Air NZ drops Christchurch-LA service

National carrier Air New Zealand said today it will suspend its non-stop Christchurch to Los Angeles service during the off-peak season.

The twice-weekly service will be dropped from April 3 to October 28 due to insufficient demand.

Last year, Air NZ offered a Christchurch to LA service once a week during the winter months, but Norm Thompson, Air NZ's group general manager of marketing, said sales on the route had been disappointing.

Christchurch customers will be able to connect with Air NZ's twice daily service from Auckland at no extra cost.

Cargo will also be carried via Auckland.

The direct service between Christchurch and Los Angeles will be reinstated from October 29, with three flights per week.

Shares in Air NZ last traded 2c lower at $1.27.

- NZPA