A slice of Air NZ history has been immortalised in a bottle of wine

The answer to “red or white” just got a whole lot more personal for Air New Zealand. The airline has launched its own wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, named in tribute to its inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, which covered 1345 miles. Operated by Air New Zealand's predecessor, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), the flight took off with nine passengers from Mechanics Bay in Auckland to Rose Bay in Sydney, landing in Sydney Harbour nine hours later. This flight ushered in a new era of air travel, connecting New Zealand to the world. The government bought TEAL 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. In 1950, Air New Zealand became the first airline to boil water on board. In 2025, it now has its own wine label launching with two signature varietals: sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, made in collaboration with renowned New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria. The wines were now available in Air New Zealand lounges throughout New Zealand and in Premium Economy cabins on international flights. Bottles are also available to purchase on the Airpoints Store.<br/>