Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: Air New Zealand

Showing posts with label Air New Zealand. Show all posts

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Air New Zealand To Offer The World’s First Lie-Flat “Pods” For Economy Class, Set To Debut In 2024

Economy flights practically guarantee a stiff neck, a child kicking the back of your seat and competition with your seatmate to claim the middle seat’s armrests.

One airline wants to cure to these traveling ailments: Air New Zealand recently announced the world’s first lie-flat “pods” for economy class airplanes, set to debut in 2024. The concept, called “Skynest,” has been in research and development for five years and will likely feature two rows of three stacked bunk beds for a total of six full-length sleeping pods. The beds will be installed on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and will exist in addition to regular seating sections.

The sleeping pods might prove necessary: This fall, Air New Zealand will host its first nonstop flight from Auckland to New York’s John K. Kennedy International Airport. The roughly 17-hour flight will be one of the world’s longest regularly scheduled passenger flights, and the eventual Skynest rollout could be a perfect fit.

But the pods – which will include cooling pillows and ventilation outlets – likely won’t come cheap. Prices have yet to be announced, but Air New Zealand says four hours of access to a sleep pod will cost an extra fee on top of your economy ticket.

“The airline did a fair bit of research around sleep cycles,” an Air New Zealand spokesperson told CNN Travel last week. “A typical sleep cycle is around 90 minutes, so a four-hour session gives the opportunity for customers to wind down, fall asleep and wake up.”

The bedding will be changed and the pods will be cleaned for 30 minutes in between every session, according to the airline.

When Air New Zealand initially announced the concept in 2020, transportation analyst Seth Kaplan told CNBC he was skeptical that economy passengers would jump in line to try it. People who are paying the lowest possible rate for a ticket probably aren’t interested in ticket add-ons, especially when the pods will occupy much of each plane’s already limited space, he said.

“The airline business is a real estate business,” Kaplan said. “Air New Zealand will have to ask itself if those beds will bring in more money than economy or premium seats in the same space.”

This isn’t Air New Zealand’s first attempt to help economy travelers sleep better. Passengers can already upgrade their coach seats to a “SkyCouch,” or coach seats with footrests that lift to create a bedlike space. That product has also been licensed by China Airlines and the Brazilian carrier Azul.

The race to put actual beds in economy class appears to have fewer participants. In 2018, Airbus said it was working with aerospace design firm Zodiac to put bunk beds in the cargo holds of planes, but no mention of the concept currently exists on Airbus’ site beyond that initial announcement.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Top 8 Beer-Loving Airlines Around The World

Raise a Toast to Airlines that Serve Up Tasty Brews

It’s beer season! Around the world, millions will pour a pint (or more) in celebration of Oktoberfest in the coming weeks. And those taking to the air shouldn’t be left out of the fun. So the travel experts at Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, have crafted their own menu of airlines with particularly tasty brews for travelers with Oktoberfest in the sky: Top 8 beer-loving airlines around the world. Let our list be your guide to flying with flavor.

Here are four of our picks for brewtastic airlines that put a focus on local favorites:

· Air New Zealand - Air New Zealand has an award-winning meal and beverage service, and we think that might have to do with its long list of craft brews on board. Kick back and fly with some of the finest beverages available.

Inflight Offerings:

Macs’s Craft Beers, a macro brewery from New Zealand that brings big flavors. Try the smooth and refreshing Gold All Malt Lager.

Stella Artois, filled with yeast and Saaz hops that make for a crisp finish every time.

· Frontier Airlines - This Colorado-based airline made it a priority to include a Denver beer on its menu. This move makes sense considering how much great beer comes from the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. Frontier has been flying with craft brew for more than 10 years now with no signs of stopping.

Inflight Offerings:

Oskar Blues Brewery’s Dale’s Pale Ale, one for hop lovers made with the mountain springs of Colorado.

· easyJet - An English airline serving traditionally English beer is exactly what you’ll get from easyJet. This low-cost airline lets you travel cheaply, but drink like royalty.

