Air New Zealand scores a hat-trick at the cellars in the Sky Wine Awards 2007

And for the first time, the judges also gave the airline a special award 'Most Informative Wine List' for the detailed in-flight wine booklet it produces for each new wine cycle.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims said it was a great tribute for New Zealand wines.

"We are absolutely delighted to score a hat-trick winning the Best Business Class Red Wine for the last three years with some stunning Pinot Noirs each time. Winning once was fantastic, winning twice outstanding and to win three times not only shows how far New Zealand wines have come on the world stage but is also a great accolade for Air New Zealand's commitment to showcasing the best of Kiwi wines to the millions of customers we fly to and from the country each year."

Air New Zealand was also awarded joint third place in the Best Business Class White Wine for Fromm La Strada Dry Riesling 2005 and joint runner-up in the Best Business Class Cellar categories.

For over two decades Business Traveller, the premium magazine for business travellers, has organised the annual Cellars in the Sky Awards. Once again this year it teamed up with renowned magazine Wine & Spirit, organisers of the International Wine Challenge.

The awards are for the best airline wines served on long-haul flights in business class and first class and this year saw 26 airlines enter the competition. The winners were chosen after a two-day blind tasting organised by Wine & Spirit magazine and the International Wine Challenge.

The judges included Charles Metcalfe wine expert, author and co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge; Tim Atkin, Master of Wine (MW), wine columnist for the Observer, author and co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge; Joanna Simon, author and wine columnist for the Sunday Times and Anthony Rose, wine columnist for The Independent.

Charles Metcalfe said: "This year's competition came up with some great individual winning wines, and showed that an increasing number of carriers have realised that a good wine offer is one of the important points of difference between them and their rivals."

Martinborough Pinot Noir 2006 was available as part of the wine selection on international long haul flights between July 2007 and January 2008.

ENDS

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs

For more information:

Tracey Palmer
Corporate Communications Manager
Air New Zealand
Tel 09 336 3179
021 628 129
Tracey.palmer@airnz.co.nz

NOTES TO EDITOR

1) Air New Zealand Cellars in the Sky Awards to date:
2005:
Best Business Class Red Wine - Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2002
2006:
Best Business Class Red Wine - Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2004
Best Business Class Wine Cellar
Most Original Business Class Wine Cellar
2007:
Best Business Class Red Wine - Martinborough Pinot Noir 2005
Most Informative Wine List
Joint Runner-Up Best Business Class Wine Cellar
Third Place in Business Class White Wine - Fromm La Strada Dry Riesling 2005