Air New Zealand has recently unveiled its world-first Star Alliance livery.

The airline's newest A321neo will sport a one-of-a-kind look – a jet black Star Alliance livery.

Air New Zealand's chief transformation and alliances officer Mike Williams says the A321neo is the world's first black Star Alliance aircraft.

"While Star Alliance livery is typically white with a black tail fin, we asked if we could do something a little different and inverse the colours in celebration of how important black is to Air New Zealand and New Zealand," Williams said, noting that the black is an iconic Kiwi colour.

"Black is embedded in New Zealand's national identity and worn with pride, so it's fantastic to welcome this aircraft with its special black livery into our fleet," the Air New Zealand executive added.

All member airlines include Star Alliance livery in their respective fleets to mark and promote Star Alliance.

Siu Ling Fock, Star Alliance vice president for Alliance Development and Communications, for his part, said the Alliance honours each of our 26 member airlines' distinct heritage, character and style."

"We know the significance of the colour black to New Zealanders, so when Air New Zealand proposed to launch the first-ever all-black aircraft with Star Alliance livery, we were happy to agree. This launch also comes at a special time for Star Alliance, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year," Siu Ling Fock added.

Air New Zealand noted that the new aircraft will be one of three A321neos to join the airline's fleet in the coming months in time for the holiday rush.

It is expected to touch down in November, after making the 17,825km journey from the Airbus factory in Hamburg in Germany, through Muscat, Kuala Lumpur and Cairns, before arriving in Auckland.

Another A321neo, which will be painted in Air New Zealand's classic black and white livery, is expected to arrive in September.