Inflight Offerings:
Old Speckled Hen, a traditional English pale ale known for drinkability.

· Hawaiian Airline - Everything about Hawaiian Airlines, from the flight attendants outfits to the pineapple snacks, looks and feels authentically Hawaiian. Fittingly, they’ve also brought one of the largest local breweries to the sky. As they say in Hawaii, Hipahipa(Cheers)!

Inflight Offerings:
Maui Brewing Company’s Biking Blonde Lager, a light 100% malt beer that’ll make you feel like you’re on a beach.

Want more full-flavored flight options? These are the beer-loving airlines that round out our list: Southwest, United, Lufthansa and Delta. To read the full details on these airlines’ beer menus and see Cheapflights.com’s complete Oktoberfest in the sky: Top 8 beer-loving airlines around the world, visit www.cheapflights.com/news/oktoberfest-in-the-sky-top-8-beer-loving-airlines-around-the-world.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Travelore Tips: Premium Economy Seats Worth The Upgrade

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic launched the "premium economy" concept in 1992 to woo cost-minded business travelers—and the service hasn't changed much in the decades since. Not that that's a bad thing; the dedicated check-in and bag drop ensure exclusivity from the very beginning, and the purple leather seats boast a width of 21 inches, one of the biggest in the business. The airline also offers some of the best Premium Economy dining options, including a multi-course meal and after-dinner drinks.

Courtesy Virgin Atlantic

Japan Airlines

If you need a cocktail to help you relax during a flight, Japan Airlines's Sky Premium class has you covered: The expanded beverage selection includes champagne, sake and sochu, among other offerings. This is in addition to the the TUMI amenities kit and the unique slide-down seat design inside individual shells, which prevents passengers in front of you from reclining into your lap. The perks start well before you board: pre-boarding lounge access is included.

Courtesy Japan Airlines

British Airways

The airline's recently updated World Traveler Plus cabin now includes more comfortable seats outfitted with greater recline capacity and adjustable head- and footrests. Noise-canceling headphones and a fleece blanket only add to the comfort level. Plus, the entire dining experience has been improved: A three-course lunch or dinner includes some items from the business class menu, as well as snacks and cocktails. And if that's not enough, meals are served on actual china.

Courtesy British Airways

Qantas

A team of Australian hospitality experts is involved in the high-quality (and chic) premium economy experience aboardQantas. The cabin's wide seats also have a pitch that ranges from 38 to 42 inches; they come with adjustable ergonomic headrests designed by Marc Newson and built by Recaro. And menu, designed by chef Neil Perry, is complemented by fine Australian wines. There's also a self-serve snack bar as well as beverage service throughout the flight, starting with a welcome drink.

Courtesy Qantas

Air New Zealand

Known for being one of the most innovative airlines in the world (have you seen the epic Hobbit-themed safety video?), Air New Zealand's Premium Economy Spaceseat (available on its 777-300 aircraft) is otherworldly. The stylish, white leather seat (outfitted into its own shell) is quite striking: It has two center seats, which allow passengers to face each other over an extra-wide armrest. It's perfect for traveling couples, who can enjoy a dinner date at cruising altitude.

Cathay Pacific

Every trip on Cathay's Premium Economy cabin starts with a hot towel and a glass of bubbly (or juice, if you so prefer), hinting at the enhanced food service for the flight (including tasty meals and a variety of snacks). The seats, which have an eight-inch recline, end on either legrests (if you're in the front row) or three-position footrests. Amenities like noise-canceling headphones, fancy bathroom soaps, eco-friendly amenities, and the oversized pillows add to the luxurious experience.

Courtesy Cathay Pacific

Alitalia

A dedicated check-in desk plus priority baggage handling at the destination streamline the pre- and post-flight experience when you've booked a Classica Plus ticket. The ergonomic seats are fairly wide at just under 19 inches, and the leg rests and 120-degree recline add to comfort of the product. Because you're flying Italian, the food and beverage perks are delicious: You're served a welcome drink, a traditional antipasto, and Italian wine, before capping the meal off with a shot of espresso.

