Emirates has launched its first non-stop service from Dubai to Auckland in New Zealand – the world’s longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight – saving business travellers much time when they fly into the North Island of New Zealand.

The route covers a distance of about 14,200km (8,824 miles), with a flight time of 17 hours and 15 minutes from Auckland to Dubai and under 16 hours in the other direction, cutting journey times by almost three hours each way.

“Having just one stop on the long haul to New Zealand will make the journey quicker and more comfortable,” says His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “This will be a boon to many business people, tourists, expatriate New Zealanders and other travellers in Europe, parts of Africa and the Middle East.”

The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft operating on the non-stop route is purpose-built for ultra long haul flights, carrying up to 266 passengers. The aircraft offers a three-class configuration, with eight First Class suites, 42 lie-flat Business Class seats and 216 comfortable Economy Class seats.

The Dubai-Auckland flight duration record is expected to be short-lived as Emirates will launch a Dubai-Panama City service, which will take 17 hours and 35 minutes, later in March. www.emirates.com