Air New Zealand is infusing holiday cheer into its flights this December with a delightful seasonal surprise: candy cane-flavored lollies. A cherished tradition for decades, the airline’s iconic lolly baskets will now include this festive addition, adding a sweet note to holiday travels.

The limited-edition red-and-white-striped candy cane lolly will be offered alongside the airline’s classic red and green hard candies, spreading joy to passengers flying to reconnect with friends and whānau around the globe. From December 1st, the new flavour promises to be a merry highlight of the in-flight experience, available while supplies last.

Kylie McGillivray-Brown, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Customer Experience, expressed the airline’s excitement about introducing the festive treat.

“December is a magical time in the air. As we help millions of passengers reunite with their loved ones, we wanted to bring an extra touch of Christmas spirit to their journey,” said McGillivray-Brown. “Our candy cane lolly tastes just like the holiday classic, making it a delightful way to say ‘Meri Kirihimete’ to our customers. It’s only the second time in our history that we’ve released a special-edition flavor, and we’re thrilled to share this sweet surprise.”

More Festive Treats Await Passengers

The holiday magic doesn’t end with lollies. Passengers on Air New Zealand’s domestic flights can enjoy exclusive seasonal delights, including pretzel and candy cane chocolate bark. During the airline’s Koru Hour, premium flyers will also be treated to a curated selection of “top shelf” wines and other festive touches.

“We’ve been serving our iconic hard-boiled lollies for more than 50 years,” McGillivray-Brown added. “These festive additions are our way of celebrating with passengers as they journey through the holiday season.”

The Story Behind Air New Zealand’s Famous Lollies

Air New Zealand’s lollies have become a beloved part of the flying experience for domestic and international passengers. With five classic flavours—strawberry, Peppermint, Lime, Lemon, and Orange—the candies are designed not only to delight but also to help relieve ear pressure during flights.

The airline first introduced a special-edition flavour in 2015 with its blackcurrant-flavoured “All Black” lolly, a nod to New Zealand’s famous rugby team. The candy cane lolly marks the second time the tradition has expanded to include a seasonal twist, reflecting Air New Zealand’s commitment to creating memorable travel moments.

Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Sweet at a Time

Air New Zealand’s festive offerings align with its broader mission to enhance the travel experience through creativity and connection. Whether passengers embark on long-haul journeys or short domestic trips, the seasonal additions aim to bring smiles and set a joyful tone for the holidays.

Passengers travelling with Air New Zealand this December can look forward to a mix of nostalgia and novelty with these sweet surprises. As McGillivray-Brown aptly said, “There’s always a buzz in the air during the holidays, and we wanted to make it extra special for our passengers this year.”

Written by: Karuna Johnson

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