American Airlines Cargo has linked the US and New Zealand with daily nonstop services between Los Angeles and Auckland.

The cargo on the inaugural Boeing 787 service included perishables and consolidated freight, and the return is expected to carry medical supplies and mining machinery. The flights are expected to handle a variety of goods including e-commerce, perishables, horticulture products, meat and fish.

American Airlines Cargo managing director Cargo Sales – West, Joe Goode says: “Our teams at LAX and in the Pacific have been especially excited for the launch of the new 787 service to New Zealand. We look forward to a strong demand on the cargo front between AKL and LAX, and anticipate additional demand beyond New Zealand into Australia using our interline partners.”

American is expanding Pacific operations with new routes to Tokyo and Sydney. GSA Cargo Services has been appointed sales agent and Menzies Aviation will undertake the ground handling.