On Thursday 4 December 2025, Air New Zealand transformed ordinary air travel into an extraordinary musical event, staging a full-scale concert aboard Flight NZ1331. The journey from Auckland to Sydney became a celebration in which passengers enjoyed live performances at 30,000 feet. Passengers experienced what has been dubbed “SYNTHONY in the Sky,” a first-of-its-kind union of flight and live music, designed to blend Kiwi creativity with the thrill of travel.
The event aimed not only to entertain but also to promote New Zealand’s homegrown music culture. The cabin turned concert venue hosted a lineup including electronic-music pioneers and orchestral elements.
How Air New Zealand’s SYNTHONY in the Sky was Staged
Air New Zealand, which recently saw many of its cabin crew go to strike, converted cabin of NZ1331 into a concert venue during cruise altitude. The concept originated in August 2025, with Air New Zealand saying that it was looking to bring “a collision of electronic dance music and classical orchestra“:
“We’re not just flying you across the Tasman. We’re flying you straight into the heart of a one-of-a-kind music experience offering a completely unique onboard moment – an immersive, high-energy celebration at altitude. We love creating moments our customers will talk about long after they land, and SYNTHONY in the Sky is exactly that – an unforgettable, one-off experience.”
The carrier also announced that seats to the flights would be strictly limited, and that the flight was a “one-off flight with no encores”:
- Departure: Auckland, 4:20pm, Thursday 4 December 2025
- Destination: Sydney
- Fare: $549 NZD one-way
- Inclusions: Live inflight performance + Golden Circle ticket to SYNTHONY No.5 at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, 5 December
The inflight setup for the SYNTHONY required careful coordination and technical innovation. The cabin was equipped with transmission technology and staging elements to support live music performance at cruising altitude. The following table shows the performers:
| Performer / Artist | Role / Contribution | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P Digsss (Shapeshifter) | Vocal performer | Delivered signature high-energy vocals. |
| DJ Dick Johnson | Electronic music performance | Provided electronic and dance elements. |
| Emily Williams | Vocalist | Added powerhouse vocal performances. |
| Lewis McCallum | Instrumentalist | Played saxophone and flute during surprise live orchestra moments. |
| Matthew Ottignon | Instrumentalist | Performed with clarinet, contributing to the live orchestral atmosphere. |
Each ticket also granted a “Golden Circle” pass to the next night’s SYNTHONY concert at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on 5 December 2025 — ensuring that the journey’s finale extended beyond the skies into a major cultural venue on the ground.
The Pilot that Inspired Air New Zealand’s Concert at 30,000 ft
SYNTHONY was co-founded by Air New Zealand pilot Captain David Elmsly, who has served the airline for over 20 years, pointed at the near disbelief when it was announced that SYNTHONY would be taking to the skies:
“Bringing SYNTHONY to life in the air is something I never imagined when we first started out – and now I get to see it take off in a whole new way. It’s a surreal, full-circle moment that combines two of my passions, and I can’t wait to see it come to life on board…”
Photo: Air New Zealand
After the completion of the one-off performance that was SYNTONY aboard Air New Zeaand’s A321neo, Air New Zealand pilot Captain David Elmsly, says seeing the concept take off in this way was extraordinary.
“When we first created SYNTHONY, I never imagined we’d one day bring it into the air. To see it come alive mid flight, with customers dancing, smiling and soaking up every moment, was incredibly special. It’s a true full circle moment for me and a celebration of what can happen when creativity and aviation come together.”
