NEW ZEALAND will feel more cut off than ever following the not unexpected announcement that United Airlines, now under Chapter 11, is to pull its daily 12 hour Boeing 747 Auckland ” Los Angeles flight. The last United service will depart Auckland for Los Angeles on 29 March leaving New Zealand ” US routes entirely in the hands of Air New Zealand and Qantas, known to be currently planning to share services to North America. United's pullout, which follows in recent times withdrawals by other US carriers, Continental and American Airlines, could have implications for the recently announced Qantas/Air New Zealand tie-up awaiting government approval. As things stand Qantas is part of Oneworld whilst Air New Zealand is tied in with Star, but things could change with the effective amalgamation of the two carriers.
http://www.ual.com