OpenSkies

The lesser-known sister airline to British Airways only has one route: New York City (from either JFK or Newark Airport) to Paris' Orly Airport and back. Its Premium Plus category is all about intimate luxury thanks to a 2:2 configuration. The seats—with chic leather accents—recline to a comfortable 130 degrees. With the 47" pitch, it's difficult to find a more spacious premium economy seat flying the friendly skies. Bonus: Everyone on the plane has access to an entertainment-packed iPad.

Courtesy OpenSkies

ANA

Like JAL, ANA offers premium economy travelers lounge access in Tokyo plus in several airports in the U.S. and Europe. In the air, you'll be treated to seats that are nearly 20 inches wide, with both lumbar support and a foot rest. The meal service is technically the same as what you would get if you flew economy, but there are added treats such as red and white wine plus dessert from the business class menu. Don't forget to sift through the amenities kit; slippers are included.

Courtesy ANA

Thai Airways

Now that Thai Airways has ceased flying through the U.S., American travelers looking to board the airline have to get Europe first, with the most convenient connections via Scandinavia. Flights from Stockholm or Copenhagen to Bangkok are selling the last five rows of the business cabin on a Premium Economy ticket, meaning you get to travel the 11-hour flight in a lay-flat seat with the airline's economy service. Pricing here is roughly half the business rates and won't include the fancy dining options, which shouldn't be a big deal if you're spending most of the time sleeping.

Courtesy Thai Airways

Contributed by Chadner Navarro, www.cntraveler.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Qantas Rated World's Safest Airline For 2015

PERTH, Australia - AirlineRatings.com, safety and product rating website, has announced its top ten safest airlines and top ten safest low cost airlines for 2015 from the 449 it monitors.

Top of the list again is Qantas which has a fatality free record in the jet era. Making up the remainder of the top ten in alphabetical order are: Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific Airways, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

AirlineRatings.com's rating system takes into account a variety of factors related to audits from aviation's governing bodies and lead associations as well as government audits and the airlines' fatality records.

AirlineRating.com also examined airlines' operational histories, incident records and operational excellence to arrive at its top ten safest airlines.

According to AirlineRatings.com editor, Geoffrey Thomas, "our top ten safest airlines are always at the forefront of safety innovation and launching new planes."

"These airlines are a byword for excellence," he added. "There is no doubt that Qantas is a standout in safety enhancements and an industry benchmark for best practice," said Mr Thomas.

Over its 94-year history Qantas has amassed an extraordinary record of firsts in safety and operations and is now accepted as the world's most experienced airline. "Qantas has been the lead airline in virtually every major advancement in airline safety over the past 60 years," said Mr Thomas.

Responding to public interest, the AirlineRatings.com editors also identified their top ten safest low cost airlines.

These are in alphabetical order: Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines, Icelandair, Jetstar, Jetblue, Kulula.com, Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook, TUI Fly and Westjet.

"Unlike a number of low cost carriers these airlines have all passed the stringent International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) audit and have excellent safety records," said Mr Thomas. "Low cost does not mean low safety."

Of the 449 airlines surveyed 149 have the top seven-star safety ranking, but almost 50 have just three stars or less.

Five airlines only achieved one star for safety from AirlineRatings.com. These are: Agni Air, Kam Air, Nepal Airlines, Scat and Tara Air.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

These Are The Best Airlines For 2015

Air New Zealand has won for the second successive year AirlineRatings Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand cabin crew

Air New Zealand Premium Economy

Air New Zealand Skycouch

Air New Zealand 787

Etihad First Class

Cathay Pacific Business Class

Qantas Lounge Canberra

Virgin Australia Business Class

Lufthansa First Class

Scott staff and management with 777

AirlineRatings.com the world’s only safety and product rating website has announced the selection of Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2015.

AirlineRatings.com celebrates and promotes excellence in the airline industry and the pinnacle of these efforts is its Airline Excellence Awards. Winners include: Qantas, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, JetBlue, Kululu.com, Lufthansa, Lan Chile, Norwegian, Thai Airways, Scoot and Virgin Australia.

