SAN FRANCISCO - Air New Zealand broke its nine-year drought on inaugural routes yesterday when its Lord of the Rings promo plane coasted onto the San Francisco tarmac and released 50 jetlagged guests into a day of celebration and champagne. The direct route, flying three times a week in each direction, is expected to become a valuable connection for tourists and exports. By 2006 Air New Zealand's new Boeing 777s - ordered last month and due to arrive in September next year - are likely to provide daily flights to San Francisco. The airline has been considering the route for...