American Starts Daily LAX Nonstop Service to Auckland, NZ

American Airlines Cargo has begun a daily nonstop service between its Los Angeles (LAX) gateway hub and Auckland, New Zealand (AKL).

This new Pacific route opens up a vast number of opportunities for customers connecting traffic through LAX to over 200 destinations in North and Latin America. American says that the use of the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 gives the company the ability to reach this new international location directly, adding that Auckland is part of the company’s commitment to expanding operations in the Pacific, including other new routes to Haneda (HND) and Sydney (SYD).

Cargo on the inaugural flight out of LAX included a variety of perishables and other consolidated freight, which will be followed by medical supplies and mining machinery on the first return flight from New Zealand. Overall, some of the most commonly shipped commodities into and out of the region include e-commerce goods, perishables, horticulture products, edible fish and other chilled meats.

American has appointed GSA Cargo Service as its sales agent in Auckland, complimenting the company’s existing role for the airline in Australia. Menzies Aviation will undertake ground handling for the carrier with freight reception through its cargo central facility.