AirlineRatings.com also announced its Top Ten airlines for 2015.

Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand is being honored for the second consecutive year for its in-flight innovations, financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff that have cemented the airline an industry trendsetter.

The editorial team, one of the world’s most awarded and experienced, also praised Air New Zealand’s commitment to a young fleet and its continual focus on the environment. The airline also won Best Premium Economy Class.

AirlineRatings.com’s editorial team took special note of Air New Zealand’s comprehensive long haul offering which had two multi-award winning products in the Skycouch for economy and Spaceseat for premium economy passengers.

“Air New Zealand’s focus on its staff has resulted in exceptional performance across the airline in market position, customer service, financial performance, fiscal management and operational safety,” said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas.

“Put simply Air New Zealand is a textbook case of what an airline should be today. Air New Zealand has catapulted to the top tier of the industry and while it may be 50th in size in global rankings it is one of the most awarded.”

“Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice and given the airline’s location and the country’s size, its performance is extraordinary,” said Mr Thomas.

“The editors of AirlineRatings.com also noted that the airline’s focus on delivering value to passengers has resulted in higher yields and better returns for staff and shareholders. Air New Zealand is unquestionably AirlineRatings.com Airline of the Year for 2015,” said Mr Thomas.

Read more about Air New Zealand’s offerings here

Best First Class

This award was won by relative newcomer Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways which has shaken the industry with its new First Class offerings.

“Etihad’s commitment to excellence appears to know no bounds. The airline’s new First Class and Business Class offerings are breathtaking and have set a new benchmark in luxury travel,” said Mr Thomas.

“In just over eleven years Etihad Airways has stamped itself not only as a major force in the airline industry but a trendsetter – an incredible achievement.”

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Coolest First-Class Amenities In Flight

Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

From “holy water” skin fresheners to embroidered pjs, some airlines have perfected the art of coddling passengers.

Contributed by Katrina Brown Hunt,www.travelandleasure.com

Ana Silva O’Reilly gets almost misty-eyed when she thinks about a souvenir from her trip to New York several years ago: an Anya Hindmarch bag, featuring a black-and-white photo of London Bridge, which she received while flying first class on British Airways.

“There was something special about the bags,” says the U.K.-based luxury-travelblogger. “They were quite exclusive but, more than anything, very usable. To this day, you see quite a few on security queues—and people smile at each other.”

Even for travelers who embrace all manner of egalitarianism on the ground, it’s hard to argue with the VIP treatment you get while riding in business or first class on long-haul flights. Of course, there’s the legroom and the increasing number of flatbed seats. But for some passengers, the little creature comforts that many airlines offer—like a set of cozy loungewear, or a live orchid blooming over your seat—elevate the front-of-plane experience. “Although it’s not the main reason why I select which premium class I fly to a particular destination,” admits Brian Kelly, founder of frequent-flyer site ThePointsGuy, “a great amenity kit can definitely make a difference to the in-flight experience.”

The airlines are paying attention. According to the International Air Transport Association, “upper-class passengers” account for about a third of airline revenues, even though they occupy a small piece of the plane’s real estate.

When we looked around the world, we found several airlines (most, strikingly, based outside the U.S.) that butter up their first-class passengers with high-end goodie bags and instant-souvenir embroidered pajamas, along with fabulous front-of-the-cabin perks (hot shower before landing, anyone?) that can mitigate even the worst case of jet lag.

Almost maddeningly, too, those perks are not always easily re-created on the ground. Those BA amenity kits, for instance, have an “amazing lip balm that you can’t buy anywhere yet,” says O’Reilly. “I have asked the brand and was told that I would have to fly BA First again—and I could be tempted.”

