Air New Zealand (ANZ) and Koru Care took 50 critically ill children aboard a charter flight for a scenic tour over the South Island over the weekend.

ANZ’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner took off shortly after 1.30pm, making its way down the centre of the South Island, flying over Queenstown and heading south, before turning up the East Coast and over Dunedin, then returning to Christchurch shortly after 3pm.

The plane soared at an altitude that offered the Very Important Passengers on NZ8477 (NZVIPS) a stunning view of the South Island scenery.

Prior to takeoff, the children enjoyed a pre-flight party at Christchurch Airport with the theme ‘Around the World in a Day’, featuring stations inspired by different destinations including New York, Tokyo, Fiji, and Sydney, along with themed food, activities and entertainment.

Onboard the flight, each child received a certificate that revealed a star in the sky had been officially named after them.

A treat for the kids

ANZ chief pilot David Morgan remarked that it offered a unique opportunity for both the VIPs onboard and plane spotters on the ground.

Morgan said: “It was fantastic to be able to give children who may not have the opportunity to travel overseas the thrill of flying on one of our larger international aircraft, over some of the world’s most stunning scenery right here at home.”

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer ANZ CEO Greg Foran, who was aboard the flight, says the Koru Care flight is a much-loved tradition of the airline to provide a small treat for children who aren’t usually able to travel offshore due to medical conditions or family situations.

“The day was a heartwarming reminder of the magic and wonder of flying, and it was an absolute privilege to welcome our Little Stars onboard.”

For her part, Koru Care NZ’s Tracey Curran says thousands of Kiwi kids have enjoyed unforgettable experiences through the airline’s support.

Curran said: “Air New Zealand has consistently gone above and beyond to make their dreams come true, and this flight was no exception.”

Air New Zealand will match the flight’s emissions with carbon credits and provide a koha to projects supporting biodiversity outcomes in Aotearoa.