Flying home for the holidays can be bittersweet. You’re packed with excitement to reunite with family (or whānau, as they say in Aotearoa New Zealand), but then there’s the reality of long-haul flights and dreaded time zone hopping. What if your flight robs you of Christmas Day itself?
This festive dilemma takes centre stage in Air New Zealand’s latest Christmas campaign, ‘Let the Magic Find You This Christmas’. The heartwarming video captures a young boy and his family flying to Aotearoa on 24 December, only to realise they’ll lose Christmas Day in transit. But this is where Air New Zealand’s legendary cabin crew step in, transforming the cabin into a tinsel-clad wonderland, complete with stockings, decorations, and a special Christmas surprise.
Deck the aisles
According to Grace Blewitt, Head of Brand at Air New Zealand, the campaign aims to highlight the airline’s ability to turn travel woes into magical experiences.
“Our flight attendants are known around the world for going above and beyond to create incredible experiences onboard every day,” says Blewitt.
“We wanted to bring that Air New Zealand manaaki to life while adding a sprinkle of Christmas magic to create something truly special.”
Clause for celebration
Losing an entire day mid-flight is usually accepted as part of the deal when heading to our little corner of the world. But over Christmas? It hits differently.
Air New Zealand knows that missing out on Christmas Day can feel like a Grinch-level disaster, so they’re pulling out all the stops to bring some cheer to their passengers.
Throughout December, passengers across all flights can look forward to festive treats like red and green lollies, with an exclusive candy cane flavour making a cameo.
Select flights will even feature holiday-themed headrest covers and tray table mats. And for those lucky enough to be on Koru Hour flights? Expect indulgent delights like pretzel and candy cane bark, paired with premium wines.
“We are delighted to bring the magic of Christmas to our passengers, even at 35,000 feet,” Blewitt says.
“Our team has been working to create a memorable and festive experience for everyone onboard.”
Festive manaaki
What makes this campaign especially charming is how it taps into the spirit of manaaki—a Māori concept of hospitality and care that Air New Zealand has long championed.
Whether it’s the cabin crew bringing smiles to passengers’ faces or the thoughtful festive touches sprinkled throughout the cabin, this is more than just a Christmas gimmick. It’s a testament to the airline’s ethos.
“We hope to make this holiday season truly special for our passengers, no matter where they are flying,” Blewitt says.
A December to remember?
The campaign also teases a final holiday surprise yet to be unveiled. While details are scarce, Blewitt hints at more festive cheer on the horizon.
In related news, Air New Zealand recently launched two new campaigns featuring well-known personalities to connect with audiences. The first video stars Australian actress Isla Fisher in ‘A Better Way to Fly’ showcasing the airline’s services and focusing on trans-Tasman travellers. The ad playfully follows Fisher’s journey as she interacts with the airline’s offerings, illustrating the seamless experience Air New Zealand aims to deliver for passengers travelling between Australia and New Zealand.
The second campaign brings Air New Zealand’s reputation for quirky safety videos to life with ‘Every Point Counts’, featuring New Zealand basketball player Steven Adams. This video sees Adams on the court with a group of basketball-playing kids, cleverly integrating essential safety instructions into the action. This approach continues the airline’s tradition of delivering practical messages in an entertaining and memorable format.
Whether through the lens of Fisher’s charm or Adams’ sporting prowess, the videos reinforce Air New Zealand’s commitment to making travel enjoyable, relatable, and culturally connected for a global audience.
