in a press release.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran.      Hannah Peters/Getty Images

The flight will operate thrice-weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with both departures occurring at night. ANZ will use Terminal 1 at JFK, which is the airport's main international terminal.

Air New Zealand flight schedule starting September 19. The maiden flight on September 17 will depart Auckland at 4:00 PM.      Air New Zealand

New York's JFK airport is getting a brand new $9.5 billion international terminal, bringing state-of-the-art amenities, lounges, and gates to customers — see inside

Because ANZ and United are codeshare partners, it is likely some passengers will be continuing on to other destinations within the US via United.

Air New Zealand Boeing 777.      Thiago B Trevisan/Shutterstock

However, most of United's domestic routes are out of nearby Newark International Airport in New Jersey, but it is unclear if either airline plans to shuttle customers between Newark and JFK.

United planes at Newark airport.      EQRoy/Shutterstock

According to the airline, the Dreamliner jet will be configured with 275 seats, including 27 in business class...

Air New Zealand

...33 in premium economy...

Air New Zealand

...and 215 in regular economy, including 13 skycouches.

Air New Zealand

A skycouch is a row of three economy seats that convert into a private couch after take-off so passengers can more easily spread out, lie down, or sleep.

Air New Zealand

Source: Air New Zealand

ANZ said it has put a lot of focus on enhancing sleep for premium passengers. The airline plans to introduce "relaxing balms and sleepy teas and snacks," as well as offer "Zentertainment" on the TV screens to help passengers get restful sleep on the flight.

Air New Zealand

Moreover, upon descent into Auckland, flight attendants will serve a brunch that includes a "classic Kiwi" flat white coffee.

Air New Zealand inflight breakfast.      Air New Zealand

The historic trek will allow ANZ to join Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Emirates as operators of the top five longest flights in the world.

Emirates 777-300ER.      JetKat/Shutterstock

Source: Simply Flying, Cirium

By September, Singapore will maintain the top two spots between the nation and New York, with flights to JFK currently in service and the Newark route relaunching on March 28.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380.      Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock

Source: Simply Flying, Travel Weekly, Cirium

Meanwhile, Australia-based Qantas will come in third when it relaunches its route between Perth and London on March 28, and Emirates will come in fifth when it resumes its route between Auckland and Dubai on July 1.

A Qantas plane takes off from the Sydney International Airport.      SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty

Source: Simply Flying, Cirium