When American Airlines launches its new non-stop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Christchurch (CHC), New Zealand, next year, it will become the only carrier to fly from the United States to the South Island of New Zealand. American Airlines also plans to add the only direct service between Auckland (AKL) and Dallas (DFW).

Service to Christchurch is expected to begin in October 2020 and is currently planned to take place three times weekly through March 2021. A Boeing 787-8 aircraft is slated for the flight, with 20 business-class seats and 28 premium-economy seats. The flight from the West Coast to New Zealand’s South Island is 13 hours.

“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture and wildlife found no where else,” said Vasu Raja, senior vice president of network strategy, American Airlines. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality and bring New Zealand’s beauty even closer as the gateway to the South Island where you can drive, hike, cruise and fly to a variety of classic New Zealand experiences.”

“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” added Stephen England-Hall, CEO, Tourism New Zealand. “Thanks to the new non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas-Fort Worth to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”

The flight between Dallas and Auckland is also expected to begin next year, with service on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft with its 30 business-class seats and 21 premium-economy seats. Additionally, seasonal service between Los Angeles and Auckland resumes Oct. 7, 2020.