Adrian Grenier stars in Air New Zealand’s latest ‘World’s Coolest’ safety video

Air New Zealand are at it again launching its latest safety video, this one showcasing Antarctica and the important climate and environmental science underway there.

Featuring Hollywood actor, filmmaker and environmentalist Adrian Grenier, the World’s Coolest Safety Video takes viewers on a breathtaking journey to Antarctica, where Kiwi scientists are tackling the most pressing questions on global climate change.

Building on Air New Zealand’s long-standing partnership with Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute, the video sees Grenier team up with Scott Base scientists to track penguin populations, study ice core samples and visit early explorer Ernest Shackleton’s hut and the vast Dry Valleys.

UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Grenier, whose environmental work also includes co-founding ocean conservation non-profit Lonely Whale, said it was a privilege to partner with Air New Zealand and Antarctica New Zealand on the video project.

“This safety video highlights Air New Zealand’s support of the scientists striving to make discoveries that are going to help humanity – a cause which aligns with my own commitment to the environment. To know the airline is doing its job to help us understand how climate change is going to affect us is something that is very important to me.”

To minimise the environmental impact of filming, a total crew of just six travelled to Antarctica, with Scott Base scientists and staff doubling as supporting talent in the safety video. The airline has also provided more in-depth content on television and online, looking at Antarctica and the work being done there by the Kiwis.

Antarctica New Zealand CEO Peter Beggs said the safety video project is an incredible opportunity to profile Kiwi Antarctic science around the world.“Air New Zealand’s safety videos have collectively attracted more than 130 million online views. Our teams are thrilled to have such a significant global platform to amplify their work and we’re confident it will take our outreach efforts to the next level.”

A class full of students aged eight to 11 from Christchurch’s Hornby Primary School also play a starring role in this one, appearing in footage shot in Canterbury Museum’s Antarctic Gallery. Christchurch has been a gateway to Antarctica for more than 100 years and the museum holds an internationally significant collection of artefacts from early expeditions.

The safety video will be rolled out across Air New Zealand’s international and domestic fleet in early March.