Air New Zealand Celebrates 85 Iconic Years in the Skies

Air New Zealand is turning 85 and celebrating with more than just cake. The airline that once started with a flying boat service between Auckland and Sydney is marking the milestone with a five-day Birthday Sale, nostalgic reflections, and a look ahead at what’s next in Kiwi aviation.

Aussie travellers can snap up one-way flights to New Zealand from just $265, with sale fares available from major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to destinations such as Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch. But you’ll have to be quick—the sale runs only until 9 May (or until sold out).

Beyond the tempting fares, the airline is spotlighting the historic highs that have defined its journey—from flying Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 on a scheduled service, to unveiling the world’s first lie-flat ‘SkyCouch’ in economy in 2011.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Greg Foran says the spirit of connection remains at the heart of the airline’s mission. “For nearly 85 years, connection has been at the core of everything we do. From our first flying boat to today’s Dreamliners and A320s, it’s been an incredible journey—and we’re just getting started.”

As part of the celebration, the airline released a list of 10 iconic milestones. Among them:

• Mid-air tea anyone? In 1950, Air New Zealand (then TEAL) became the first airline to boil water mid-flight—changing inflight service forever.
• Non-stop to LA: In 1984, it launched direct services to Los Angeles, eliminating stopovers in the Pacific.
• Royal approval: In 1995, Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning monarch to fly commercially with the airline.
• SkyCouch innovation: Introduced in 2011, the lie-flat couch concept brought a new level of comfort to economy travel.
• Next-gen flying: In 2023, the airline became a launch customer for a new low-emissions aircraft as part of its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme.
• Language inclusivity: Recent years saw the first-ever flights conducted in te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Also turning heads is the airline’s fresh new uniform by acclaimed designer Emilia Wickstead. Featuring cultural motifs like the Matariki constellation and huia feathers, the update embraces Aotearoa’s heritage and includes traditional garments for Pasifika crew members.

In a touching gesture to mark the milestone, Air New Zealand is running a competition for New Zealand residents to reunite 85-year-olds with their families—encouraging entries from anyone turning 85 this year.

Long-time Chief Pilot Captain David Morgan, who recently stepped down from his executive post after four decades with the airline, also personifies the legacy. Having joined in 1985 and now flying the A320, Morgan’s story reflects the values of resilience, innovation, and leadership the airline champions.

From pioneering aviation feats to embracing cultural diversity and environmental responsibility, Air New Zealand’s 85-year journey shows no signs of slowing.

Here’s to the next 85.

More details: www.airnewzealand.com.au