Air New Zealand races to mark 1st same sex marriage at 30,000 feet
Air New Zealand aims to pip Tourism New Zealand to the post in celebrating the country’s first same sex marriage by hosting a ceremony onboard a flight when the equal marriage law takes effect on 19 August.
New Zealand to have a gay old time with first same-sex in-flight wedding
The objective is to mark the country’s 1st same sex union in the airspace, ahead of Tourism Australia’s plan to mark the event on the ground.
Air New Zealand is currently seeking a couple to undertake the marriage on a flight between Queenstown and Auckland.
“We expect this marriage at 30,000 feet to attract significant interest,” said Air New Zealand’s Head of Global Brand Development, Jodi Williams.
“Naturally, the couple’s family and friends will want to be on hand for the special occasion so we have plenty of seats set aside for them.”
Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson is taking part in the stunt.
“Jesse has been deeply committed to campaigning for marriage equality and the fact that he is prepared to travel from the United States to be here demonstrates the historic nature of this event,” said Williams.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson said “Justin and I are thrilled to be taking part in witnessing this historic moment for New Zealand! After launching 'Tie The Knot', our bow tie campaign for marriage equality in the U.S., it is clear that the journey towards marriage, both in the U.S. & beyond, means so much to us. We cannot wait to celebrate this joyous occasion with Air New Zealand!”
The winning couple will also be treated to a honeymoon to Palm Springs in the United States.
See some of the best same-sex marriage adverts released in recent weeks as Gay marriage was legalised today (17 July) in the UK.