Fly ZING AIR with Metropol’s deputy editor Nina Tucker 

I once wondered what it might be like to fly on a private jet. Thanks to a delightful collaboration between KFC New Zealand and Super Rugby, I no longer need to. 

KFC’s private airline, Zing Air, transported myself and six lucky Cantabrians to Auckland in mid-March – where we would watch the Crusaders take on the Blues from the best seats in the house. 

From a private terminal in Christchurch, Zing Air Boarding Pass holders awaited our call to board, enjoying a pre-flight meal to compose our excitement. Overflowing buckets of chicken coated in 11 secret herbs and spices and mouth watering burgers provided the energy we would burn in the next few hours. I watched as the KFC fans around me smiled and laughed – probably thanking their earlier selves for putting that lucky order through the app. 

 

We stepped inside Zing Air, and on our seats found KFC amenities kits filled with the necessities – an eye mask, lip balm, ear plus, socks, and a toothbrush – to arrive in Auckland feeling fresh. 

Aboard the Cessna Citation Sovereign, cabin crew served popcorn chicken and crisp beverages while chatter filled the aircraft. 

 

On touch-down, a private transfer escorted us from the terminal to our accommodation. For a few moments I felt I could moonlight as James Bond – was maintaining the confidentiality of the 11 secret herbs and spices my top secret mission? Living like this, perhaps it could be. 

From a sleek black Mercedes-Benz, we waltzed inside Fable Auckland, a 5-star boutique accommodation invariably draped in luxury. A quick change into Crusaders or KFC merchandise, and our driver was back outside. Upon arrival at Auckland’s Eden Park, we were chaperoned in, confidently walking through a sea of blue. 

Seats in the on-field KFC Bucket Lounge awaited us, letting us watch the game just metres from the tryline. Both teams keeping us on our toes, a half-time refuel of KFC fan favourites and a few classics was just the medicine to calm our nerves. 

Returning to our accommodation, our rooms offered such a relaxing ambience and heavenly night’s sleep that one couple in our Zing Air squad slept right up to our morning terminal transfer pick-up. I don’t blame them. For me, a leisurely stroll around Auckland’s waterfront, English breakfast tea in hand, was a welcome serenity following the thrill hours earlier. A full breakfast spread at Fable followed, before it was time to wave goodbye to Auckland and a magical 17 hours. We boarded Zing Air once more, knowing now just how much better Super Rugby is with Kentucky Fried Chicken in hand.  

KFC’s Marketing Director Leanne Too describes these experiences as “moments for the fans” and I couldn’t put it better. “Our fans are at the heart of this experience, and Zing Air allows us to create moments whilst supporting our Super Rugby partnership.” 

“The calibre of the experience allows us to engage with Kiwis dispersed throughout the country, which we haven’t done before. With two successful flights down, we’re excited to keep the momentum going with the next flight departing from Hamilton to Christchurch.” Three more flights will depart from different regions throughout this Super Rugby season to ensure fans across New Zealand can board KFC Zing Air and support their favourite team. Head to the KFC App to be in the draw to win.

Discover more at kfc.co.nz 

With special thanks to SpecialPR and Georgie Zonneveld.