Air New Zealand has announced the retirement of Jim Harré, after a 50-year career as the airline’s wine ambassador.
Over the past 50 years, Harré has smelt, sipped, and selected thousands of New Zealand’s best wines and helped transform Air New Zealand’s inflight service, ensuring customers enjoy the very best of Aotearoa’s rich viticulture at 30,000ft.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said Harré has had a profound impact on the airline, and his influence on Air New Zealand’s inflight service will be felt for many years.
“Jim’s influence has supported Air New Zealand’s wine journey to follow that of the New Zealand wine industry in becoming world-class … We’re now proud to deliver a wine list featuring wine exclusively from Aotearoa [except for champagne]...
“Jim’s understanding of the unique aircraft environment and the effects it has on the characteristics of wine and customers’ tastes is outstanding. His refined palate and discerning taste have also guided our annual wine menu selection process, making it a highly anticipated event within the airline and the broader wine community each year.”
Harré’s journey with Air New Zealand started in 1974 as an international flight attendant. He was then appointed as an inflight service director and, in 1997, took on the additional responsibility of wine consultant and buyer for the airline. Harré finished his role as inflight service director in 2006 and has continued to serve as Air New Zealand’s wine consultant.
Harré said: “Reflecting on my time with Air New Zealand, it has been an incredible journey … The aircraft environment requires wines that can maintain their aromatic integrity despite lower cabin pressure. Additionally, the altered taste perceptions of customers at 30,000ft make the selection process both challenging and intriguing. Ensuring the wine can meet these unique conditions and still provide an exceptional experience has always been one of the most fascinating aspects of my job.”
“…It has been a privilege over the years, to be part of helping create enjoyable journeys for customers flying with Air New Zealand.”
As Harré embarks on his well-deserved retirement Air New Zealand will shortly announce new wine ambassadors to continue Harré’s legacy.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
