Air New Zealand has introduced a new exclusive wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, available only to its customers and Airpoints Store members. The name pays homage to the airline’s historic first flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, covering 1,345 miles. Operated by the airline’s predecessor, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), this milestone flight helped establish New Zealand’s global air connectivity.
The Thirteen Forty Five collection debuts with two signature wines—sauvignon blanc and pinot noir—crafted in collaboration with renowned New Zealand winemaker Villa Maria, part of Indevin Group. These wines are now being served in Air New Zealand lounges nationwide and in Premium Economy on international flights. Customers can also purchase bottles through the Airpoints Store.
Kylie McGillivray-Brown, General Manager of Customer Experience at Air New Zealand, described the launch as a tribute to the airline’s heritage. “Making a great wine takes time, and Thirteen Forty Five has been a passion project that honours our legacy while creating something special for our customers,” she said. “We’re thrilled to finally share it—particularly in the year in which we’re celebrating our 85th birthday. With every sip, travellers can toast to a legacy that spans miles and decades.”
The sauvignon blanc is sourced from Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, offering aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass, and herbal notes. Meanwhile, the pinot noir, from the eastern Wairau valley, features flavours of cherry and plum with subtle hints of dried herbs and violets.
Looking ahead, Air New Zealand plans to expand the Thirteen Forty Five range in 2025, introducing a new vintage of Marlborough sauvignon blanc alongside a red varietal from Hawke’s Bay. This expansion aims to showcase the diverse winegrowing regions of New Zealand.
Beyond its in-house label, Air New Zealand continues to highlight a variety of New Zealand wines through its annual wine programme. The airline selects premium wines via blind tastings by an expert panel, ensuring only the finest options for its Business Premier cabin and lounges. In 2025, 47 wineries from regions such as Waiheke Island and Central Otago will be featured, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation for world-class winemaking.
“New Zealand boasts some of the world’s finest wines, and we are proud to bring these exceptional selections to our customers and to the world,” McGillivray-Brown added. “It’s a privilege to showcase the best of New Zealand and celebrate the unique flavours of our home.”
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