Tongue-in-cheek, but truthful at the same time, Air New Zealand has penned a “love letter” to New York City as it celebrates one year of non-stop flights between Auckland and New York City.
Over the first year of regular services to JFK, Air New Zealand says it has “shared more than 112,000 meals, 24,000 glasses of bubbles and cuddled up to watch 344,000 hours of movies together” with passengers.
Whilst looking back at a long distance relationship that “isn’t always easy”, NZ also has time to glance into the future, declaring that it “might look a little different” around this time next year.
It even takes a moment to have a little dig at its future rival on the route (Qantas?).
“We both know who offers a better service in the sky,” it boasts.
But Air New Zealand probably saves the best til last, pronouncing New York “forever our favourite route”.
The letter in full
Dear NYC,
After 365 wonderful days, 311 glorious flights and thousands of thrilled customers later, we’re celebrating our best ultra-long-distance relationship to date.
The relationship began at 5pm on 17 September 2022 and boy was it love at first sight. Soaring through the skies at 43,000ft it was clear we would be in it for the long haul.
Every relationship comes with its baggage and this one was no different. We’ve carried thousands of bags and while 65 were (temporarily) left behind, we made sure everyone was reunited with its partner.
We flirted with some troublesome weather, but we’ll never forget the three romantic dates we spent together in the tropics. And while it doesn’t happen often, we know it’s always there if we need to refuel our relationship.
We’re the first to admit that long distance isn’t always easy, but with commitment, being direct and doing our best to always be on time, we’ve made it work. We’re so lucky to have the full support of our airline whānau to help our relationship thrive.
Our love language is acts of service and over the year we’ve shared more than 112,000 meals, 24,000 glasses of bubbles and cuddled up to watch 344,000 hours of movies together (no Inflight Entertainment and Chill). Nothing says quality time like ultra-long-haul.
We know someone else has turned up on the scene but we’re not the jealous type. We both know who offers a better service in the sky.
Around this time next year, we might look a little different. We’re going in for a FACE lift and knocking 19 years off our age. But don’t worry we’ll still be the same Kiwi you fell in love with all those days ago.
So here’s to our continued journey together. May it be full of clear skies, happy customers and memories to last a lifetime.
Happy anniversary New York – you’re forever our favourite route.
Love,
Air New Zealand
Last month, Air New Zealand reported a statutory profit before tax of NZ$574 million (AU$529m) and total operating revenue of NZ$6.3 billion.
