Air New Zealand turns into Air All Blacks for latest safety video

Air New Zealand has launched its latest safety video which features a number of All Blacks greats as New Zealand prepare for a third straight World Cup title.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen along with captain Kieran Read, Sam Cane and Ryan Crotty join a diverse cast in the safety video which takes viewers to the headquarters of "newly established airline" Air All Blacks.

Adding to the iconic Kiwi line-up, Air All Blacks is backed by the exclusive, original soundtrack Universe, a brand-new track from New Zealand band SIX60. Listen to it on Spotify from Friday 9 August.

After insisting on being the next Air New Zealand spokesman after travelling with the airline in 2017, American actor Rick Hoffman also features in the video, as well as Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis.

Hoffman says his positive experiences in New Zealand and Air New Zealand's quirky humour were a huge drawcard for him to star in the video.

"I love New Zealand – the food is amazing and the people are amazing. It's the way it should be everywhere! I will be thrilled to be recognised on an Air New Zealand safety video."

Building on the airline's 20-year partnership with New Zealand Rugby, the video also stars 1987 rugby legends Sir Michael Jones, Sir John Kirwan, Buck Shelford, Gary Whetton and David Kirk and former Black Ferns captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili as well as former Australia captain George Gregan.

Also featuring in the video, is singer Stan Walker, who appears alongside Kiwi rugby player Israel Dagg as well as current All Black Anton Lienert-Brown. 

Air New Zealand general manager global brand & content marketing Jodi Williams says the latest video is a futuristic take on two iconic Kiwi brands coming together to show the world just how much rugby is in our DNA.

"Changing our name to Air All Blacks is a fun demonstration of our support for the boys in black. Our people feel a great sense of pride flying the team around the world and both organisations consistently show the world what a huge impact a small nation can make on the world stage."

The release of Air All Blacks marks the 10-year anniversary of the airline's unique take on safety videos, and in true Air New Zealand style, the latest video manages to poke some Kiwi fun along the way.

"It's been incredible to celebrate both local and international stars, fans and our very own Air New Zealanders over the past 10 years," Williams says.

"It's only fitting that this video brings to life something that is distinctly New Zealand – from the grassroots of Rippa Rugby to the nostalgia of the 1987 All Blacks, with a unique modern twist."

This article has excerpts from a story at nzherald.co.nz and these are reproduced here with permission