A trip to the breathtaking landscape of the majestic Southern Alps will become much shorter when American Airlines launches the only nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport to Christchurch, New Zealand, next October.
The airline is also adding the only direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand, which will increase connecting opportunities for more customers across the United States.
These routes are a direct result of the recently approved joint business with Qantas, which delivers new customer benefits like enhanced codeshare opportunities and increased frequent flyer benefits for American and Qantas customers.
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and as the only carrier to operate this route, American will introduce its customers to one of the world’s most unique destinations.
“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture and wildlife found no where else,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality and bring New Zealand’s beauty even closer as the gateway to the South Island where you can drive, hike, cruise and fly to a variety of classic New Zealand experiences.”
American will fly to Christchurch three times per week from October 2020 through March 2021 on a Boeing 787-8. The 787-8 features 20 Business seats and 28 Premium Economy seats, providing additional comfort for the 13-hour flight.
Los Angeles to Christchurch creates unique one-stop connections to the South Island not previously available by any other carrier. Qantas and Jetstar will connect passengers from Christchurch on to Wellington and Melbourne, some of the most popular destinations in the Pacific.
American currently operates seasonal service from Los Angeles to Auckland and will add new service from Dallas Fort Worth next year. Flights will be operated with American’s state-of-the-art 787-9, with 30 Business seats and 21 Premium Economy seats. New flights from Dallas Fort Worth to Auckland will enable new one-stop connections to New Zealand from more than 70 cities across the United States.
“Now, we’re able to get customers from places like Louisville, Savannah or Monterrey, Mexico, all the way to New Zealand with just one stop,” said Raja.
As American enhances its commitment to the region, seasonal Los Angeles to Auckland service will resume earlier next year, on October 7, adding three weeks of service to the increasingly popular destination.
“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” said Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “Thanks to the new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas-Fort Worth to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”
American and Qantas recently received final approval to form a joint business, which promises significant customer benefits not possible through any other form of cooperation.
Qantas will also increase from six weekly flights between Sydney, Australia, and Dallas to daily service by mid-2020. Additionally, Qantas announced a new service from San Francisco International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Brisbane, Australia, which will launch in February and April respectively.