Air New Zealand Unveils A321neo with Special Star Alliance Livery

(05 September 2022, 11:00 +07)  Air New Zealand has unveiled its latest Airbus A321neo sporting a jet black Star Alliance livery.

The new aircraft, which can seat up to 217 passengers, is the world's first black Star Alliance aircraft and one of three A321neos to join the airline's fleet in the coming months.

Siu Ling Fock, Star Alliance Vice President - Development and Communications, said, "As the largest and longest-running airline alliance in the world, Star Alliance honours each of our 26 member airlines' distinct heritage, character and style. We know the significance of the colour black to New Zealanders, so when Air New Zealand proposed to launch the first-ever all-black aircraft with Star Alliance livery, we were happy to agree. This launch also comes at a special time for Star Alliance, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year."

Air New Zealand A321neo with special Star Alliance livery

The aircraft, which will fly on the airline's domestic network, is expected to touch down in November, after making the 17,825km journey from the Airbus factory in Hamburg in Germany, through Muscat, Kuala Lumpur and Cairns, before arriving in Auckland.

Another A321neo, which will be painted in the Air New Zealand's classic black and white livery, is expected to arrive in September.

"While Star Alliance livery is typically white with a black tail fin, we asked if we could do something a little different and inverse the colours in celebration of how important black is to Air New Zealand and New Zealand, said Mike Williams, Air New Zealand's Chief Transformation and Alliances. "Black is an iconic Kiwi colour. From sports jerseys to gumboots, black is embedded in New Zealand's national identity and worn with pride, so it's fantastic to welcome this aircraft with its special black livery into our fleet. Kiwis missing the Koru need not look too far - our iconic mangopare will feature on the wingtips in this one-off design."

Air New Zealand has an average fleet age of 7.3 years making it one of the youngest fleets in the world.

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