Air New Zealand is stepping up its marketing campaigns around the world in the lead up to the release of the third Lord of the Rings film.

With the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King taking place in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, on 1 December, the airline will double the number of its exclusively themed aircraft flying around the world by unveiling two new aircraft sporting imagery from the film.

Air New Zealand’s regional manager for the UK and Ireland, Simon Bean, said: “All of our earlier Lord of the Rings promotional work has lead to this point.

“We’re increasing investment in innovative ideas like the Middle-Earth fleet to ensure New Zealand’s linkage with the films is carried to the broadest audience during this critical period.”

Research conducted by Tourism New Zealand amongst international visitors showed that almost one in 10 people was influenced by the Lord of the Rings films, citing the trilogy as one of the reasons they chose to visit the country.