June 23, 2016

Today, American Airlines Cargo launches 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. To and from AKL, use of the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 gives American the ability to reach this new international location directly. Auckland is part of the company’s commitment to expanding operations in the Pacific, including other new routes to Haneda (HND) and Sydney (SYD).

“Our teams at LAX and in the Pacific have been especially excited for the launch of the new 787 service to New Zealand,” said Joe Goode, managing director, Cargo Sales – West. “We look forward to a strong demand on the cargo front between AKL and LAX, and anticipate additional demand beyond New Zealand into Australia using our interline partners.”

Cargo on the inaugural flight out of LAX includes 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.

About American Airlines Cargo

American Airlines Group is the holding company for American Airlines. American provides one of the largest cargo networks in the world with cargo terminals and interline connections across the globe.

Every day, American transports cargo between major cities in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. Together with wholly owned and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle, the airlines operate an average of approximately 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in over 50 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington DC.

This year, American Airlines Group Inc. topped Fortune Magazine's list of best business turnarounds and its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.