Qantas is moving into what has become familiar territory for many airlines.

The Australian carrier announced that it will cease its first-class service from Auckland to Los Angeles this month. Many expect potential partner Air New Zealand to follow suit.

Qantas said it will compensate for the loss of first class by upgrading all its business-class seats on the Auckland-Los Angeles route, hoping that the new reclining seats will assuage high-rolling customers.

Air New Zealand flies twice daily to Los Angeles and has first, business and economy classes on all these flights. It will soon, however, study its long-haul routes, to see if they can be reorganized.

Cutting first class and expanding business class has been a popular means of cutting costs throughout the industry.