Air New Zealand's Slogans & Taglines

Air New Zealand Limited traces its origins to 1940, when the New Zealand government established Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) to operate trans-Tasman services. In 1965, TEAL was renamed Air New Zealand following government acquisition of full ownership. In 1978, the airline merged with New Zealand National Airways Corporation to form a single national carrier. The 1980s brought privatisation and expansion, with the government selling shares to the public in 1987. In 1999, Air New Zealand joined the Star Alliance, and in 2000 it acquired Ansett Australia, though the venture ended in administration in 2001. In 2001, the New Zealand government returned to majority ownership, and the airline underwent a major restructuring. Today, headquartered in Auckland, the airline operates a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320/321 aircraft, serving 20 domestic and 31 international destinations across 19 countries.

The brand's core products are scheduled passenger and cargo airline services, including domestic flights across New Zealand, long-haul international routes to Australia, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, and premium cabin experiences through Air New Zealand's innovative Skycouch and Business Premier products. Its portfolio also encompasses freight services and maintenance operations.

From its earliest slogan "The airline of the South Pacific" to the iconic "Being there is everything" (2003) and the award-winning "Better way to fly" (2011), Air New Zealand has embraced "A better way to fly" as its enduring promise. In 2024, the airline refreshed its identity with "The Airline of Middle-earth", celebrating its New Zealand heritage. This journey reflects a shift from a government-owned utility to a globally recognised symbol of Kiwi innovation and hospitality.