Air New Zealand has announced the suspension of its direct flights from Sydney to Los Angeles effective after the last flight on 27 April.Ê This move will enable Air New Zealand to focus on operating its increased Auckland - Los Angeles services from 14 to 17 per week as from April 2003, as announced last month.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Norris, said the decision to suspend services was made as part of an ongoing review of the airline`s long haul business.

“We have not made this decision lightly - quite simply our service between Sydney and Los Angeles is one of our least profitable.Ê However, we will continue to monitor the route and, ifÊ market conditions improve, we will be prepared to re-enter.”

“Meanwhile, the United Airlines withdrawal from New Zealand as from April 2003 has opened up additional opportunities for our Auckland - Los Angeles operations,” said Mr Norris.

“Unfortunately, the uncertainty surrounding current market conditions, including the potential Iraq situation and uncertainty around approval of the alliance with Qantas, do not provide us with the level of confidence to bring additional aircraft into the fleet to service both routes at this time,” he said.

Air New Zealand`s Australian-based sales team will continue to serve Australian customers` needs.

The airline`s Star Alliance partner, United Airlines, has retained its Australian services and Air New Zealand has a code-share arrangement with them on their Sydney - Los Angeles services.
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