New Zealand's premier pop-punk band, Goodnight Nurse, is headlining the sell-out MTV Mile High Gig alongside The Dukes, winners of MTV's Kickstart competition.

Air New Zealand Flight NZ1703 departs April 28, 2007, from Auckland to Sydney will be hosting these two first-class New Zealand rock outfits to perform live for passengers on route to the MTV Australia Video Music Awards.

The Air New Zealand flight is the first of its kind, proving hugely popular with all saleable tickets selling-out in just over a week. The announcement of Goodnight Nurse as the headline act means those holding the sought-after tickets will not be disappointed.

Air New Zealand General Manager of Pacific Tasman Services Stephen Jones is thrilled that Goodnight Nurse is fronting the gig and pleased that Air New Zealand can help showcase talented, local artists.

"Air New Zealand is stoked to be partnering with MTV and providing our passengers with such a great example of Kiwi music for this unique in-flight experience," says Jones.

When the Air New Zealand plane has reached cruising altitude the gig will open with a twenty minute set from up-and-comers The Dukes, followed by what promises to be a dynamic performance from Goodnight Nurse playing hits from their album Always and Never.

Fresh from their debut album release in 2006, Goodnight Nurse have reached gold album status and can lay claim to playing at some of the New Zealand's biggest events and festivals as well as a recent Australian tour with rock legends The Living End.

The Auckland trio will bring their signature brand of high-energy, ballsy and catchy sound to the in-flight gig.

"We're buzzing about playing the MTV Mile High Gig. Rocking out at 37,000 feet with people getting ready to party at the AVMAs is not just your ordinary set," says Joel Little, lead vocals for Goodnight Nurse.

From their 2002 beginnings in a dingy West Auckland garage, Goodnight Nurse have broken their way into the hearts of New Zealanders, attracting a variety of fans with the party anthems and punk tracks that have seen them achieve high-rotation on radio and TV.

This year the MTV Australia Video Music Awards (AVMAs) will be hosted by Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and Good Charlotte's Benji and Joel Madden. Those attending the MTV Mile High Gig will experience a taste of New Zealand's finest emerging rock talent followed by all the star-studded glitz and glamour synonymous with MTV awards worldwide.