After quite a lengthy break, American Airlines has announced that it will be returning to New Zealand. A new service, operating between Los Angeles and Auckland will begin in June 2016, and will be operated by Boeing 787 aircraft.
While a start date for the service has not yet been announced, the timetable for the services are as follows:
LAX-AKL
Starting June 2016
Departs LAX at 10:45 p.m.
Arrives at AKL at 6:35 a.m., two days later
AKL-LAX
Starting June 2016
Departs AKL at 1:20 p.m.
Arrives at LAX at 6:30 a.m., the same day
The announcement comes as part of the increasingly close co-operation between American Airlines and Qanas. Having said that, the departure time of 1.20 pm out of Auckland makes for awkward connections for those travelling from Australia. For the most part, a stopover approaching a full day in length will be required.
The return journey for LAX-AKL fairs better on the connection front The early morning arrival into Auckland allows for a number of possible connections on flights continuing on to Australia.
For domestic connections in New Zealand, the Qantas Group utilise Jetstar which itself inproved it regional offerings around New Zealand.
The aircraft itself is configured with 225 seats:
- 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, each with direct-aisle access.
- 55 Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom, and
- 143 Main Cabin seats.
As noted, the introduction of the Auckland route builds on the June 2015 announcement regarding American Airlines and Qantas operating as a joint venture on flights between the North America and Australia/New Zealand.