Air New Zealand Is Turning 85 And Reuniting 85-Year-Olds With Their Whānau

Who says 85 is old? Not us! Air New Zealand is 85 years old this month and to celebrate we're sharing some birthday love with ten lucky 85-year-olds by reuniting them with their whānau. 

Why? Because birthdays, especially big ones, are better spent together.

Whether it's Nana Irene in Nelson or Great Uncle Roger on the Gold Coast, Air New Zealand is helping New Zealanders come together to celebrate and share a sliver or two of birthday cake.

Kiwi can enter if they're turning 85 themselves, or if they have a beloved 85-year-old in their whānau. Air New Zealand will take care of the travel so families can focus on what really matters - celebrating together!

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the airline has a proud history of connecting Kiwi with each other and the world and a birthday provides a great excuse to do something extra special.

“While much has changed since our first flight back in 1940, what hasn't changed is the joy we get from bringing people together.

“For nearly 85 years, connection has been at the heart of everything our airline does. Our history has been shaped by those who have flown on us for over eight decades. It feels very fitting to reconnect ten 85-year-olds with their whānau and provide an opportunity for them to talk about what has shaped their lives. That’s an honour." 

To enter visit airnz.co.nz/85years and complete the entry form. Customers will be reunited on a date that suits them, over the next 24 months.

“As we look ahead to the future, we’re still full of energy, ideas, and that Kiwi ingenuity that keeps us exploring. From our first flight to where we are today, it’s been an incredible journey. And the best part? We’re not slowing down,” Foran says.

“We have just launched our new uniform designed by Emilia Wickstead, our retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be welcoming customers on board for the first time in May, and next year will mark another world first when our Skynest launches.

“From Napier to New York, we’ve built an airline that reflects the values of Aotearoa - care, pride, and a commitment to going the extra mile. And we’re just getting started”. Here’s to the next 85!

10 iconic moments in Air New Zealand’s 85-Year journey

1.    A fresh pot of tea at 30,000 feet (1950)
On the famous Coral Route, Air New Zealand (then TEAL) became the first airline to successfully boil water mid-flight, an early innovation that changed onboard hospitality.

2.    Over 40 years of flying direct to LA (1984)
Air New Zealand pioneered non-stop travel between Auckland and Los Angeles on a Boeing 747 in 1984. Prior to 1984 a flight to Los Angeles meant a stopover in either Nadi, Tahiti, or Honolulu to refuel.

3.    A royal first (1995)
Queen Elizabeth II made history when she flew with Air New Zealand on a scheduled commercial flight from London to Auckland via Los Angeles, the first routine commercial service used by a reigning British monarch. 

4.    SkyCouch innovation (2011)
Revolutionising economy travel, Air New Zealand introduced the SkyCouch - Economy seats with an adjustable leg rest that can be raised or lowered to create a lie-flat couch space.

5.    World-first ‘Airband’ for kids (2015)
Air New Zealand introduced the innovative Airband, a digital wristband providing real-time updates to caregivers of unaccompanied minors at every stage of their journey.

6.    Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme (2023)
Air New Zealand announced the ALIA as the airline's first purchase of a next generation aircraft in its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme. The purchase cements Air New Zealand's commitment to flying lower-emissions aircraft in New Zealand.

7.    Flights in Te Reo Māori & NZ Sign Language (2023–2024)
Air New Zealand celebrated cultural and language inclusion with two landmark flights: the first ever conducted in te reo Māori (2023) and the first delivered in New Zealand Sign Language (2024).

8.    Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship (2024)
The sky's the limit for aspiring Kiwi aviators with the launch of Air New Zealand's first-ever Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship. Designed to inspire more individuals to pursue a career as a pilot by reducing financial barriers, this cadetship complements existing pilot pathways, ensuring Air New Zealand can continue to meet future demand and avoid possible pilot shortages.

9.    New uniforms by Emilia Wickstead (2025)
In a bold refresh of its visual identity, Air New Zealand unveiled its new uniform designed by Emilia Wickstead. The garments pay homage to Aotearoa with Matariki constellation motifs, huia feathers, and purapura whetū patterns, including the introduction of the ie faitaga, a traditional formal lavalava, for Pasifika team members.

10.  World's first nose-to-tail retrofit of 787-9 Dreamliner (2025)
In 2014, Air New Zealand became the global launch customer for the 787-9 Dreamliner, and this year will be the first to retrofit the aircraft nose to tail!

© Scoop Media