Air NZ to Sponsor America's Cup 2003 Event

Air New Zealand further consolidated its position as a key supporter of national sporting events when it officially announced its sponsorship of the America's Cup 2003 Event at a ceremony held in the Team New Zealand headquarters in Auckland today.

In making the announcement, Air New Zealand President & CEO Gary Toomey said that the airline had made a sound business decision to continue as Event Sponsor for the America's Cup 2003 defense, after being involved during the campaign of 1999/2000.

"The importance of the event cannot be under-estimated - it has delivered once for us in the past and will do so again. In terms of national exposure, the 2000 America's Cup Event drew ten syndicates from all around the world and attracted a global audience of 400 million people over four months," said Mr Toomey.

"As the national carrier, Air New Zealand and New Zealand's tourism industry are inextricably linked. This past year 1.8 million visitors came to New Zealand and Air New Zealand carried more than half of them.

"The America's Cup has contributed significantly to the growth and vibrancy of the country's tourism industry. During the last America's Cup Event there was a 15 percent increase in visitor numbers to Auckland ... translating into 27,000 overseas guests and a massive 370,000 domestic visitors during the 6 month period", said Mr Toomey.

Joining Air New Zealand in making the announcement were Team New Zealand management and members of the sailing team.

Chief Executive for Team New Zealand, Ross Blackman, said they were delighted to have Air New Zealand back on board.

"Air New Zealand has once again shown its depth of commitment to New Zealand sport and the America's Cup event in particular. On top of that, we will also enjoy the airline's continued support with air travel leading up to the event. That support will enable Team New Zealand to travel around the world to compete in regattas and also to maintain New Zealand's international profile as the 'Home of the America's Cup'," said Mr Blackman.

Air New Zealand is the first to commit as an America's Cup Event sponsor. The airline also recently announced sponsorship of the National Provincial rugby championships (NPC) and was the key sponsor of the recent Queenstown Winter Festival.