American Airlines Cargo launches daily L.A.-Auckland service

A new Los Angeles (LAX)-Auckland (AKL) passenger service, launched earlier this week, is also providing new connection for airfreight from the United States to New Zealand to and then on to hundreds of destinations around the world. Using a 787, AA Cargo has the ability to reach this new international location nonstop.

The new destination in Auckland is “part of the company’s commitment to expanding operations in the Pacific, including other new routes to Haneda and Sydney,” according to an AA Cargo memo.

Joe Goode, managing director, cargo sales – west, explained that AA “looked forward to a strong demand on the cargo front between AKL and LAX, and anticipate additional demand beyond New Zealand into Australia,” with the help of the carrier’s interline partners.

While cargo on the inaugural flight out of LAX included perishables and other consolidated freight, the return flight was expected to carry medical supplies and mining machinery. An AA publication mentioned e-commerce goods, perishables, horticulture products, edible fish and other chilled meats as the most commonly shipped commodities along the route.

In Auckland, GSA Cargo Service is AA Cargo’s designated sales agent, a role it already handles for the airline in Australia. Menzies Aviation will undertake ground handling, with freight reception through its cargo central facility.