Air New Zealand Extends Partnership with One New Zealand Warriors to 2028

Air New Zealand has recommitted to its long-standing role as the official air travel partner of the One New Zealand Warriors, extending a relationship that began in 1995 through to the end of the 2028 season.

The extension ensures the airline will support the most-travelled franchise in the NRL for a total of 33 years, managing the immense logistical requirements of a club that has expanded from three teams in its inaugural year to a current stable of six professional and pathway squads.

Commenting on the extension, Air New Zealand chief customer and digital officer, Jeremy O’Brien, said: “The Warriors are the only Kiwi team in the league, so when they line up each week, the whole country lines up with them.”

One New Zealand Warriors chief operating officer, commercial and marketing, Glenn Harris added that the club is “so appreciative of what Air New Zealand has done for us over 31 seasons,” noting the “sense of home” the team feels when travelling to represent New Zealand.

The scale of the partnership is highlighted by a gruelling regular-season schedule that sees six teams and their support staff complete 54 return trans-Tasman trips, covering more than 237,000 kilometres annually.

The NRL side alone will fly more than 60,000km this season, utilising Air New Zealand’s modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft to reach 12 away fixtures in Australia and three home matches staged in Brisbane, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Founded in 1940, Air New Zealand continues to leverage its “Of New Zealand, for New Zealand” brand positioning through this high-visibility sports sponsorship, which includes high-demand activations such as the Warriors Vegas charter flight that sold out in just 17 minutes.

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