NZ to cease flying to London and is axing the LAX-LHR route

[Libertyscott]

NZ and EY do have a relationship Etihad Airways

 

[justinbrett]

Why would it necessarily involve QF when EK499 operates nonstop AKL-DXB

Because that flight operates under the QF/EK alliance registered with NZ and AU regulators.

Why cant they codeshare on AKL-PER apart from regulatory issues? ANZ does not have long haul business to LHR, so they are no giving anything away. (Though a 6 hour layover between NZ175 and QF9 would be too long. NNZ would need to shorten the layover by making the 175 departure at 2pm instead)

Well, because of the regulatory issues. That’s enough of a reason.

NZ would make more money flying people to SIN, ORD or EWR. Most of the profits would be paid to QF for PER-LHR.

There was probably a small window where QF and NZ could have merged (like BA and Iberia, Air France an KLM etc) and that was just before NZ was re-nationalised and QF was in dire straights. That window is firmly closed now.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Yes. Flounge. I hate AKL.

No access to QF AKL FLounge when flying NZ

 

[justinbrett]

No access to QF AKL FLounge when flying NZ

The context was flying QF MEL-SYD-JFK (or MEL-LAX-JFK) vs NZ MEL-AKL-EWR. So your comment is irrelevant to my post.

 

[Libertyscott]

I think NZ wont sell slots, but lease them out - keeps options open and helps to secure relationship with a friendly carrier. Could be SQ, could be CX, could be VS, could be BA.

It's sad, as I recall an Air NZ Airpoints Elite event in London some years ago (not long before the end of the 747s) to launch new catering product (which didn't work and was cancelled) with free dinner and drinks, all focused on attracting premium NZ customers based in London. Seemed like a big focus on the market which it is now leaving for codeshares etc.

 

[justinbrett]

I think NZ wont sell slots, but lease them out - keeps options open and helps to secure relationship with a friendly carrier. Could be SQ, could be CX, could be VS, could be BA.

It's sad, as I recall an Air NZ Airpoints Elite event in London some years ago (not long before the end of the 747s) to launch new catering product (which didn't work and was cancelled) with free dinner and drinks, all focused on attracting premium NZ customers based in London. Seemed like a big focus on the market which it is now leaving for codeshares etc.

They’ll be worth a lot more now than in 2026 when the third runway is (at this stage) set to open.

But you’re right, NZ is where QF was pre-EK alliance when it put all of its eggs in the codeshare basket. While QF at least retained some QF metal in LHR I think it’s a good example where the market wasn’t keen and we saw the airline revert to the previous arrangement (SIN).

The flip side to that is that NZ is much smaller than AU and is further from LHR than AU. So in that case it makes sense they focus on the US market (where they can potentially attract AU pax).

 

[serfty]

(when I flew the NZ flight above LAX had an international transit lounge where you didn't go through customs/immigration - Pre 9/11 obviously).

Actually, this " 'sterile' transit " continued right up until AirNZ moved from T2 to TBIT in late 2014.

 

[nonscenic]

Yes. Flounge. I hate AKL.

AKL was a mirage in the desert while transiting on LA801 from SCL in Y to SYD. The cafe at AKL was very welcome after LAs abysmal food service. No wonder QF to SCL is popular.
I can see why transits through the US to Europe and South America are unpopular. Their TSA and the need for E visa waivers even if staying airside is a big turnoff and why SCL is the new gateway to South America.

 

[justinbrett]

AKL was a mirage in the desert while transiting on LA801 from SCL in Y to SYD. The cafe at AKL was very welcome after LAs abysmal food service. No wonder QF to SCL is popular.
I can see why transits through the US to Europe and South America are unpopular. Their TSA and the need for E visa waivers even if staying airside is a big turnoff and why SCL is the new gateway to South America.

Of course SCL is the gateway to South America. Its a choice (from SYD) of a 13:15 flight direct vs 13:50 + 10:30 via LAX.

I‘m not sure the TSA is a factor for many people. I don’t think they’re any worse than the security at SCL or SYD. Perhaps I’m just used to their style but objectively it’s pretty standard airport screening.

As for the via waiver (ESTA), $14 online, not a drama. Step off the plane in SCL and they slug you $170 or so just for being Australian (assuming you want to leave the airport or have a separate booking).

 

[Franky]

Guess it depends on price but if I was a resident of PER I’d rather go through SIN with SQ to EWR.

I'm from Perth and would rather go thru DOH on QR...

 

[Mattg]

Tickets are now on sale for AKL-EWR.

 

[Timtammi]

The context was flying QF MEL-SYD-JFK (or MEL-LAX-JFK) vs NZ MEL-AKL-EWR. So your comment is irrelevant to my post.

Personally I would vote for the NZ option but horses for courses of course. I'm MEL based and I hate transitting SYD for all the reasons everyone does, on the other hand AKL is nice and easy. Not a fan of LAX either although its better than it used to be. The other factor is cost, NZ is usually much cheaper in J than QF so will see how they stack up on this new route. I do agree that the backwards seats are a bit stupid but I LOVE their memory foam mattresses, so comfy!!