New flights could herald big international interest in Christchurch

American Airlines has announced it'll operate three direct flights a week - between Christchurch and Los Angeles - from October next year.

Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Leeann Watson says it reinforces that Christchurch is well and truly back on the map.

She says this is one of the world's largest airlines - and they've realised just how big the global appetite for Christchurch is.