New Zealand Prime Minister John Key recently traveled to Houston where he spoke at events promoting tourism exchanges between Houston and his country. During his visit, Prime Minister Key spoke about the success of nonstop flights between Houston and Auckland, New Zealand. He highlighted that point to point direct services allow for a larger increase in the flow of people that go in both directions.

Prime Minister Key applauded the success of Air Zealand's Houston-Auckland route in boosting the number of Texan tourists visiting New Zealand in the few months the direct flight has been in operation. Between Dec. 5, 2016 and Feb. 5, 2017 the non-stop flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport will increase services from five times a week to daily service.