American Airlines Launches 15 Hour Boeing 787 Flights From Dallas To Auckland

On Saturday, October 29, 2022; American Airlines will initiate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner direct flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Auckland Airport (AKL) and the City of Sails. The flights will be part of American Airlines’ initiative to use DFW as an international hub for flights to/from Asia-Pacific.

About the flight

The flight, AA35, is planned to take 15 hours, 1 minute to complete the 7,464-mile journey. The return flight will take 13 hours, 45 minutes. As a recent article explains, flying west means dealing with unfavorable jet streams and more – hence a longer trip.

Below is a flight schedule for the roundtrip:

Interest for connecting United States to New Zealand growing

Photo: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

Between New Zealand’s rich history, photogenic nature and scenery, fine wine, relaxed culture, and noble leaders like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern whose empathy is world-renown – New Zealand is a welcoming place for Americans. To the American Airlines Vice President for DFW Jim Moses as published in The Dallas Morning News;

“With all of the restrictions being lifted in New Zealand now for travel, we were just really ready to go back in. … It’s not just for the local market. It’s to feed into American’s connecting ability out of this hub.”

For the New Zealand Tourism Board’s Declan Malone to FOX 4, the new route will shrink the world for New Zealanders, saying that,

“Some think New Zealand is quite far away, but with the launch of this service, we’re connected more than ever before through this hub at DFW.”

Auckland Airport general manager aeronautical commercial Scott Tasker​ told Stuff.co.nz,

“We know interest from North Americans in a trip to New Zealand is at record levels, so as we welcome international travellers back for a great Kiwi summer for the first time in nearly three years, this non-stop service will provide a great option to connect between the United States and New Zealand.”

Meanwhile, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport manager said in a statement;

“The addition of non-stop service to Auckland caps off a year of significant international growth at DFW. Our customers will benefit from not only a new destination they can get to from our Airport but an additional opportunity to visit the Southern Hemisphere and a chance to enjoy New Zealand’s largest city and all it has to offer.”

The statement went on to say the new route will connect New Zealand to over 200 destinations that the airport serves as the second most connected airport in the world.

About the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

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The Boeing 787-9 is capable of making the journey as the 787-9 has an 8,786.2-mile range and the aircraft is intended to be an efficient choice for long range point-to-point routes. The 787-9 can elegantly haul 285 passengers in American Airlines configuration on some of the longest flights in the world.

Below is a table about the 787-9 in American Airlines configuration:

American Airlines states in its factsheet that the 787s they are acquiring are 20.1% more fuel efficient than their replacements. The 787s also come with WiFi, seatback power and USB outlets – perfect for those long-haul flights like between Dallas, United States and Auckland, New Zealand.

What are your thoughts? Please share in the comments.

Sources: Dallas Morning News, FOX 4, Stuff.co.nz