KFC launches private jet to transport fans to Super Rugby Pacific games

KFC has launched its first-ever airline delivering mates to Super Rugby matches.

KFC has launched a private jet to transport fans to the Super Rugby Pacific games across major cities in Aotearoa.

Named “Zing Air”, the Cessna Citation Sovereign jet will transport fans and their mates from their hometowns to a match hosted in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Hamilton and Christchurch across five carbon-neutral flights.

The fast food restaurant, which has been in partnership with the five New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific teams (Blues, Hurricanes, Gallagher Chiefs, Highlanders and Crusaders) for 12 years, will operate its first flight to Sky Stadium for the Hurricanes vs Blues rugby clash on March 1.

Starting today, fans can enter the competition by opening the KFC App, adding a Zing Air Boarding Pass to the cart, and purchasing the necessary minimum amount. One night’s accommodation for two is included in the prize.

“It’s always harder for a team to play away from home. This new initiative not only boosts attendance at rugby games, but it also ensures that when teams are facing opponents on the road, they’ll have the support of their biggest fans, thanks to KFC helping transport them to the game,” said Blues CEO Andrew Hore.

The Cessna Citation Sovereign jet.

The move builds upon its Gravy Train campaign where fans were served free chicken on an Auckland Transport train to a Blues game at Eden Park last April.

“Last year we delivered fans to the game via the KFC Gravy Train and now, with KFC Zing Air, we’ve cooked up a brand-new way for fans to get even closer to the action, both on the field and in the sky,” said Restaurant Brands chief executive Arif Khan.

The Cessna Citation Sovereign is a lighter mid-size business jet with the versatility to get into smaller airfields. It carries up to eight passengers and has a range of 3200 nautical miles.