(CNN)Its star-studded safety videos show the airline making happy customers of everyone from hulking sports stars to pocket-sized hobbits.
But Air New Zealand isn't just leading the way in viral hits.
Australia-based website AirlineRatings.com has named Air New Zealand the 2016 Airline of the Year in its prestigious Airline Excellence Awards.
The "industry trendsetter" was praised for its award-winning inflight innovations, operational safety and environmental leadership.