American Airlines takes on Air Zealand with direct LA-Auckland flights

For the first time, Air New Zealand is about to get some competition from a U.S. airline on its direct Auckland-Los Angeles route.

American Airlines on Tuesday announced details of its new nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Auckland Airport (AKL).

Daily flights between the two cities will kick off in June 2016, said the airline.

It plans to operate the service with the newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

The flight, approved by New Zealand's transport minister, will be operated as part of an American Airlines tie-up with Australian airline Qantas.

"Auckland is a thriving destination for business and leisure travelers, and it adds to the growing strength of our global network across the Pacific," said Doug Parker, American Airlines' CEO, in a statement.

"We've seen a strong increase for demand from U.S. customers who need more nonstop access to New Zealand."

Air New Zealand reduces LAX fares

Los Angeles to Auckland flight time: 13 hours.

The big winner? Fliers, of course.

Since the American Airlines announcement was made, Air New Zealand has cut one-way fares on its Los Angeles route to NZ$499 ($328) from around NZ$785 ($516) for selected flights between early May and late August, though many of the seats have already been snapped up.

American Airlines has yet to announce its fares for the new service.

Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon was quoted by the New Zealand Herald as saying increased competition on the route was not unexpected and would benefit the overall New Zealand tourism market.

"We're ready for it and we look forward to it," he said.

Air Zealand has held a monopoly on the nonstop Auckland-Los Angeles route since Qantas ended its service in 2012.

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