American Airlines to New Zealand

[TomVexille]

Surely New Zealand alone can't sustain Daily 787 flights, plus their national pledged allegiance to Air NZ, and the new United flight... They would need Trans Tasman traffic I would assume?

It's only an extra 226 seats each way, and I suspect they expect to fill most of those seats exUSA.

 

[moa999]

May also explain the statement that RetroRooII would fly to NZ

 

[TheBOSman]

It's only an extra 226 seats each way, and I suspect they expect to fill most of those seats exUSA.

To be fair, how many would connect east coast Australia-AKL-LAX for a similar price as East coast Australia-LAX nonstop? I doubt either QF or AA really want to be routing Australian O&D through AKL, and underpricing TT+AKL-LAX surely isn't what QF or AA have in mind for this route.

 

[TomVexille]

To be fair, how many would connect east coast Australia-AKL-LAX for a similar price as East coast Australia-LAX nonstop? I doubt either QF or AA really want to be routing Australian O&D through AKL, and underpricing TT+AKL-LAX surely isn't what QF or AA have in mind for this route.

I think you're right. They don't want to cannibalize their own loads.

 

[jackthomas]

Qantas to upgrade Auckland international business class lounge - Australian Business Traveller

As expected...

 

[anat0l]

re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Here's some more information: AMERICAN AIRLINES BRINGS ITS PREMIUM SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND - Qantas News Room

Here's an interesting quote:

The new route will give customers of American ... direct access to a renowned travel destination

Wow, does Auckland (or New Zealand) really have that reputation over in the USA (and North America in general)?! Amazing! Sometimes we underestimate our seventh state brother

Seriously though, New Zealand is a nice place. A shame that there isn't a huge network for domestic connecting traffic from AKL for incoming Americans, and of course all of it is on Jetstar. At least when UA start a route in cooperation NZ, they have full extensive domestic network access with NZ. Now Jetstar might not be a big deal to Americans who may not have the same high standards as we do in Australia, though without agreements they also won't earn a single mile on said flights, may not have same-ticket baggage allowance, and may not have any disruption protection from either airline if things go soupy. And those of us who have flown during a New Zealand winter or thereabouts know that things can go a bit crazy now and then, cooking up an entire days (or a few days) of schedule.

The timing of the flight from AKL will basically force any connecting traffic from Australia on the first flight of the day. So those of you thinking of getting some F Lounge time in probably won't be in for much at all, although if this new snazzy lounge at AKL takes off, that may be something. On the other hand, since the arrival into AKL from LAX is early, there's a full complement of options from AKL to connect to.

AA are using 787s for this leg. Not too many seats on the plane - no where near the A380s or B777s crossing the Pacific on other QF/AA routes, let alone the direct competition (including 2 x B77Ws per day by the incumbent monopoly). No F either on this plane; I suspect that AA upgrades to J are going to be hot on demand. So this is going to be interesting.

I guess this means AA will have to establish some sort of a base at AKL Airport to support their new route.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Great to see that Kiwi's will get some much needed competition back on an all-important route.

 

[TomVexille]

re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Here's an interesting quote:

Wow, does Auckland (or New Zealand) really have that reputation over in the USA (and North America in general)?! Amazing! Sometimes we underestimate our seventh state brother

LOTR did wonders for inbound tourism. And most Americans I've met who have been to both Australia and New Zealand say that they wish they had spent more time in NZ, even at the expense of time over on the West Island.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Qantas to upgrade Auckland international business class lounge - Australian Business Traveller

As expected...

Yayyyyyy!!..........

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Flight of the Qanchords.

 

[serfty]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

LOTR did wonders for inbound tourism. And most Americans I've met who have been to both Australia and New Zealand say that they wish they had spent more time in NZ, even at the expense of time oven on the West Island.

Yep, don't forget to Tolkein/Jackson-Philes ...

 

[smit0847]

Long transit:
QF151 MEL 2335 AKL 0515+1

Yuck! Why would anyone choose this over the direct services?!

