London abandoned by New Zealand

Air New Zealand will not return, even temporarily, with its long-established (1982) Heathrow – Los Angeles – Auckland route.

It is perhaps symbolic of the former colony severing its ties with the mother country, New Zealand one of the few ‘tourist’ nations has not participated in London’s World Travel Market (WTM) for several years.

As reported (See BTN 28 October Air New Zealand abandons London) the airline plans to start New York – Auckland flights with the intention of seeking a transatlantic partner in order to offer single code United Kingdom – New Zealand services with a transfer at Newark (EWR).  The same problems associated with US immigration and customs will persist (you have to join the queue and there is unlikely to be any special arrangements), but with the New Zealand flights already earmarked for EWR, the home of Star Alliance associate United Airlines the choice is obvious.

In recent times the airline has faced considerable competition from Middle East carriers able to offer a different cabin style from New Zealand but, more importantly, a simple transit at airports specifically designed for easy transfer.

Speaking at the time of the original announcement Acting CEO Jeff McDowall said “The number of ways to fly between London and Auckland has more than doubled in the past decade, changing customer preferences. Less than 7% of all airline travellers between London and Auckland chose to fly via Los Angeles last year.”

www.airnewzealand.com

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