Air New Zealand created a new safety video that features the All Blacks ahead of the team’s 2019 season and the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
The video features All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, captain Kieran Read and players like Sam Cane, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ryan Crotty.
Suits actor Rick Hoffman and Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis, as well as 1987 rugby legends like Sir Michael Jones, Sir John Kirwan, Buck Shelford, Gary Whetton, David Kirk, Fiao’o Fa’amausili and former Australia captain George Gregan also make appearances in the video.
Called ‘Air All Blacks’, the video brings viewers behind the scenes of the fictitious “newly established airline”, where ideas for the airline’s first safety video are being discussed.
Air New Zealand said the latest video is a futuristic take on two iconic Kiwi brands coming together to show the world just how much rugby is in its DNA.
“Changing our name to Air All Blacks is a fun demonstration of our support for the boys in black. Our people feel a great sense of pride flying the team around the world and both organizations consistently show the world what a huge impact a small nation can make on the world stage,” said Jodi Williams, the general manager of global brand and content marketing at Air New Zealand.
“It’s been incredible to celebrate both local and international stars, fans and our very own Air New Zealanders over the past ten years. It’s only fitting that this video brings to life something that is distinctly New Zealand – from the grassroots of Rippa Rugby to the nostalgia of the 1987 All Blacks, with a unique modern twist.”
Air New Zealand has always produced its safety videos differently from other airlines. It previously introduced a character named Pete, a kiwi bird, which is New Zealand’s national icon and used Hollywood actor and environmentalist Adrian Grenier in another video.
However, not all safety videos it has produced has been successful. A remake of the iconic RUN-DMC hit song “It’s Tricky” and Sisters Underground’s “In the Neighbourhood”, with Kiwi actor Julian Dennison and local musicians, was widely criticised in New Zealand for being confusing and hard to understand.
