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Air New Zealand is ending 2025 with a series of international accolades recognising safety, innovation and customer experience across the airline’s global network.
The national carrier has been named World’s Safest Airline 2025, Oceania’s Leading Airline and Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand at the World Travel Awards, and received Forbes Travel Guide’s Innovation of the Year for its Skycouch seats.
Air New Zealand chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O’Brien says the recognition highlights the capability and commitment of the airline’s people.
“It’s fantastic to see Air New Zealand recognised alongside some of the biggest and best carriers in the world. It’s a reflection of New Zealand and where we come from, as well as our people on the ground and in the air who work tirelessly to deliver an experience that feels genuinely Kiwi.
“These awards belong to our team, and to our customers, who continue to support and believe in what we do. Our teams have ensured our manaaki and care continue to shine through, and it’s that unwavering commitment that’s clearly turning heads on the global stage,” says Jeremy.
The airline was also named Best Overall Airline in the South Pacific for 2026 by APEX, while readers of USA TODAY’s 10BEST Awards placed it second for Best Airline, second for Best Cabin Crew, second for Best Airline Food, and third for both Business Class and Inflight Entertainment.
Air New Zealand ranked third in AirlineRatings.com’s 2025 global rankings and was named Australia’s most trusted airline in the Finder Awards, where it also won best value frequent flyer programme.
The airline’s sustainability work was recognised with the Asia Pacific CAPA Environmental Sustainability Award of the Year for 2025, and acknowledgement from IATA for leadership in sustainable procurement.
Jeremy says the awards cap off a year of significant investment and innovation.
Highlights include retrofitting 787-9 Dreamliners with new cabins and inflight entertainment systems, launching an electric aircraft programme with BETA Technologies, unveiling a new uniform celebrating Aotearoa’s culture and creativity, and supporting 19 regional events across the country through its Regional Events Sponsorship programme.
Beyond aviation, Air New Zealand was named New Zealand’s Most Attractive Employer for the third consecutive year.
“Awards are wonderful recognition, but they’re also motivation to keep moving forward,” says Jeremy. “We’ll continue to innovate, evolve and do what we do best, taking care of our customers and showcasing the very best of New Zealand to the world.”
