Love is in the air

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key made an appearance on the David Letterman show on American TV last week, in a bid to publicise the country and encourage more visitors to make the trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud - and it looks as if the Yanks have taken him at his word - hoards of singles are taking to the skies for Air New Zealand's first matchmaking flight...

One of John Key's ‘top ten reasons to visit New Zealand,' was the fact that, ‘unlike most other countries, New Zealanders still like Americans.'

And it seems that those looking for love like it more than most. Air New Zealand's first matchmaking flight, which takes US singletons from LA to Auckland in search of love, is sold out.

During the flight, there will be an open bar, speed dating games and romance tips from Jason Mesnick, the star of ‘The Bachelor,' the reality TV matchmaking show.

Mesnick was chosen to host the flight after he and his girlfriend fell in love on their trip to New Zealand.  He has called it the most romantic place on earth.

Sarah Miller-Reeves, PR and sponsorship executive for the Americas at Air New Zealand said, "New Zealand is often positioned as a thrill seeker, adventure destination, but it's also very romantic too.

"This allows us to present the romantic nature of New Zealand... really engaging a wider cross section of American consumers," she added.

Playing on the fact that Auckland and Los Angeles are located on opposite sides of the world and have opposite climates, the airline is incorporating the idea of ‘opposites attract' into its messaging.

The visitors will mix and mingle with Kiwi singles at a matchmaking ball in Auckland and at other events around the country.

Many of them have joined a networking website promoting the event and New Zealanders among them said friendships were already being made over the net.

The flight leaves Los Angeles bound for Auckland on October 13th.

Picture by FloweryLuza