Joining forces for the first time, Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand invited industry friends to the Air NZ “Deck” last night to usher in the Christmas spirit.

Two lucky winners received round trip tickets on Air New Zealand, but it was the show stopping uninvited guests, fire fighters, brought in for a false alarm due to an overzealous BBQ who immediately shot to fame amongst attendees.

The three partner carriers are offering agents a joint incentive to win round the world tickets, as they now represent a joint 53 per cent market share of all Trans Tasman flights.