{"id":60238,"date":"2024-04-01T11:48:30","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T06:18:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=60238"},"modified":"2024-07-23T23:46:18","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T18:16:18","slug":"air-new-zealand-marks-40-years-of-flights-to-los-angeles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/01\/air-new-zealand-marks-40-years-of-flights-to-los-angeles\/","title":{"rendered":"Air New Zealand Marks 40 Years of Flights to Los Angeles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AUCKLAND-<\/strong> Air New Zealand (NZ)<\/a> commemorates 40 years of directly linking New Zealanders with the vibrant allure of Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this day in 1984, the Kiwi carrier embarked on its inaugural non-stop journey from Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX)<\/a>, solidifying Air New Zealand’s position as the longest-serving non-stop operator on this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air New Zealand Los Angeles Flights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Air New Zealand initially landed in Los Angeles in December 1965, its flights necessitated refueling stops in Nadi, Tahiti, or Honolulu. Thus, 1984 marked the advent of the first non-stop service utilizing a Boeing 747<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scott Carr, General Manager Long Haul at Air New Zealand, asserts that four decades of operating the AKL-LAX route underscores the popularity and enduring appeal of Air New Zealand’s service between the two cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Los Angeles has remained a sought-after destination for New Zealanders eager to delve into the city’s heart, where cinematic enchantment thrives. Additionally, it stands as a pivotal entry point to the United States and beyond, facilitating connections for millions of our passengers to various destinations over the past four decades.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Simultaneously, for our American travelers, our LAX to AKL route has emerged as one of the most popular pathways for linking visitors to the wonders of Aotearoa. The quintessential Kiwi experience commences aboard Air New Zealand, offering an unparalleled start to a journey in New Zealand.”<\/p>\nScott Carr, General Manager Long Haul at Air New Zealand<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

To commemorate this milestone, Air New Zealand is hosting a competition inviting Kiwis to share their cherished flying moments on the LA route for a chance to win Premium Economy flights for four to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, festivities at LAX are set to commence, featuring an event at the gate lounge and departure gate, commemorating the 40th anniversary with prizes, a Kiwi-themed photo booth, and giveaways for passengers en route to New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Remarkable Achievements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the Auckland to LA service has been marked by many remarkable and eccentric experiences. In 2009, Air New Zealand hosted a Matchmaking Flight, complete with a dedicated singles cabin overseen by ‘The Bachelor.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LAX witnessed the unveiling of Air New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings Boeing 747 livery with Viggo Mortensen in 2003. Notably, in 1993, the airline welcomed Queen Elizabeth II aboard on her journey to Aotearoa, marking the first instance of a British monarch utilizing a routine commercial flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its inception in 1984, Air New Zealand has operated daily services to Los Angeles, with a temporary suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic. Air New Zealand provides up to ten weekly return services from Auckland <\/a>to Los Angeles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Facts and Figures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are some intriguing facts from 40 years of flying between Auckland and LA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n