Air New Zealand presents ‘The Great Christmas Chase’ in new campaign via Bastion Shine

Air New Zealand and Bastion Shine have created a Christmas campaign that shows the extreme lengths an Air New Zealander will go to save Christmas for an unsuspecting passenger.

 

Air New Zealand are renowned for its iconic and unique take on Christmas campaigns.

This year, the challenge was to build on this tradition while also breaking away from the expected Christmas tropes to create a campaign that only Air New Zealand could do.

Says Ryan Jordan, group strategy director at Bastion Shine: “At the heart of Air New Zealand is their people. They are the airlines most distinctive asset, and their unconventional way of showing care is what sets them apart from other airlines.

“We wanted to demonstrate the inherent care Air New Zealanders have and show the extreme lengths they will go to ensure each, and every passenger has a great Christmas.”

Introducing: The Great Christmas Chase.

A flight attendant notices a young passenger has left a Christmas present on the plane. She then embarks on a race against time to return the lost gift through a busy airport filled with travellers and obstacles.

Says Dom Antelme, executive creative director at Bastion Shine: ‘The campaign leans into the action movie genre, using easter eggs from iconic films to hyperbolise the suspense and physical feats the Air New Zealander needs to overcome to save Christmas for an unsuspecting passenger.”

Air New Zealand’s chief customer and sales manager Leanne Geraghty says the action-packed film demonstrates Air New Zealand’s commitment to creating unforgettable moments for its customers – especially during the busy Christmas season: “On Christmas day alone, more than 30,000 customers will be flying with Air New Zealand, and we want to ensure each and every one of them has an incredible experience.

“We know that just like in our video, our entire team, go above and beyond to create exceptional moments of magic no matter what obstacles (or candy canes) come flying their way.

”Air New Zealand flight attendant and star of the video Shanti Tucker says channelling an action star and stunt extraordinaire was an unforgettable experience: “While our customers won’t have to dodge the same obstacles at the airport when they head away this Christmas, there are a few things they can do to ensure a smooth, stress (and stunt) free experience. Arriving a little earlier than usual, checking in online, and packing your patience always helps!

“As an Air New Zealand flight attendant, our job includes caring for our customers and providing excellent service, but this year’s campaign brings a new meaning to that. While we might not be sliding through doors in the name of service, remember, the Air New Zealand team are always here to help.”

The campaign has been promoted like a movie release. With trailers, film posters and social content directing people to watch the film.

The film is designed for digital storytelling, captivating people from beginning to end as the flight attendant counters flying Candy Canes, obstacles in Air New Zealand lounges, long escalator slides and a painstakingly slow car chase.

Client: Air New Zealand

Agency: Bastion Shine

Production Company: Reel Factory
Director: Josh Frizzell

Media Agency: Dentsu