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| American Airlines CEO Doug Parker (left) announces new service to Auckland and is welcomed to New Zealand by Prime Minister John Key (middle) and Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce. // Photo courtesy of American Airlines. |
American Airlines has announced that it will add new nonstop service between its transpacific gateway hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Auckland Airport (AKL) in June, pending regulatory approvals.
The route to Auckland, New Zealand, provides American's customers direct access to a new destination and further strengthens the airline's joint business with Qantas Airways. American has added six new transpacific routes over the last three years, nearly doubling its presence in the region.
American plans to operate its new daily service between LAX and AKL with the newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The Dreamliner includes such features as Wi-Fi, as well as higher humidity and pressurization closer to sea level conditions.
Every seat has a touchscreen monitor equipped with up to 260 movies, 240 TV shows, 13 radio channels, 350 albums and 20 games, along with universal AC power outlets and a USB connection. The aircraft is configured with 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, each with direct-aisle access. There are an additional 55 Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom, and 143 Main Cabin seats.
The flight will be operated as part of American's joint business with Qantas, which remains subject to regulatory approvals. Earlier this year, the two airlines announced increased options between the U.S. and Sydney Airport (SYD) with American launching a new nonstop flight from LAX, and Qantas adding a new flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), both beginning in December.
Visit www.aa.com and www.qantas.com.au