.99 did the hard yards – revived the brand, put bums on seats, and helped Air NZ win 2012 Airline of the Year in London – only to be shown the door last week when the airline abruptly handed the creative side of the business to DraftFCB and Saatchi (media remains with OMD).

The unsuccessful pitchers included DDB and Special Group.

DraftFCB will be the lead agency, but a week after the announcement was made, the specific role of the two agencies was unclear – although Air NZ marketing director Mike Tod has indicated that Saatchi will focus on projects.

Air NZ, which spends around $12 million annually ($5m of that is online – think Rico) is NZ’s 48th largest advertiser.