Air New Zealand is thought to be about to announce a new long-haul route, possibly to Vancouver.

On Feb. 19, The Dominion Post said an announcement was expected this week.

As new routes typically have about a five-month lead time, the first flight would be about July.

Air New Zealand would not be drawn on the speculation.

Previously, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Rob Fyfe, said he wanted to add direct flights to Vancouver, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Santiago and Beijing.