Air New Zealand Debuts Bespoke Wine Label Ahead of New Business Class Launch

Air New Zealand is taking flight in an unexpected way—into the world of winemaking. Introducing its very own wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, the airline is offering a taste of New Zealand’s rich terroir, available both in-flight and in lounges.

Named in honor of the 1,345-mile inaugural journey from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, which was operated by the airline’s predecessor TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited), this exclusive wine is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of air travel connecting New Zealand to the wider world.

Two Thirteen Forty Five Varieties

Crafted in collaboration with New Zealand winemaker Villa Maria—part of Indevin Group—Thirteen Forty Five will debut with two signature varieties—a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir.

These bespoke blends, according to the airline, reflect the heart of Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions, and are designed specifically with altitude in mind.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Kylie McGillivray-Brown underlined that the project was about more than branding: “This wasn’t about simply putting our label on a bottle,” he explains. “We’ve collaborated with Indevin’s world-class winemakers to craft these unique blends, creating an exclusive experience for our customers, whether they’re savoring it at 30,000 feet alongside our thoughtfully curated menu or in our lounges.”

When and where?

Thirteen Forty Five will be available starting in March, served in Premium Economy cabins, Air New Zealand lounges, and exclusively on the Airpoints Store.

For a limited time, passengers can also enjoy these wines during Koru Hour on select domestic flights, ensuring even short journeys are elevated by a taste of New Zealand’s best.

The Kiwi carrier is no stranger to celebrating its country’s winemaking excellence. The airline’s Business Premier cabin already offers an extensive selection of premium New Zealand wines, chosen through an annual submission process judged by the airline’s Wine Ambassadors. As McGillivray-Brown expressed, “From Waiheke Island to Central Otago, it’s a privilege to showcase the very best of New Zealand winemaking and share it with the world.”

With Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand invites travelers to toast not just to new destinations, but to a proud legacy of connection, flavor, and innovation—a journey captured in every sip.

New Business Premier Seats in Sight

In addition to the new wine label, Air New Zealand is expected to roll out its long-awaited Business Premier seat in early 2025.

Passengers on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will be among the first to experience this fresh take on premium travel, with different seating configurations tailored to meet demand across various markets.

Depending on the route and aircraft, travelers will find either 42 or 22 Business Premier seats onboard. Fourteen retrofitted jets will host 22 seats each, while newly delivered Dreamliners will feature 26.

This thoughtful variation ensures Air New Zealand can cater to passenger needs across different flight routes, optimizing space and luxury.

The new Business Premier seats will be arranged in a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration, where every seat faces the aisle at a 24-degree angle, offering optimal access and privacy.

Measuring 20.5 inches wide and transforming into fully flat 80.25-inch beds, the seats aim to provide unmatched comfort. Passengers can also enjoy 24-inch personal screens, USB-A, USB-C, AC power outlets, and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

While these seats won’t have doors, a retractable shield will offer additional privacy when desired.

Business “Plus” on the Way

For those craving a more exclusive experience, Air New Zealand is introducing the front-of-the-cabin Business Premier Luxe seat—a premium variation designed for travelers seeking even greater space and privacy.

Depending on aircraft configuration, the Boeing 787s will feature either four or eight of these seats, strategically placed in bulkhead positions.

Business Premier Luxe seats go beyond the traditional business class experience. Passengers will have access to an ottoman, a larger tray table, and a privacy door for a more secluded in-flight environment. These seats are also designed to accommodate two-person dining, adding a touch of intimacy for those traveling with a partner.

The innovative use of bulkhead space resembles luxury options such as JetBlue’s Mint Studio and Virgin Atlantic’s Retreat Suite, offering a unique choice for discerning travelers. This rapidly growing category of business class seats has gained significant popularity, leading Business Traveler to introduce the “Business Class Plus” category for the first time in this year’s Business Traveler Awards.

Installation Timeline

As noted by the airline, the wait won’t be long for travelers eager to experience these upgraded cabins. Air New Zealand plans to introduce its first Boeing 787 featuring the new Business Premier cabins in early 2025.

The airline is also beginning to retrofit its fleet of 14 Dreamliners, aiming to complete all reconfigurations by late 2026.

With these new developments, Air New Zealand continues to set itself apart by offering thoughtful, high-end touches that make flying memorable—whether through its visionary Business Premier and Luxe seats or its dedication to celebrating New Zealand’s culture and heritage.

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