To celebrate Air New Zealand’s upcoming non-stop service between Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Auckland launching 30 November, the Kiwi carrier brought New Zealand and Australia to life for Chicagoans through a unique, pop up event in downtown Chicago.
Using shipping containers, the airline is transporting attendees to both destinations through immersive, sensory experiences including a one-of-a-kind infinity room that uses panoramic sound, tactile elements and dynamic video content of iconic New Zealand landscapes and scenes of Australia.
Air New Zealand General Manager of Global Brand and Content Marketing, Jodi Williams, says, “We are thrilled to showcase New Zealand and Australia in downtown Chicago and give visitors the opportunity to unpack our Kiwi culture, explore the beautiful landscapes of destinations we fly to and get a sneak peek of flying with Air New Zealand. We hope that through the event more Chicagoans will see why we believe we are a better way to fly.”
Another shipping container highlights the Air New Zealand inflight experience with guests able to relax in the airline’s luxurious Premium Economy seats and award-winning Economy Skycouch™ as well as using Virtual Reality to explore the Business Premier cabin and Augmented Reality to get a further look at New Zealand.
Visitors can also sample complimentary New Zealand-inspired refreshments including award-winning New Zealand wine, a selection of New Zealand cheeses paired with Mānuka Honey, a signature Flat White coffee and a specially crafted kiwi fruit flavored gelato.
Air New Zealand Regional General Manager – Americas, Liz Fraser says the airline looks forward to expanding its service to the Midwest and offering new ways for consumers to travel from North America.
“We’re excited to open this new route to not only Chicagoans but also Midwest and East Coasters as well as travelers in Eastern Canada looking for a convenient option to fly to New Zealand with easy connections onto Australia,” says Ms Fraser.
The Air New Zealand pop up event is free and runs daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm CST today through September 22 at Pioneer Court, the plaza at Tribune Tower, located at 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.
Visitors will have the chance to win a pair of roundtrip tickets to New Zealand or Australia at the event.
Air New Zealand’s new Chicago – Auckland service will begin November 30, 2018 and operate three times weekly, year-round with its new configuration Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline also currently offers nonstop flights to Auckland from five North American gateways including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston and Honolulu. It also offers easy connections via Auckland to eight destinations in Australia. For more information on booking, please visit: www.airnewzealand.com.
