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Air New Zealand adds flights amid bikini ban controversy

Air New Zealand adds flights amid bikini ban controversy
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Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

Air New Zealand has responded to a petition in the City of New Plymouth, North Island, which considered banning g-string bikinis from public pools. The airline has added flights to the South Pacific, promoting "freedom of choice" in swimwear.

“Forget the indoor aquatic centres and the petitions that come with them. With more seats to the Pacific it’s time to escape to the beach and sunshine,” said Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty. “Customers will be smiling cheek to cheek with so many seats available. This summer is all about being a beach bum.”

The increased capacity includes destinations such as Nadi, Fiji; Tonga; Rarotonga; and Papeete, Tahiti.

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A decade ago, Air New Zealand faced criticism for its "Safety in Paradise" video released in conjunction with Sports Illustrated's 50th anniversary. The video featured models Christie Brinkley, Jessica Gomes, Chrissy Teigen, Hannah Davis, and Ariel Meredith demonstrating safety procedures while wearing bikinis on a beach. Following backlash over sexism concerns via another change.org petition, the airline withdrew the video.

This shift from retracting bikini-themed content to now embracing g-strings indicates changing societal norms regarding swimwear even in regions like New Zealand.

Organizations Included in this History
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