LOS ANGELES–()–Air New Zealand passengers will notice more celebrities onboard in the coming weeks. The airline’s latest safety video, which begins airing next month, features some of the most recognizable faces on the planet; US President Barack Obama features along with a host of other politicians, musicians, sports stars, even royalty.
The hand-sketched in-flight safety video stars Emmy-nominated actor Ed O’Neill of hit TV show “Modern Family” and New Zealand-born actress Melanie Lynskey of “Two and a Half Men”. The comedic duo lead passengers through important pre-flight safety procedures as an illustrator draws in the detail.
Cameo “appearances” are made by personalities from across the airline’s international network, including: United States President, Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and new French President, Francois Hollande. Other famous faces include Queen Elizabeth II, The Count of Monte Cristo, All Black Rugby Captain, Richie McCaw and rapper Snoop Dogg.
President Obama is applauded for his recent support for gay marriage in one scene while Queen Elizabeth II tries to fit her jewels and a corgi in the overhead luggage compartment. Snoop Dogg reminds passengers that there is absolutely no smokin’ anywhere on the aircraft.
The new safety video will be rolled out onboard all international and domestic jet flights from early July and can be seen here.
To coincide with the video’s release, Air New Zealand has launched a global competition where people who identify more than five famous faces in the video can enter for a chance to win an around-the-world trip for two: http://ow.ly/bIatg
Air New Zealand Vice President, The Americas, Roger Poulton, said the latest safety video is the airline’s first foray into a sketched and animated format.
“We’ve previously featured body-painted airline staff, All Blacks rugby players and fitness guru, Richard Simmons, in our videos, which have attracted around 20 million views online. This time, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight the global reach of our business and to recognize world events and celebrities in a uniquely Air New Zealand way. That’s why customers will see world leaders who feature in election processes this year, Olympians competing to prove they are the best in the world, our All Black Captain and A-listers who are big in their markets today,” Poulton added.
Poulton also remarked that Air New Zealand was delighted to secure Ed O’Neill and Melanie Lynskey to voice the safety video.
“Ed has massive international appeal through his roles on hit sitcoms ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Married with Children’ and numerous movie appearances. Melanie is a hugely talented actress who has worked alongside the likes of Charlie Sheen and George Clooney and is well-known to Kiwis through her role in Peter Jackson’s ‘Heavenly Creatures.’”
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View the video here: http://ow.ly/bIaar
Enter for a chance to win an around-the-world trip here: http://ow.ly/bIatg
Download Images: The making of Celebrity Sketch Safety Video, Melanie Lynskey & Ed O’Neill: https://www.yousendit.com/download/QlVnT2pBTXZ0TW5WUThUQw
Download Images: Celebrity Safety Video Stills (Queen, World Leaders, Melanie & Ed, etc.): https://www.yousendit.com/download/QlVnT2pDTk1wcFZMWE5Vag
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is an Australasian airline with a Pacific Rim focus, operating, on average, 500 flights a day within a network of 52 cities in 16 countries including 26 destinations within New Zealand. North American services include non-stop flights to New Zealand from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and Vancouver B.C., and Los Angeles non-stop to the Cook Islands and London.
Consistently rated among the world’s best international airlines, Air New Zealand was named ‘Airline of the Year’ by Air Transport World in 2010 and 2012. Air New Zealand’s success is grounded by a focus on true product innovation and a commitment to delivering a world-class flight experience to every customer.
A proud member of Star Alliance, Air New Zealand customers enjoy reciprocal loyalty rewards, services and greater connectivity through the Alliance’s global network of airline partners. It’s who we are – Ko matou enei.
For more information about Air New Zealand, visit www.airnewzealand.com.