Increasing channel optionality and cementing a reputation as holiday experts with a ‘flights plus’ strategy were highlighted in a business update by Flight Centre Brands global managing director Andrew Stark this week.

New Zealand’s travel retailers are welcoming another link to the all-important USA gateway of LAX, with spokespeople saying there is definitely a need for more capacity on the route.

At the same time, Delta Air Lines has the trade in its sights following the announcement that the carrier will launch daily flights between Auckland and Los Angeles from 30 October on Airbus A350-900 aircraft.