American Airlines Cargo has launched a daily nonstop service between its Los Angeles (LAX) gateway hub and Auckland, New Zealand (AKL). This new Pacific route opens up a vast number of opportunities for customers connecting traffic through LAX to over 200 destinations in North and Latin America, the carrier said.

To and from AKL, use of the fuel-efficient B787 gives American the ability to reach this new international location directly. Auckland is part of the company’s commitment to expanding operations in the Pacific, including other new routes to Haneda (HND) and Sydney (SYD).

“Our teams at LAX and in the Pacific have been especially excited for the launch of the new 787 service to New Zealand,” said Joe Goode, managing director, Cargo Sales – West. “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.”

Cargo on the inaugural flight out of LAX includes a variety of perishables and other consolidated freight, which will be followed by medical supplies and mining machinery on the first return flight from New Zealand. Overall, some of the most commonly shipped commodities into and out of the region include e-commerce goods, perishables, horticulture products, edible fish and other chilled meats.

American has appointed GSA Cargo Service as its sales agent in Auckland, complimenting the company’s existing role for the airline in Australia. Menzies Aviation will undertake ground handling for the carrier with freight reception through its cargo central facility.

American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C.

American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries.