Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand was once one of the better airlines for official postcards. I managed to pick up a few myself on my travels, and a few were sent by thoughtful pals. 

Here are just a few postcards, along with a couple of public relations images and my own original photographs.

Air New Zealand's history began in 1936 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), a subsidiary of BOAC and Union Airways of New Zealand, operating trans-Tasman flights between Australia and New Zealand. Nationalized in 1965, the airline was renamed Air New Zealand in 1978. The 1980s saw significant deregulation, allowing Air New Zealand to expand internationally, adding routes to Asia, North America, and the Pacific. 

Despite financial challenges in the early 2000s, the airline underwent restructuring and recapitalization efforts to improve performance. In recent years, Air New Zealand has invested in modernizing its fleet with aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, while prioritizing innovation and sustainability. The airline has introduced award-winning products like SkyCouch and focused on reducing its environmental impact. Today, Air New Zealand is a leading global airline, renowned for its Kiwi hospitality and commitment to sustainability. 

As of mid-2025, Air New Zealand's fleet consists of 112 aircraft used for both domestic and international flights, serving destinations across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.