Richard Simmons: fit to fly Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand, whose wacky mile-high antics we’ve written about many times before, has scored another viral hit with this in-flight safety video featuring Richard Simmons. You may remember Air New Zealand’s suggestive squirrel, failed cougar contest, and naked flight attendants. But all that pales in comparison to the supernova of specialness that is Mr. Simmons. The three-minute clip, called “Fit to Fly,” is fabulous fun. “Stretch it out and lose that baggage. Stretch it up to the overhead locker,” Richard cries ebulliently. “Stretch and slide, yeah, you’re a giraffe!” This replaces last year’s rugby-themed safety video and is already far more popular. It was created by New Zealand creative agency .99 and also includes celebrity appearances by Amazing Race presenter Phil Keoghan, television personality Paul Henry, Temepara George of the Silver Ferns netball team and Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe. Can’t get enough? Check the behind-the-scenes video after the jump.