Air New Zealand's 'Love Boat' flight

Sex sells. And maybe love, too.
Amid these tough days for the travel industry, Air New Zealand is taking no chances. The carrier has just launched a new ad campaign called "Nothing to Hide.'' The ad features scores of airline staffers, including eight attired in nothing but body paint (Rob Fyfe, the airline's CEO, also reportedly makes a cameo in body paint, but I couldn't pick him out. Here's a link to a pic from the company website so you can play Where's Waldo -- or Rob)
The ad seeks to highlight the fact that the airline prides itself on not hitting passengers with hidden charges as its fares include baggage allowances (regular coach passenger get one free checked bag and one carry-on and frequent-flier club members get two of each) and complimentary refreshments -- basically like the old days of flying.
Now for the love part. Air New Zealand is also pushing a singles-only Matchmaking Flight -- think singles bar at 30,000 feet for 12-plus hours each way -- from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, in October with round-trip fares starting at $780.
There will be a preflight gate party; food, drinks, and games throughout; and a party at the Skycity Convention Centre in Auckland after you land.
The carrier also has set up a website, www.thematchmakingflight.com, where passengers can upload a personal profile and start connecting before the flight.
Could be fun. Could also turn out to be like being stuck for 12 hours at a flying convention of actuaries/Star Trek (original series only) devotees.