The adorable furry creature then goes on to take travellers on a journey to show them the classic Kiwi hospitality and the airline’s myriad inflight offerings.
Is it a fruit, a shoe polish brand or a flightless bird?
All of them, it seems, according to Singaporeans on the streets who were quizzed on their perceptions of a “kiwi” as part of a teaser for Air New Zealand’s first ever global campaign which launched in Singapore today (January 10).
Titled ‘A better way to fly’, the quirky campaign centres around ‘Pete’, a computer-generated kiwi bird – New Zealand’s national icon – who wishes to see the world but is sadly hampered by his inability to fly.
The adorable furry creature then goes on to take travellers on a journey to show them the classic Kiwi hospitality and the airline’s myriad inflight offerings.
“This new brand campaign seeks to engage more Singaporeans and showcase our award-winning products and in-flight experience. Together with the increased flight options and flexibility Air New Zealand provides, we truly believe that we are ‘A better way to fly’ to New Zealand.
“We hope to encourage more Singaporeans to head to New Zealand with Air New Zealand and experience our unique Kiwi hospitality and stunning destinations,” said Jenni Martin, the airline’s head of South and South-east Asia.
Singapore is one of the top 10 inbound markets for New Zealand, according to Martin. As of October 2018, the market registered a 7% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals. Other top Asian markets for the airline include China, Japan, South Korea and India.
To meet the rising demand, Air New Zealand added a new Singapore-Auckland route last year, as well as a new seasonal service between Singapore and Christchurch which will begin operating from December 2019.
In addition to new routes, Air New Zealand has also invested an additional NZD$60 million (US$40.7 million) to upgrade its domestic offerings, according to the airline’s global press release.
This includes the construction of a larger, new regional lounge at Auckland Airport, refurbishments to existing lounges at Auckland and Wellington, as well as plans for new regional lounges in Christchurch, Nelson and New Plymouth.
To celebrate the global campaign in Singapore, Air New Zealand has launched promotional fares which are available for sale from January 10 to February 2019 for travel out of Singapore during the periods of February 23-April 5, April 30-June 30, and July 29-October 31, 2019.
Prices start from S$988 (US$731) for an Economy Class ticket to Auckland.