AA Cargo continues to grow service between LAX and New Zealand

Feb 03, 2017: American Airlines Cargo has recently transported honey shipment for the first time; 8.6 tonnes shipment from the New Zealand city of Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX), then on to London Heathrow (LHR)—and did so swiftly and smoothly in order to meet deadlines for a contract in the UK.

The honey shipment was of Manuka honey that is produced in New Zealand and the transport of it requires delicate handling.

Additionally, lamb shipments from AKL have also exceeded expectations since the launch of this specific route, providing a level of confidence that has resulted in additional high-volume lamb shipments for the approaching Easter holiday.

As New Zealand Day approaches, American Airlines Cargo reflects on the last six months of its new service between LAX and AKL.

Since the route’s mid-year launch in 2016, the carrier has seen consistent, rapid expansion—a developing story perfectly illustrated by the short notice shipment of a world renowned honey.

"Customers across New Zealand are benefiting from the tremendous scope of American's global network," states Carolyn Evans, country manager for GSA Cargo—the airline's global sales agent in Australasia.

"Conversely, the onwards connections from the Los Angeles gateway to both Europe and South America are proving particularly popular because of the number of industries that need to air freight goods out of New Zealand. Today, more than 50 percent of what we export is bound for destinations beyond Los Angeles."

Typical LAX-AKL flights now contain both general freight and perishable cargo with items such as medical equipment, locks and printed matter, alongside the more traditional meat, fish and fresh fruit products for which New Zealand has long been associated.

"We are currently gearing up for another big fruit and flower season in 2017," adds Evans, who notes that recent bad weather including snow on the south island has impacted exports, which have delayed the season slightly.

"Sub-tropicals, like passion fruit, will soon be coming on stream—and in the meantime, we are busy with wine, shoes, wool products and band equipment!"

American provides a daily, direct flight from New Zealand to LAX with its new, fuel-efficient Boeing 787 aircraft, offering connections beyond the US to China, Japan, London and Sao Paulo.