Air New Zealand is known for its innovative safety videos. Back in the day, the airline would typically release a couple of new videos per year. The frequency of these has slowed down since the start of the pandemic. That’s why it’s worth noting that Air New Zealand has just dropped its first new safety video in over two years.
In this post:
Air NZ’s safety video is basketball themed
Air New Zealand’s new safety video is called “Every Point Counts,” and it’s the 23rd safety video ever released by the airline. It’s being screened on both domestic and international flights as of today. The safety video features basketball star and Kiwi icon Steven Adams, and featured quite the cast beyond that.
The video includes comedian Tom Sainsbury taking on double duty as both coach and referee, sports broadcaster Andrew Mulligan on commentary, TikTok star Theo Shakes as an audience member, and a special cameo from Steven’s sister and Olympic legend, Dame Valerie Adams.
In the safety video, Steven takes on a group of Kiwi kids in a friendly basketball game, with tension growing as it comes down to the wire on the court.
Here’s what Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran had to say about the new video:
“We’re thrilled to have Kiwi icon Steven Adams join the Air New Zealand safety video whānau. His journey from Rotorua to the bright lights of international basketball has inspired countless fans to chase their dreams, making him the perfect fit to take to the court in the leading role.”
“We know an entertaining safety video is what our customers want – so we’ve done just that. Basketball as a sport is synonymous with entertainment, so it gave us plenty of shots at creating fun, engaging content.”
“As one of the fastest growing sports in Aotearoa, it’s an exciting time to back basketball and shoot for something special. Eagle eyed basketball fans should keep their eyes peeled for nods to the sport in the video – including a homage to basketball legend LeBron James.”
“It’s been a few years since we launched a new safety video and with the peak travel season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to see a new video in the skies. We can’t wait for our customers to catch our latest safety video during their next journey with us.”
You can watch the safety video for yourself below.
For what it’s worth, below is the safety video that this replaces, which debuted in May 2022.
This isn’t my favorite Air NZ safety video
Air New Zealand has produced so many amazing safety videos over the years, and they’re all over the place in terms of themes. The only thing that’s consistent is that a lot of effort goes into them, and they’re interesting.
Some Air New Zealand safety videos make you laugh…
Some Air New Zealand safety videos make you cringe (and hopefully laugh?)…
And some Air New Zealand safety videos make you just gaze at beautiful scenery and appreciate the planet we live on…
Admittedly we all have different preferences, but personally, the new video isn’t really up my alley. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of organized sports, and I’m also not a Kiwi, so when you combine the two, the whole thing is lost on me a bit.
For that matter, I find the whole video to just kind of be distracting, and it almost makes me wish for Emirates’ “no nonsense” safety video. I feel like a lot of Air New Zealand’s other safety videos were so entertaining that they went viral because people enjoyed watching them on the ground, while I don’t think this one has quite the same entertainment factor? Or maybe it’s just because I’m not really into basketball? I dunno, you guys tell me…
Bottom line
Air New Zealand has released its first new safety video in over two years, which is basketball themed, and stars Steven Adams. If you like basketball, maybe you’ll be into this, but personally I find it to be one of the less entertaining videos from the carrier.
What do you make of this new Air New Zealand safety video?
I think airlines need to go back to the basics and copy JAL.
In terms of providing safety information their video is the best. It is no nonsense, succinctly provides valuable information, and speaks to the Japanese culture of community.
After watching it I understood why no one died during the A350 collision/crash at HND.
These novelty videos are about as fresh as planking and the ice bucket challenge. Get to the point. Make it short. And get this plane off the ground. We don't need to be 'entertained' for our safety.
The problem with these “entertaining” safety videos is they are twice the length of a conventional video. BA’s is particularly tedious.
Forget another new video, PLEASE get new uniforms. They must be the ugliest uniform of any airline.
You're spot on. They are the ugliest uniforms ever and that purple gives me a headache. And they are far from flattering for the crew. Give me a little more style!
I find all these novelty safety videos to be super cringe. Just give us a briefing in clear, calmly-spoken english with a demonstration of the equipment. Nobody needs all this fluff.
I think you underestimate how much today’s audience need to be entertained, otherwise they’ll ignore the safety video and go back to TikTok.
New video is terrible.
There should be subtitles.
They should speak slowly and clearly.
They should get rid of the unrealistic and distracting scenes. Use a real plane and highlight what is being described or use a clearly drawn cartoon.
At the end of the video, there can be scenery, fluff, and music.