For this 14,200-kilometer trip, the Boeing 787-9 will proudly carry the flight numbers NZ1/NZ2 and have a "premium-heavy" seat distribution that tilts the balance towards business and premium economy to generate more income with fewer people on board, respectively. Planned flights to Newark Liberty International Airport, which serves as a hub for Star Alliance partner United Airlines, were originally scheduled to depart from Auckland three times per week in October 2020. Air New Zealand's all-new business class seating has been in development for several years, with carefully selected groups of Air New Zealand passengers – including many who regularly fly the airline's longest routes – helping to trial the seats in a secure workshop dubbed 'Hangar 22' located near the airline's Auckland headquarters. Only one passenger — an Airpoints Elite member who goes to the US every month – talked highly of the seat, even though all participants were had to sign non-disclosure agreements.