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Air New Zealand Plays Cupid to Singles

Dépèche transmise le 13 mai 2009 par Business Wire

Air New Zealand Plays Cupid to Singles

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Love is in the air at Air New Zealand. The airline has announced the world’s first Matchmaking Flight – the perfect trip for those who would travel the world for love and for those who have felt sparks for the stranger in the middle seat. Testing the concept of “opposites attract,” Air New Zealand is flying singles to the opposite side of the Pacific with the aim of finding each a partner in air or in New Zealand. The flight will depart Los Angeles International Airport for Auckland, New Zealand, on October 13, 2009. Roundtrip ticket prices start at $780 (USD).ⁱ

Matchmaking Flight passengers will be encapsulated in the matchmaking experience, including: a pre-flight gate party; themed food, drink, and games throughout the flight; entertainment; and a large-scale, singles-only party at the SKYCITY Convention Centre in Auckland.

“Air New Zealand is always looking for fun ways to improve our customers’ experience, and we love the thought of playing matchmaker to help them find a mate in New Zealand or in the air,” said Roger Poulton, Air New Zealand's vice president - the Americas. “If your dating profile says you enjoy fine wine and long walks on the beach, then New Zealand is your perfect place for romance. And let’s not forget our charming Kiwi accents—what more could an American want?”

Matchmaking Flight ticket holders are invited to upload an online dating profile at www.thematchmakingflight.com, a social environment created for American and New Zealand singles to build online profiles and start connecting six months before the flight.

Limited seating and packages are available for booking on this one-of-a-kind flight. Roundtrip airfare starts at $780 (USD)ⁱⁱ and includes the singles-only party ticket in New Zealand. For $1,109 (USD)ⁱⁱⁱ, participants have a roundtrip airfare, two nights’ accommodation at the five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel in Auckland and the singles-only party ticket. Additional add on-packages are available for purchase at www.thematchmakingflight.com.

Ninety-two million US residents identified themselves as ‘Single’ in 2006.^iv More than a quarter of the New Zealand adult population is unmarried.^v

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline, including non-stop flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and Vancouver to New Zealand, as well as Los Angeles non-stop to the Cook Islands and Samoa. Other popular destinations include Australia, China, Japan and Tonga. In addition to flying non-stop Los Angeles-London, Air New Zealand’s route between London and Hong Kong now allows customers to fly round-the-world on one airline. Consistently rated among the world’s best international airlines, Air New Zealand’s new Inflight Concierge Service provides all passengers with a range of services, from travel advice to assistance with onward bookings. Air New Zealand’s most recent accolades include “Best Business Class to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific” for the third straight year by Business Traveler Magazine (USA) “Best Transpacific Airline” at the 26^th Airline Industry Awards, “Best Passenger Service” award by Air Transport World magazine, and “Best Business Class Red Wine” for the Martinborough Pinot Noir 2005 at the 2007 Cellars in the Sky awards. United Mileage Plus, US Airways Dividend Miles and Air Canada’s Aeroplan members earn and redeem mileage on select flights. Flight and vacation essentials can be booked on AirNewZealand.com or by calling 1-800-262-1234 in the USA and 1-800-663-5494 in Canada. Air New Zealand is a member of the Star Alliance network.

ⁱ Fees excludes government fees and taxes of approximately $82 (USD)

ⁱⁱ Fees excludes government fees and taxes of approximately $82 (USD)

ⁱⁱⁱ Fees excludes government fees and taxes of approximately $82 (USD)

^iv US Census Bureau

^v 2006 New Zealand Census