TravelInc, Auckland, 30 March 2016 - American Airlines is giving the market a quick shake ahead of its entry into New Zealand on 25 June, announcing a sale that starts now (4pm Wednesday, 30 March 30 and ends midnight, Friday, 1 April.

The NZ$799 Auckland to Los Angeles return fare was announced by American Airlines vice president Erwan Perhirin this afternoon. (Additional prices apply from outside Auckland in New Zealand and beyond LA in the United States).

The ex AKL travel period is 15 October to 15 December 2016. The fare is return economy per person valid via QF/AA direct services only. There is an AKL/WLG/CHC – LAX one way fare also available at $499 and the same travel periods apply. From WLG and CHC the return fare is $899 return; ex WLG travel period from 17 October to 15 December 2016, ex CHC from 15 October to 30 November 2016.

The announcement came as Perhirin and Qantas senior vice president Stephen Thompson discussed American’s new service with media at a lunch at Seafarers in Auckland. Both were gung-ho about the flights and say that the QF – AA partnership is the recipe for long-term viability on the route.

Perhirin also had news for the corporate market, emphasising that the B787-7 service has wifi and will include 28 lie-flat business class seats with a walk-up bar in the premium cabin.

‘We’re adding a lot of choice to the market,’ says Perhirin.

From its hubs in the United States, American Airlines offers connections to nearly 350 cities in more than 50 countries worldwide, with about 6700 daily flights. American now offers up to 13 daily flights from the Asia Pacific region to the United States.