info - air new zealand

Since the earliest days, the people of the South Pacific have been great travellers. Air New Zealand has continued that tradition, pioneering routes that link its Pacific region to the rest of the world.

Founded in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, Air New Zealand is New Zealand's national airline. Air New Zealand directly serves 45 cities in 15 countries, including 25 destinations within New Zealand.

 

Air New Zealand's commitment to delivering excellent customer service and one which embodies the confidence, unique style and friendliness of New Zealand, continues to be recognised through many prestigious awards. Recent awards include “Best Long Haul Airline” in the seventh annual Conde Naste UK Readers’ Awards; and “Best Pacific Airline” for the sixth year in a row at the TTG Asia Travel Awards 2004.

In the last two years, Air New Zealand has implemented changes to its domestic, trans-Tasman & Pacific operations to improve services to both business and leisure travellers. Air New Zealand has introduced a new Express Class service on these routes to meet customer demand for lower fares, more choice of flights and simplified booking processes. A new fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft have progressively come into service since October 2003 on the airline’s short haul international routes.

 

In June 2004, Air New Zealand announced a major fleet upgrade for its long haul international services with the acquisition of Boeing 777-200 aircraft and the re-fit of its current Boeing 747-400s – incorporating state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems and lie-flat seating in premium class. Premium New Zealand food and wines will be served and a new look uniform for staff, designed by leading New Zealand designer Zambesi, will be introduced in 2005 - all part of creating an inspiring journey for customers.