Competition for passengers between New Zealand and the US is set to get keener as American Airlines announces plans to fly between Los Angeles and Auckland.
The heads of Qantas and American Airlines made the announcement in Wellington, this afternoon.
Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said the new flight would be codeshare with Qantas and would be supported by Jetstar on domestic routes.
American Airlines chief executive and chair Doug Parker said the airline was excited to be flying to New Zealand.
"Auckland is a thriving destination for business and leisure travellers, and it adds to the growing strength of our global network across the Pacific," he said.