Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Air New Zealand Introduces Exclusive Wine Label And Prepares For New Business Class Launch
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Air New Zealand is celebrating its rich heritage with the debut of Thirteen Forty Five, a distinguished wine label that honors a significant milestone in the airline’s journey.
The name of the label marks the historic event of the airline’s inaugural international flight in 1940, a groundbreaking voyage from Auckland to Sydney, covering 1,345 miles, and setting the stage for the evolution of air travel.
Teaming up with Villa Maria, a highly respected New Zealand wine producer under the Indevin Group, Air New Zealand introduces Thirteen Forty Five with two expertly selected varietals: a Marlborough sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir.
These wines are now available at Air New Zealand lounges nationwide and will be served in Premium Economy cabins on international flights. Passengers can also purchase bottles through the airline’s Airpoints Store.
In celebration of the launch, select domestic flights will offer Thirteen Forty Five during Koru Hour throughout March, giving passengers the chance to enjoy this exclusive new wine selection while in the air.
The Wines: A True Taste of New Zealand
Thirteen Forty Five’s debut wines are carefully crafted to showcase the finest flavors from New Zealand’s renowned winemaking regions, delivering unique and captivating tastes.
According to the airline, the Sauvignon Blanc, harvested from vineyards in Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, offers lively aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass, and delicate herbal undertones.
The Pinot Noir, cultivated on the eastern slopes of the Wairau Valley, presents deep flavors of cherry and plum, complemented by hints of dried herbs and violets.
Growing the Collection
The adventure continues. In 2025, Air New Zealand will unveil the next phase of the Thirteen Forty Five collection, featuring a new vintage of Sauvignon Blanc and an additional red varietal sourced from Hawke’s Bay.
When it comes to its inflight wine selection, Air New Zealand remains committed to supporting and highlighting local winemakers. Each year, the airline handpicks a special assortment of wines for its Business Premier cabin and lounges, chosen through a blind tasting process conducted by a panel of experts.
Air New Zealand reveals that for 2025, the program will showcase wines from 47 wineries, representing regions ranging from Waiheke Island to Central Otago.
With Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand not only upholds its legacy of outstanding hospitality but also strengthens its dedication to offering the finest of New Zealand to travelers worldwide.
Business Premier Luxe on the Horizon
This spring, Air New Zealand is set to introduce its much-anticipated Business Premier cabin, marking the airline as the first to complete a full nose-to-tail retrofit of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Originally planned for May, the debut of the first aircraft featuring the new Business Premier cabin has been moved up by a month.
The airline has announced that the retrofit will bring a variety of improvements aimed at elevating the travel experience. Among these upgrades are new seating arrangements across the aircraft, including Business Premier Luxe seats in the Business Premier cabin. These upgraded business class seats will offer extra space and feature a privacy door for enhanced comfort.
In addition, the aircraft will receive refreshed carpeting to revitalize its interior, along with new curtains to create separation between cabins and galleys. The lavatories will also be modernized with updated wallpaper, hands-free waste disposal systems, and new amenity holders for improved functionality.
Additionally, the inflight entertainment systems and screens will be enhanced to offer improved viewing experiences. A new Sky Pantry will be introduced in the Economy cabin, giving passengers convenient access to snacks and drinks.
Another groundbreaking addition is the highly anticipated SkyNest, set to become the first-ever bunk bed-style flat-bed product for economy class passengers on long-haul flights. After years of development and rigorous certification, this innovative feature is eagerly awaited by travelers and airlines around the globe.
Alongside these cabin enhancements, Air New Zealand will debut a fresh uniform for its staff later this year. Created by renowned New Zealand fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, the new attire will embody the airline’s brand and the essence of Aotearoa New Zealand.
With the introduction of Thirteen Forty Five and its ongoing dedication to innovation, Air New Zealand is strengthening its position as a trailblazer in both aviation and hospitality, providing passengers with an experience that showcases the finest of New Zealand in every aspect.
