Good news for Continental Airlines passengers, the carrier just said this week that it now plans to commence direct flights between Houston, Texas and Auckland from late next year. This new route, which is still subject to regulatory approval, comes just ahead of the airline’s plans to operate this flight starting November 16^th of next year.

Continental Airlines said that it will use a Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet to service this route. The company plans to operate at least five flights a week on this route in the first year of its operation. The airline has not ruled out increasing the number of flights that it will run on this route if it proves to be very popular.

Because of this new service plan, Continental Airlines will join rivals Air New Zealand and Qantas on this route. Continental will become the third airline to fly nonstop between North America and New Zealand.

As expected, Tourism Auckland welcomed the announcement. They said that it would open up opportunities and complement existing market development work in North America by other airlines. Tourism Auckland Chief Executive, Graeme Osborne, said that this commitment from Continental Airlines is a significant opportunity in Auckland’s ability to host more American visitors.

He went on to say that securing direct air links from the second largest United States state is a huge win for destination Auckland. He said that hey are looking forward to working with Continental Airlines on marketing activity to build awareness of Auckland as a visitor destination and to drive increased visitation, length of stay, and spending.