One of the world's most successful actors flies into New Zealand next week as a travelling salesman.
John Travolta has donned a crisp uniform and settled into the cockpit for Qantas.
The first stop of the self-professed "airline geek" will be Auckland when the star pilots his own Boeing 707 from Los Angeles.
Under the deal, Travolta's aircraft has been dressed up in the Australian carrier's livery as it travels to 10 countries to promote air travel that has weakened since the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
He bought the former Qantas jet four years ago, but inside it no longer bears any resemblance to a commercial aircraft.
The wealthy actor has installed wide, comfy seating, a private dining area with bar and overhead television, and a bedroom with kingsize bed and large mirror.
Qantas may have achieved a publicity coup by appointing Travolta as its roving ambassador, but Air New Zealand has no intention of following the lead.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said Travolta had completed 747-400 first officer simulator training.
The actor, who named his son Jett after his love of planes, called the moment "one of the proudest days of his life".
"Without crying here, I would say it's at least alongside the two Oscar nominations I've received in my career."
The airline has refused to reveal how much Travolta is being paid for the role.
His "Spirit of Friendship tour" takes off from Los Angeles on Monday.
It will also take in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Rome, Paris, Frankfurt and New York.
Travolta first gained notoriety as the smart-mouthed Vinnie Barbarino on the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, before starring in the hit 1970s movies Saturday Night Fever and Grease.
His career dived during the 1980s, but he made a stunning comeback in 1993 when he featured in Pulp Fiction and was nominated for an Oscar.
He remains one of the world's most sought-after and well-paid actors.
Air New Zealand spokesman Mark Champion said they were not considering using an ambassador in a similar way.
"I don't think we have ever considered a movie star before.
"I don't think it's in the mix in our current rebranding process we are going through," he said.
"We would aim to be leaders in our marketing, not followers."
John Travolta wings in to promote flying
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