• AIRNZ

AirlineRatings.com in conjunction with its Airline Excellence Awards has announced its top 10 airlines for 2019.
Air New Zealand has ranked 2nd in the world recognised as an airline that continues to punch above it's weight.

Five times Airline of the Year winner Air New Zealand dropped down to second place after being pipped at the post by last year’s third placegetter, Singapore Airlines.

Air New Zealand is noted as the carrier to watch when it comes to innovation.
It is one of the few airlines in the world to have an investment grade credit rating, is a staunch supporter of its home country and has been enjoying a healthy expansion in both its domestic and international markets. A class act!”

To be named in the top ten, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

AirlineRatings.com developed its unique seven-star rating system after two years of evaluation. The editors of AirlineRatings.com, with a combined 200 years of industry experience, look for a consistent level of service, innovation and staff engagement from each major contender.

Other criteria include fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, and investment rating.

Top 10 Rankings:

  1. Singapore Airlines
  2. Air New Zealand
  3. Qantas
  4. Qatar Airways
  5. Virgin Australia
  6. Emirates
  7. All Nippon Airways
  8. EVA Air
  9. Cathay Pacific Airways
  10. Japan Airlines.

History of Air New Zealand

The New Zealand Government bought out Tasman Empire Airways in 1961 and the airline was renamed Air New Zealand in 1965.

New Zealand's domestic airline, National Airways Corporation (NAC), was merged with Air New Zealand in 1978.

1970s - Female ANZ airline stewards won an important victory in 1979 it was found that the airline was blatantly discriminating against them by denying them equal promotion and pay raise opportunities with their male counterparts.

1980s - Air New Zealand ordered its first wide-bodied Boeing type; the Boeing 747-219 was delivered, starting the replacement of the DC-10s. The DC-10s were leased out, the last service being in 1983.

In 1982 the first Air New Zealand flight to London (via Papeete and Los Angeles) took place.
By 1988, the airline was operating weekly roundtrip Boeing 747 service between Auckland and London via Dallas.

In October 1989 Air New Zealand was privatised with its sale to a consortium headed by Brierley Investments Ltd.

The early 1990s saw new routes added:

  • 1990: Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Bangkok
  • 1991: Nagoya, Taipei
  • 1993: Seoul
  • 1994: Sydney – Los Angeles, Osaka
  • 1995: Fukuoka

In 2001 the airline was in fanancial trouble and the NZ, later that year  the New Zealand Government announced that it would provide Air New Zealand with an NZ$885 million rescue package, and in return would take up 80% ownership.

In September 2004 Air New Zealand was named Best Long Haul Airline in the seventh annual Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers' Awards.