New Zealand's Transport Minister Simon Bridges says Wellington has authorized the Qantas (QF, Sydney Kingsford Smith)/American Airlines (AA, Dallas/Fort Worth) alliance to begin passenger flights between the United States and New Zealand.

With the announcement, American says it will begin daily direct Los Angeles International-Auckland International flights with effect from June 2016. Service is on-board B787-8 aircraft.

“This new service will give more choice and lower fares for travellers on the Auckland-Los Angeles route. Los Angeles is New Zealand’s main gateway to the United States. This new service will help make Los Angeles and the wider United States more affordable and accessible for Kiwi travellers," Bridges said.

The alliance follows a recent announcement from United Airlines, which will start its own direct service between San Francisco and Auckland in July 2016.

“It’s great to see airlines responding to the strong demand for travel between New Zealand and the USA. The increased competition can only be good news for consumers," he added.

Qantas withdrew from the New Zealand-United States market in 2012 following sustained losses on its own Auckland-Los Angeles route.