AIR NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES
STAR ALLIANCE UPGRADE AWARDS

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - July 12^th, 2007- Air New Zealand is pleased to offer to its Airpoints^TM members the ability to use their Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars to upgrade one class of service when travelling on selected Star Alliance network carriers. Star Alliance Upgrade Awards is available to members of Air New Zealand Airpoints programme when they are travelling on participating Star Alliance member carriers.

James Abbott, Air New Zealand’s Loyalty Manager, said this latest innovation is just one of the ways Air New Zealand rewards members of its frequent flyer programme. “The Air New Zealand Airpoints programme is one of the most innovative airline loyalty schemes in the world. We strive to stay at the forefront of frequent flyer innovation and our members are only offered those services which represent true value and enhanced comfort. Due to our geographic proximity and award winning in-flight product, upgrades are an extremely popular part of our programme. We already offer confirmed and standby upgrades and seat upgrades on the day of departure at selected airports.”

Star Alliance Vice-President Commercial, Philip Saunders, said the alliance was very supportive of the Air New Zealand move for a very good reason: “Star Alliance is delighted that Air New Zealand is introducing Star Alliance Upgrade Awards. As Air New Zealand flies the longest routings of any airline in the world, and also serves some of the most important business and leisure destinations, the introduction of the Upgrade Awards product will add real value to customers of the participating airlines.”

Star Alliance Upgrade Awards are confirmed at the time of booking when members book into eligible booking classes, based on availability and booking time window of the operating Star Alliance carrier.

Air New Zealand Airpoints members can use their Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars to upgrade when travelling on Star Alliance member carriers ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI and United. Additional carriers will be progressively introduced.

Air New Zealand has been a member of the Star Alliance network since 1999. Star Alliance is the only airline alliance that offers its airline members the opportunity to use their own frequent flyer currency to upgrade on other network members. Star Alliance Upgrade Awards and Airpoints Terms and Conditions apply. Please see www.airnewzealand.com or www.staralliance.com for further details.

About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience. Star Alliance was voted Best Airline Alliance by Business Traveller Magazine in 2003 and 2006 and by Skytrax in 2003 and 2005. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI, United and US Airways. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network. Air China, Shanghai Airlines and Turkish Airlines have all been accepted as future members and are expected to join Star Alliance soon. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 16,000 daily flights to 855 destinations in 155 countries.

Star Alliance Contact:

Star Alliance Press Office
Tel: +49 69 96375 183
Fax: +49 69 96375 683
Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com