kiwifrequentflyer

That makes sense. I can't imagine Air NZ picked up many LA-based flyers. The LAX-London route has so many competitors already. Most people living in Los Angeles, flying to London for business, probably also fly regularly within the USA for business, and would prioritize a USA-based airline. Or else they fly worldwide to multiple locations, in which case, would prioritize a global airline like Emirates/Singapore.

Which is also why, IMO, it makes no sense from an Air NZ financial perspective to start it up again from say, Hong Kong (when/if it reopens). Outside of Kiwis bizarrely loyal to Air NZ who are willing to pay $12,000 for return airfares instead of $8,000-$9,000 with the much superior Emirates/Singapore, who are they going to pickup locally for the Hong Kong to London leg to fill up the plane? Anyone flying that route regularly probably also flies internationally a lot in general. In which case, they'll want to gain loyalty with an airline that can meet their general travel needs.