Air New Zealand marks 75 years since first Wellington to Sydney flight
Friday 3 October 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Air New Zealand
The airline, then known as TEAL, celebrated 75 years since its first flight between Wellington and Sydney. On 3 October 1950, the Solent flying boat Ararangi carried business leaders and dignitaries across the Tasman Sea. Crowds gathered at Evans Bay in Wellington to watch the historic takeoff.