 

[AIRwin]

Yuck! Why would anyone choose this over the direct services?!

Status run?

 

[TomVexille]

Yuck! Why would anyone choose this over the direct services?!

Because FC sold it to them

 

[anat0l]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

LOTR did wonders for inbound tourism.

That will likely bring in a big leisure crowd. Any business to be had? You'd think that there would need to be some to make a good case for both AA and UA to make the jump across the Pacific, even with 787s. A larger leisure crowd might mean more premium availability to be had, although that doesn't mean they will be readily redeemable - either at AAnytime level or reserved for upgrades.

And most Americans I've met who have been to both Australia and New Zealand say that they wish they had spent more time in NZ, even at the expense of time oven on the West Island.

My guess on that is because there's a lot more lushness to be found in NZ which is readily accessible from many major cities or towns in NZ compared to Australia. Lovely lake region around Taupo, hot boiling mud at Rotorua, laid back capital of Wellington (still more classy and chill compared to Canberra), rolling hills and wine at Hawke's Bay, skiing or sports in Queenstown...... to get the same thing in Australia means going here there and everywhere; not cheap.

On top of that, your USD probably goes a lot further in New Zealand than in Australia (especially in Auckland vs Sydney).

 

[UP4014]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Here's some more information: AMERICAN AIRLINES BRINGS ITS PREMIUM SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND - Qantas News Room

Sorry in advance, perhaps it's just my monitor. But does AJ look like a cardboard cut out in the pic at the bottom.


Matt

 

[TomVexille]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

That will likely bring in a big leisure crowd. Any business to be had? You'd think that there would need to be some to make a good case for both AA and UA to make the jump across the Pacific, even with 787s. A larger leisure crowd might mean more premium availability to be had, although that doesn't mean they will be readily redeemable - either at AAnytime level or reserved for upgrades.



My guess on that is because there's a lot more lushness to be found in NZ which is readily accessible from many major cities or towns in NZ compared to Australia. Lovely lake region around Taupo, hot boiling mud at Rotorua, laid back capital of Wellington (still more classy and chill compared to Canberra), rolling hills and wine at Hawke's Bay, skiing or sports in Queenstown...... to get the same thing in Australia means going here there and everywhere; not cheap.

On top of that, your USD probably goes a lot further in New Zealand than in Australia (especially in Auckland vs Sydney).

NZ is making money hand over fist TPAC. Business case enough?

Based on the latest inbound visitor arrivals statistics, in the previous 12 months, Australia had 7.32 million visitors to New Zealand's 3 million. Impressive statistics for a little country that's a long way from most places.

Yes, a majority of those numbers are leisure and VFR pax, so not particularly high yielding, but AA is putting on a 788 with only 28 J seats. Not particularly premium heavy is it.

So based on a per capita number, NZ is wiping the floor with Australia when it comes to inbound visitors.

As for the $. 1USD = 1.41AUD and 1.52NZD. It doesn't get you THAT much further really.

 

[Altair]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Film and entertainment industry is quite large here.
Also the dairy and oil/gas industry sees lots of US business travelers, from my time in the Koru Lounges and the regional flights I took.
I thought the new AKL lounge was a done deal but it appears the are still thinking about it.

 

[drron]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Yes NZ has been well promoted in the States and certain peter Jackson films haven't hurt.
And as Tom said many Americans we talk to are well aware of the attractions of NZ.
And I will second the likelihood of very few J awards being available on this route.It is now ~ 2.5 years since longhaul premium sAAver awards began to disappear so not just a glitch.

 

[Danger]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

Good news.

I find it interesting that the release is on the QF website but QF is not only not mentioned in the headline but it first crops up in the third paragraph.

Nice to see Doug Parker wearing a poppy, too.

We also seemed to have ended up with two threads on this topic (http://www.australianfrequentflyer....e/american-airlines-to-new-zealand-72004.html).