Millions of lollies, 30 new pilot cadets and a Steven Adams safety video marked an up and down year for Air New Zealand

The airline welcomed 16.2 million passengers and operated almost 172 thousand flights last year.

Auckland to Sydney was the most popular short haul flight - while Auckland to Singapore came out on top for long haul travel.

More than 19 thousand animals also came aboard - including 19 Kiwi, seven penguins and 1 Kea.

Window seats were also the most coveted.

The airline's profit did take a dive, though, mid-year.