Air New Zealand, founded in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, is New Zealand’s national airline.

The airline flies to, from and within New Zealand, directly serving 53 cities in 16 countries, including 27 destinations within New Zealand.

Air New Zealand is committed to delivering a uniquely New Zealand experience to its customers while offering the very highest standards of customer service and care. The airline takes pride in showcasing the best of New Zealand at every touch-point, from award-winning wines to modern, contemporary airline lounges that reflect the relaxed lifestyle enjoyed by New Zealanders.

Recent awards recognising the airline’s confidence, style and friendliness include the prestigious Air Transport World ‘Airline of the Year’ award for 2010, widely regarded as the Oscars of the airline industry, “Best Passenger Service Award” in the 2008 Air Transport World magazine awards, the "Best Airline to the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand" in December 2007 by Business Traveler Magazine in the United States and Australasia's Leading Business Class Airline at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards 2007

Air New Zealand continues to invest heavily in its domestic, Tasman/Pacific and long-haul products and services to meet the needs of both its business and leisure customers.

All international services operated by Air New Zealand include seatback on-demand digital entertainment. Its fleet of 777s and 747s, which operate long-haul destinations, include Business Premier cabins featuring lie-flat beds and a comfortable Premium Economy cabin; an exclusive class of travel between Business Premier and Economy.

Air New Zealand boasts one of the youngest, most technologically advanced, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly long haul fleets in the world, and has on order a number of new 787-9 aircraft to support its expanding route network.

Air New Zealand and its distinctive Koru symbol are part of the fabric of New Zealand and the airline is involved in the community through numerous sponsorships and charitable initiatives. Most recently, the airline has established the Air New Zealand Environment Trust to fund research and development into alternative fuels and support projects that enhance New Zealand's clean, green reputation around the world.

In December 2008 Air New Zealand successfully completed the world’s first commercial aviation test flight powered by the sustainable second-generation biofuel jatropha.