In March 1999 Air New Zealand became a full member of the Star Alliance group. The Star Alliance, which includes Air Canada, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SAS, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, United Airlines, US Airways and Varig is the world's largest global alliance and provides valuable network and loyalty benefits to customers.


In addition to the new long-haul aircraft and in-flight product, Air New Zealand has also launched new international routes.

On June 30 2004 direct services between Auckland and San Francisco were launched, with services from Wellington to Fiji and Christchurch to the Cook Islands beginning in late 2004. Services between Auckland and Niue and Auckland and Adelaide launched in November 2005 and March 2006 respectively.

A new uniform, designed by leading New Zealand fashion house Zambesi, was launched in October 2005 at Air New Zealand Fashion Week, with staff changing over to the new look in March 2006.

With all these initiatives and the many more to follow Air New Zealand remains committed to delivering a uniquely Kiwi experience to its customers.