AIA
11/11/2015 12:55
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 1255 HRS Auckland International Airport Limited
GENERAL: AIA: AIA American Airlines to boost NZ economy by $199m every yr
Media Release | 11 November 2015
American Airlines to boost NZ economy by $199m every year
Auckland Airport welcomes the announcement that American Airlines will start
a daily service between Los Angeles and Auckland in June 2016, using a Boeing
787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
Norris Carter, Auckland Airport's general manager - aeronautical commercial,
says, "The arrival of American Airlines is good news for New Zealand,
especially for customers of the oneworld alliance. It also increases airline
choice on the Auckland to Los Angeles route and provides much-needed
additional seats for the growing number of Americans and New Zealanders
travelling between the two countries. We are working with American Airlines
to ensure this new service is sustainable and grows tourism between our two
countries."
Auckland Airport estimates that the new American Airlines daily service will
boost seat capacity between New Zealand and the United States by 16%, adding
165,000 seats per year and contributing $199 million annually to the New
Zealand economy.
"The United States is one of our country's most important visitor markets and
travel destinations. In the year to 30 September 2015, 237,312 Americans
visited New Zealand, up 11% on the previous 12 months, and 178,720 New
Zealanders visited the United States, up 14%."
"The American Airlines service will provide convenient connections between
Auckland and 200 daily onward flights through Los Angeles, the airline's main
West Coast hub and also improves access to the East Coast of the United
States. It will connect Auckland to 57 destinations in the United States,
Canada, Mexico and beyond to London and Sao Paulo."
"American Airlines will operate its new service to Auckland Airport in
partnership with Qantas. We welcome airline alliances that increase air
connectivity and provide consumer choice and competition," says Mr Carter.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Simon Lambourne
+64 27 477 6120
[email protected]
End CA:00273233 For:AIA Type:GENERAL Time:2015-11-11 12:55:18
