Air New Zealand announced its first-ever long-haul flight between Auckland (AKL) and New York City (JFK). Slated to launch in September, the 17-hour direct flight will operate between Auckland Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The announcement of this new flight coincides with the gradual reopening of New Zealand to tourists. The new route will operate three times a week, year-round, with the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft will offer more premium seats than ever before, with 27 seats in business, 33 in premium economy and 215 in economy. The plane will also include 13 Economy Skycouches for passengers to spread out and relax after take-off.

“Traditionally, flight numbers 1 and 2 are used for an airline’s flagship route,” said Greg Foran, CEO, Air New Zealand. “And that’s what New York will be — our flagship route. We’ve worked incredibly hard over the past few years to make this ultra-long-haul service a reality — it’s one of the longest routes in the world, at just over 16 hours northbound and 17 and a half hours southbound.”

On its inaugural flight Sept. 17, the plane will depart Auckland at 4 p.m. and land in New York at 4:15 p.m. Starting Sept. 19 and thereafter, passengers leaving JFK will depart at 9:55 p.m. and arrive in Auckland at 7:30 a.m. Similarly, passengers leaving Auckland will depart at 7:40 p.m. and arrive in New York at 7:55 p.m.