Air New Zealand is honored “for its superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, typified by the use of Performance Based Navigation cockpit technology at weather and terrain challenged destinations, and for its superb and groundbreaking customer service that combines high-tech, passenger-friendly IT systems with high-touch and caring staff”.

The magazine was also impressed by the airline’s strong role in fighting against environmental challenges, including conducting the world’s first sustainable biofuel flight.

“As most of our international visitors travel to New Zealand by air, it is a huge advantage for a country like New Zealand to be served by an airline that is recognised as offering a top quality service,” said Tim Hunter, CEO for Tourism NZ.

During the same event, Regional Express, another Australian based airline, was named Regional Airline of the Year.