Delta looks set to launch non-stop flights between LA and Auckland

Delta looks set to launch non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Auckland, in what would mark the major US airline’s debut in New Zealand. An announcement is understood to be imminent after Delta Air Lines president Glen Hauenstein last week told staff the carrier would launch the route later this year, Airline Weekly reported. A spokesperson for the airline told Stuff Travel they could not confirm any of these details. Auckland Airport and Los Angeles International Airport representatives said they had no information, referring Stuff Travel to the airline. House of Travel chief operating officer Brent Thomas said the potential route would most likely launch for the northern hemisphere winter – New Zealand’s summer – in line with our inbound tourism season. Things were looking good for New Zealand consumers on the North America routes, with the possibility of Delta’s arrival adding to a year that will also see Qantas launching its non-stop Auckland to New York route in direct competition with Air New Zealand – with the potential for the Australian carrier to further expand its offering between New Zealand and North America.<br/>