Air NZ aims to quell fears over festive flying with new Christmas campaign

It wouldn’t be a Kiwi Christmas without a new Air New Zealand Christmas ad, and this year’s version appears designed to quell the fears of those dreading flying over one of the busiest, most expensive and stressful times of year to travel. Opening with a shot of a young boy clearly disappointed to be spending Christmas Day in the air, the campaign video goes on to show cabin crew spring to life like elves in koru-covered uniforms at the stroke of midnight on December 25, transforming the plane cabin into an almost homely space complete with a Christmas tree, decorations, stockings and sweet treats. Naturally, the boy is delighted when he awakes to discover the transformation, which includes a wrapped gift on his lap and hot drink topped with whipped cream on his tray table. You’d have to be a bit of a Scrooge not to find it at least slightly charming although, if you were in a critical frame of mind, you could argue that is sets unrealistically high expectations in that real-life cabins won’t look quite so festive.<br/>Still, there are several seasonal treats to look forward to on board Air New Zealand flights this December, from pretzel and candy cane bark to more premium wines. This month, red, green and candy cane-coloured lollies will be offered on all flights, and cabins on certain services will be bedecked, if not with bells of holly, then with festive headrest covers and table tray mats.<br/>