Air New Zealand is celebrating four decades of connecting New Zealanders directly with the bright lights of Hollywood, having launched it first non-stop service from Auckland to Los Angeles on 2 April 1984.
While Air New Zealand first touched down in Los Angeles in December 1965, its service included refuelling stops in Nadi, Tahiti, or Honolulu, so 1984 marked the first non-stop service on a Boeing 747.
Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul Scott Carr says 40 years of flying AKL-LAX is testament to the popularity of the Air New Zealand service between the cities.
“LA has long been a popular destination for Kiwis wanting to explore the city where movie magic is made. It also serves as an important gateway for the US and beyond, connecting millions of our customers to their destinations over the past 40 years.
“Likewise, for our US customers, our LAX to AKL service has been one of our most popular routes for connecting visitors to Aotearoa. The Kiwi experience really does start onboard with Air New Zealand and there’s no better way to begin a New Zealand adventure.”
Air New Zealand is celebrating its feat with a competition encouraging Kiwis to share their favourite flying experience on the LA route to be in to win Premium Economy flights for four to the city.
IMAGE: Air New Zealand Flight Attendants in Nina Ricci Uniform, 1985
