Sitcom actors get in on Air NZ's safety message

Air New Zealand is promising passengers some celebrity spotting - of the animated kind.

Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey and Married with Children actor Ed O'Neill voice the airline's latest pre-flight video, featuring sketch drawings of the pair.

Others to make animated appearances include US President Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, broadcaster Paul Henry, rapper Snoop Dogg and Chinese TV personality Kevin Tsai.

The video has drawn international attention, even featuring in OK magazine. "Bored by snoozy pre-flight safety videos? Fly Air New Zealand - they got Ed O'Neill and Kiwi Two and a Half Men actress Melanie Lynskey to record fun versions!" it said.

The airline is known for its attention-grabbing safety videos, which have previously featured body-painted airline staff, All Blacks and fitness guru Richard Simmons leading a lycra-clad crew, attracting millions of views online.

The latest safety video will be on all flights from early next month, and can be previewed on YouTube.

Since her role in Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures, Lynskey has starred with Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men and in the film Up in the Air.

Air NZ marketing chief Mike Tod said the video conveyed safety messages "in an engaging, informative way that also makes people smile". It also recognised world events and well-known personalities.