Delta sets New Zealand debut with Auckland-Los Angeles flights

Delta Air Lines is primed to make a big splash in New Zealand this year, with the launch of a new non-stop flight between Auckland and Los Angeles – a first for the US carrier – set to take wing from October 30.

Rather than testing the waters with a few departures a week, the SkyTeam member is diving right in, introducing a daily Airbus A350 service: DL64 from Auckland, and DL65 from Los Angeles.

Well-timed for travellers connecting on Delta’s extensive US domestic network, the schedule is as follows:

• DL64 jets off from Auckland at 3pm, with touchdown in the City of Angels at a cheery 6:05am
• On the return, DL65 sees wheels up from LAX at 10:30pm, before arriving into Auckland at 8:35am

Air New Zealand is the only other airline offering a non-stop connection on Auckland to LA, with the Star Alliance member jetting off nine-times-weekly on its Business Premier-equipped 777.

American Airlines flies Auckland-Dallas/Fort Worth, while United jets off to San Francisco.

[An earlier version of this article noted the inclusion of Delta One business class suites. While the airline’s flagship A350 feature the suite, the A350 on this route will instead be a retrofitted ex-LATAM aircraft. A spokesperson tells Executive Traveller the aircraft is undergoing modifications to bring it up to Delta A350 standard.] 

Delta’s new Kiwi connection complements its 10-times weekly Sydney to Los Angeles service, giving Australian travellers an additional option to reach the city.

In LA, Delta One guests have access to the Hollywood-inspired Delta Sky Club at LAX, opened in April 2022 as part of a terminal transformation. The jewel of the Club is its Sky Deck, an all-weather terrace offering premium drinks and panoramic views.

Due for completion this year, the ‘Delta Sky Way at LAX’ transformation project also includes centralised check-in, security and baggage claim, linking Terminals 2, 3 and Tom Bradley International to create “a seamless passenger experience”.