Since the inception of AirlineRatings 13 years ago, Air New Zealand has consistently ranked among the World’s Top 10 Safest Airlines. Now, following the success of its most recent onboard cabin safety audit, the airline has been elevated into an even more exclusive category.
The achievement places Air New Zealand within a select group of Seven Star PLUS carriers including airlines such as Etihad Airways, STARLUX and Cathay Pacific recognising its continued commitment to rigorous operational standards onboard.
Airlineratings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said of the recognition: "What distinguishes Air New Zealand as a Seven Star PLUS safety-rated airline is not only its performance but also its growth mindset. Whilst our auditor identified very few recommendations, at our exit briefing, the airline's leadership treated each one of those as an opportunity to refine an already exceptional operation. This is the absolute epitome of a Seven Star PLUS airline: exceptional safety standards underpinned by a team that refuses to grow complacent."
Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said: "We're incredibly proud to receive AirlineRatings.com's Seven Star PLUS safety rating, its highest accolade. It recognises the dedication of all Air New Zealanders to maintaining safe, reliable operations and caring for our customers at every step of their journey. While this is a fantastic milestone, we know safety is an ongoing journey, and we remain focused on continuing to raise the bar every day."
Since the programme launched in October 2025, AirlineRatings has completed 12 onboard cabin safety audits, with Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Air Europa, HK Express and STARLUX each earning recognition as Seven Star PLUS airlines. Airlines that receive recommendations exceeding the required threshold are given a clear and detailed pathway to qualification: following the implementation of corrective measures, they are re-audited, at which point they may be elevated to Seven Star PLUS status.
Within the Australia-Pacific region, Fiji Airways is the next carrier scheduled to undergo the audit. A further four airlines across the Asia Pacific region are also underway, though those remain under a non-disclosure agreement.
What Is the Seven Star PLUS Rating?
The Seven Star PLUS rating is awarded to airlines that:
• Already hold a Seven Star safety rating, which is determined by participation in IOSA, audits from local governing bodies, as well as the airline’s own safety or incident history.
• Successfully complete six anonymous onboard audits across a mix of domestic, international, short-haul, long-haul, day and overnight flights.
• Demonstrate consistent excellence across all 70 audit points across each of the six audit flights.
These audits are conducted by Airline Ratings’ own team, independent of airline influence, and designed to reflect real-world passenger experiences.
Why It Matters
With nearly 40% of passengers reporting anxiety or fear of flying, 7-Star PLUS provides a new level of reassurance. While traditional safety metrics focus on aircraft maintenance, operational excellence and regulatory compliance, this new rating highlights the human element, specifically how safety is communicated, enacted, and felt onboard.
Airlines not yet at Seven Stars can still undergo reviews, receiving tailored feedback to help close safety gaps and improve their standing.
This initiative complements AirlineRatings mission: “Guiding you to the safest and best value airline for every journey.”
For enquiries on participating in Airline Ratings’ safety ratings, please contact Safety and Quality Manager, Josh Wood, at [email protected].
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