American Airlines is set to return to Auckland from Los Angeles on December 21, hot on the heels of the US carrier debuting flights between the City of Sails and Dallas Fort Worth in late 2022.

The move from American Airlines comes at a time when New Zealand is experiencing exponential growth for capacity to North America and is part of the carrier’s strengthening of its Asia-Pacific footprint.

American Airlines’ Vice President of Operations and Commercial, EMEA and APAC, Kyle Mabry, said the seasonal daily service between the City of Sails and Los Angeles will operate until March 3 with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering customers “a world-class flight experience complete with Flagship Business and Premium Economy cabins, high-speed Wi-Fi, and hundreds of movies and TV shows on-demand at every seat”.

“The response we had from the New Zealand public when we returned to shores last year was overwhelmingly positive, so we’re excited to be launching our new seasonal Los Angeles route later this year,” he said.

“Working closely again with our partners at Auckland Airport, we aim to provide customers with a sustainable, seamless travel experience that opens them up to new destinations, adventures and memories.”

American’s inaugural Los Angeles to Auckland flight will take off on December 21 and land in New Zealand on December 23, before returning to California the same day.