American Airlines Adding Nonstop, Direct Routes to New Zealand in 2020

Stacey Leasca

American Airlines is making 2020 the year for travel to New Zealand.

On Monday, the airline announced its plan to launch the only nonstop route between Los Angeles International Airport and Christchurch, New Zealand starting in October 2020. It’s also adding the only direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand.

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“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture, and wildlife found nowhere else,” American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, Vasu Raja, said in a statement. “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.”

The airline explained its plans to fly to Christchurch Airport three times a week from October 2020 through March 2021 using its Boeing 787-8 planes. Onboard, guests will be treated to a variety of entertainment options including live television and hundreds of movies, TV shows, music, and game options.

The airline also explained its new direct service from Dallas will use the new state of the art 787-9 planes to Auckland Airport, which will “enable new one-stop connections to New Zealand from more than 70 cities across the United States.”

Raja added, “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.”

Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive further noted in a statement, “The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand. 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.”

Tickets for both of the new routes go on sale Nov. 30. Get ready by planning your New Zealand adventure now.