Air New Zealand will launch a new seat and cabin experience for its Business Premier passengers in 2024. According to the airline, the new experience and design are based on five years of customer research.
“New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long-haul travel experience,” says Greg Foran, Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running. It’s a proud moment to finally unveil five years of hard mahi, in what truly is a cabin of possibility. One that will provide customers with options to get some shut-eye wherever they’re sitting.”
Customer feedback alerted the airline that getting sleep and having more comfort and space were top priorities, which is precisely what the redesign focuses on.
The airline claims the new Business Premier seats will be on the Boeing 787-9 aircraft in a 1-2-1 configuration. These will replace the airline’s existing product, which has far less privacy than the updated design. All the seats will be 20.5″ inches wide and turn into lie-flat beds. Each seat will have a 24″ TV, USB ports, power outlets, and Bluetooth audio.
While the Business Premier seats won’t have closing doors, they will have a shield that can be extended to provide extra privacy from nearby passengers.
Business Premier Luxe
In addition to the Business Premier revamp, the New Zealand-based carrier is launching a new category of seats dubbed Business Premier Luxe. The new seats will include a fully closing door and space for two to dine.
Photo: Courtesy of Air New Zealand
Each seat will include more space, an ottoman, and a larger tray table to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Overall, the updated seats are slightly longer and will feature more luxurious amenities, including memory foam mattress pads and feather pillows for sleeping. Most notably, the seat itself can be put into a reclined position for taxi, take-off, and landing.
Other Cabin Amenities and Upgrades
The interior design of the new cabin is inspired by New Zealand, allowing customers to feel the country from the second they get onboard. The new Dreamliners will arrive in 2024 with new Business Class cabins and seats, including the airline’s innovative Skynest and Skycouch concepts.
Photo: Courtesy of Air New Zealand
“Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep, so everything we do onboard is to help create a sense of calm – from the lighting and sleep ritual including sleepy teas and balms to the healthier food choices and breathable fabrics,” explains Leanne Geraghy, Chief Customer and Sales Officer. “Meditative onscreen content, Zentertainment, will also help customers unwind and get ready for rest.”
Those flying onboard the redesigned cabins can expect to find thoughtful touches, including lighting and sleep amenities, intended to make the ultra-long-haul flight as bearable as possible for passengers.
FAQs
Air New Zealand's new Business Premier seats
Seats will be in a 1-2-1 configuration, and will be herringbone, meaning that all seats face toward the aisles, rather than away from them; they'll be at a 24 degree angle to the aircraft fuselage. Seats will be 20.5″ wide, and will turn into 80.25″ flat beds.
Is Singapore Airlines better than Air New Zealand? ›
In 2023, Singapore Airlines won Skytrax's "World's Best Airline" award, and Air New Zealand won Airlineratings.com's "Airline of the Year." Singapore Airlines is famous for offering some of the best first class experiences with its luxurious A380 suites, while Air New Zealand frequently flies under the proverbial radar ...
Is Air New Zealand a good airline to work for? ›
Air New Zealand Reviews FAQs
Is Air New Zealand a good company to work for? Air New Zealand has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on over 485 reviews left anonymously by employees. 74% of employees would recommend working at Air New Zealand to a friend and 63% have a positive outlook for the business.
What do you get in Business Class Air New Zealand? ›
As a Business Premier™ customer, you'll enjoy exclusive services such as premium check-in, courtesy lounge entry and priority baggage. On board you'll also receive personalized inflight service, an amenity kit with deluxe toiletries, and complimentary bottled water. We're here to ensure an exceptional journey.
What planes are coming to Air New Zealand in 2024? ›
Fleet modernisation continues with two Airbus A321neo aircraft being welcomed to the domestic fleet by 2024, two Airbus A321neo aircraft being welcomed to the international fleet by 2025, and a further two Airbus A321neo aircraft being delivered to the domestic fleet by 2027.
Does Air New Zealand have lie-flat seats? ›
Best sleep in the sky
In Business Premier, you'll enjoy a super soft leather seat that transforms into a luxurious lie-flat bed, with a memory foam mattress, two full-size pillows and a cosy duvet.
Who is the best airline to fly to New Zealand with? ›
REVIEW: Three of the best airlines in the world fly to New Zealand: Singapore Airlines, Emirates and our home airline Air New Zealand.
Which is the best airline in the world Air New Zealand? ›
Air New Zealand has been honoured as the world's best airline for the seventh time by AirlineRatings.com. The website's 2023 rankings put Aotearoa's national carrier in the top spot followed by Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines and Qantas in the top five.
Who are the best airline to fly internationally with? ›
Based on our analysis, the top 10 best airlines in the world at the beginning of 2024 are:
- Qatar Airways.
- Singapore Airways.
- All Nippon Airways.
- Emirates.
- Japan Airlines.
- Cathay Pacific Airways.
- EVA Air.
- Qantas Airways.
Air New Zealand has held the top spot on the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index for the ninth consecutive year. The national carrier was followed closely by Mitre 10 and Pak'nSave in Kantar's annual poll of the country's top 50 consumer facing corporates. Toyota and TVNZ came in fourth and fifth.
Who owns Air New Zealand? The New Zealand Government currently owns 51% of Air New Zealand ordinary shares.
Is Air New Zealand part of United Airlines? ›
United is a founding member of the Star Alliance and has a rich history in aviation being established in 1926. Air New Zealand and United Airlines have formed an alliance that sees the two airlines operating codeshare services on each other's flights between New Zealand and the United States.
Can you keep business class headphones? ›
Airlines usually change the foam around the earpiece for added hygiene. Fun fact—the two-socket plug airlines use for headphones are there to discourage you from taking them. And don't even think about taking the nicer headphones in business or first-class with you!
How much should you bid to upgrade to business? ›
So with a difference of $2,100, a good bid price would be between $420 and $840." An additional strategy Davies recommends is to bid slightly above the minimum. “If, for example, the minimum bid is $500, your bid should be $550," she explains, "as most people will offer the baseline amount required."
Are there beds in business class? ›
Breaking Down Business Class
They offer a private cabin that is quiet and spacious with seats that have large desks, in-seat power supplies and flat beds so you can get some sleep. On the ground, Business Class lounges encompasses a similar experience.
Does Boeing 777 have flat beds in business class? ›
We also now offer Flagship® Business on select flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. *Flagship® Business is only available on aircraft with lie-flat seats: Boeing 777-200, 777-300, 787-8 and 787-9; and Airbus A321T. Flagship® Business Plus is only available on Boeing 777-200, 787-800 and 787-900.
How does business class seats look like? ›
Seats are typically lie-flat or angled, not just recliners, offering far more space than in the economy or premium economy cabins. Service is elevated both in the air, from free alcohol to plated multicourse meals, and on the ground, from priority check-in and boarding to lounge access.
What does business class look like on flights? ›
Business class is a big step up from economy, with wider, more comfortable seats that either recline or lie flat; better food, sometimes served on china; and often airport lounge access.
What is the class structure of New Zealand? ›
The social welfare system prevents poverty. The nation has neither a strong class system nor huge social tension. The people of New Zealand see each other as equals, not by a social ranking. People are usually on a first name basis, but it is common to address people with authority in a more formal way.
