Air New Zealand anniversary & sale

Air New Zealand is celebrating 85 years of flying to Australia with a sale.

A spokesperson from the airline says there are fares from Perth to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington from $575. The sale runs until May 9, or until sold out.

The spokesperson says: “Alongside the sale, we are reflecting on our rich history, iconic moments, and the milestones that have shaped both the airline and the aviation industry.

“From being the first commercial airline to carry a reigning British monarch in 1995, to introducing the Skycouch in 2011, and becoming the first commercial customer of the 787-9 Dreamliner in 2014, Air New Zealand’s legacy blends technological innovation with exceptional service.

“More recently, the airline celebrated cultural inclusion, offering flights in Te Reo Maori and New Zealand Sign Language, while also unveiling new uniforms by Emilia Wickstead.”

10 ICONIC MOMENTS

1950 A pot of tea at 30,000 feet. On the Coral Route, Air New Zealand (then TEAL) becomes the first airline to successfully boil water mid-flight.

1984 ANZ pioneer long-haul flying between Auckland and Los Angeles on a Boeing 747. Before 1984, a flight to Los Angeles meant a stopover in either Nadi, Tahiti or Honolulu to refuel.

1995 Queen Elizabeth II makes history when she flies with ANZ on a scheduled commercial flight from London to Auckland via Los Angeles, the first routine commercial service used by a reigning British monarch.

2011 ANZ introduces the Skycouch. Economy seats with an adjustable leg rest that can be raised or lowered to create a lie-flat couch space.

2015 The innovative Airband is introduced. It is a digital wristband providing real-time updates to caregivers of unaccompanied minors at every stage of their journey in 2015.

2023 ANZ announces the ALIA as the airline’s first purchase of a next-generation aircraft. ALIA is battery-powered and part of ANZ’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft program. The purchase cements the airline’s commitment to flying lower-emissions aircraft in New Zealand.

2023-2024 Cultural and language inclusions come with two landmark flights — the first ever conducted in Te Reo Maori (2023) and the first delivered in New Zealand Sign Language (2024).

2025 New uniforms by Emilia Wickstead. In a bold refresh of its visual identity, ANZ unveils its new uniforms, the garments paying homage to Aotearoa with Matariki constellation motifs, huia feathers, and purapura whetu patterns. It includes the introduction of the ie faitaga, a traditional formal lavalava, for Pasifika team members.

2025 World’s first nose to tail retrofit of 787-9 Dreamliner.

Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran says: “While much has changed since our first flight back in 1940, what hasn’t changed is the joy we get from bringing people together.

“As we look ahead to the future, we’re still full of energy, ideas, and that Kiwi ingenuity that keeps us exploring.”

fact file

Air New Zealand’s 85th Birthday Sale runs until 9.59pm WST on May 9, 2025, unless sold out prior. Seats are strictly limited and not available on all flights and dates. Travel periods apply. airnewzealand.com.au