Air New Zealand Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ, NZX: AIR, Air New Zealand) is the national airline and flag carrier of New Zealand. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the airline operates scheduled passenger flights to 27 domestic destinations and 26 international destinations in 14 countries across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania,[2] and is currently the only airline to fly round the world.[3] Air New Zealand's route network focuses on Australasia and the South Pacific, with long-haul services to Asia, Europe and North America. The airline's main hub is Auckland Airport (formerly Auckland International Airport).[4] Air New Zealand is a member of the Star Alliance global airline alliance, having joined in 1999.[2] Air New Zealand is headquartered in a building called "The Hub." in Auckland City.[5]
Air New Zealand originated in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), a flying boat company operating trans-Tasman flights between New Zealand and Australia. TEAL became wholly owned by the New Zealand Government in 1965, whereupon it was renamed Air New Zealand. The airline was largely privatised in 1989, but returned to government ownership in 2001 after the failed tie up with Australian carrier Ansett Australia (when Ansett suffered financial issues and folded operations during that year). As of 2008, Air New Zealand carries 11.7 million passengers annually.[2]
New Zealand's national airline operates a long-haul fleet consisting of Boeing 747-400, 767-300ER, 777-200ER and Airbus A320-200 aircraft on international routes. The carrier also utilises a fleet of Airbus A320-200 and Boeing 737-300 airliners for short-haul operations. Air New Zealand's regional subsidiaries, Air Nelson, Eagle Airways, Mount Cook Airline, and Zeal320, operate additional short-haul New Zealand and trans-Tasman services. Air New Zealand was rated the 8th best airline in the world by Skytrax in 2009.[6]