The two things that killed the QF service between AKL & LAX was the change of the NZ domestic feeder services from the Jet Connect flown Qantas operation to a Jetstar operation and the change of aircraft from B747 to A330 - the slower cruise speed and the requirement to fly a longer route (to meet ETOPS) meant that the elapsed time was significantly inferior to the Air NZ services. The AA B787-8 service will solve the elapsed time issue but it will be interesting if customers will accept the JQ feeder services.