Courtesy of Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand

Any airline that uses characters from The Hobbit for its safety video clearly doesn’t feel the need to embrace pretension. Perhaps that’s why the amenity kit in Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Class (the airline doesn’t even offer a first class) is a nice blend of luxe and quirky. You get Clarins skin-care products, a pair of hipsterish striped socks and eye masks with cheeky messages—such as “Beware I Sleep Walk”—written across the front.airnewzealand.com

Courtesy of British Airways

British Airways

The former home of the Concorde has inspired a loyal following for its high-tone, cool-Britannia amenity kits. The centerpiece these days is a Gladstone-style bag by Sloane Street retailer Anya Hindmarch—marked with BA’s traditional seal—filled with eye gel, lip balm and moisturizer by all-natural skin-care maker Ren, and accented with a toothbrush set by D. R. Harris (a company that dates back to Victorian times). britishairways.com

Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific

On this Hong Kong–based airline, men get a dash of Milan style with a bag by Ermenegildo Zegna filled with Acca Kappa toiletries, while ladies receive a clutch by Trussardi (once the bag maker to the British royal family) stocked with products from Australian brand Aesop. Everyone, meanwhile, can channel some classic Oriental style in the airline’s heather-shaded sleep suits, featuring a traditional mandarin collar, made by Hong Kong designer PYE. (Coordinate with matching sleep masks and slippers.) To boost the good feng shui, first-class cabins even feature wall-mounted vases with fresh orchids. cathaypacific.com

Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines

Thanks to the recently refreshed BusinessElite class, Delta is one of two U.S.-based airlines to make our list. Its anti-ballistic Tumi amenity bag features a Tumi eye mask as well as lotion and lip balm by sensitive-skin-friendly New York apothecary Malin+Goetz. The kit also comes with such essentials as socks, a comb, a dental kit and, for the traveling germaphobe, antibacterial wipes. delta.com

Courtesy of EL AL

El Al

Israel’s national airline goes Italiano for its gender-specific first-class bags by Salvatore Ferragamo. The luxury brand’s goodies are inside too: Ladies receive hand cream, body lotion, facial mist and face cream, while men get shaving gel, aftershave, lip balm and their own refreshing mist. First-class passengers also receive generous perks on the ground such as complimentary chauffeur service from your house to the airport and, once at your destination, from the airport to your hotel (within 62 miles). elal.co.il

Courtesy of Etihad

Etihad Airways

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates offers first-class amenity bags so personal that they almost seem like bride-and-groom gifts. Gentlemen are presented with a leather cuff-link box, while ladies get a Swarovski crystal–studded clutch—and both include lotions and toiletries from Swiss-made La Prairie. The flat beds are topped with glossy, dupioni-silk-and-cotton duvets, and you can slip into your cozies in the luxury changing room, which has a full-length mirror. There’s also no need to push the flight-attendant call button when you’re parched: First-class suites come with their own mini-bars. etihad.com

Coolest First-Class Amenities in Flight: Jetlue

JetBlue

JetBlue’s new Premium service, called Mint—on flights between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, starting June 2014—promises seriously Gotham City–style perks at the front of the plane. Passengers will get tapas and specialty cocktails created by NoHo bar and grill Saxon + Parole, as well as an amenity kit with a rotating selection of toiletries from Birchbox, a NYC-based company known for its luxe travel-size goodies, such as Cartier deodorant, eucalyptus towelettes and even Italian-made “strong mint” Marvis toothpaste (which also used to be a staple of the esteemed BA amenity kit). jetblue.com

SWISS

Swiss International Airlines

You’ll feel like a native in first class with your medley of Swiss-made products: eye cream, hand cream and lip balm by La Prairie; reusable earplugs by Phonak; and navy-blue, polo-collar cotton pajamas by legendary underwear-maker Zimmerli. A spokesperson for Swiss also says that flight attendants take notes on your druthers. If, say, you request a medium pj top combined with a small size of pants during your flight, they’ll keep that information on file for your next trip. In keeping with Switzerland’s model of diplomatic neutrality, first-class passengers also get an adjustable wall for privacy.swiss.com

Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines

The Asian airline dazzles its first-class passengers with top-drawer Parisian brand names. On flights to and from the U.S., the toiletry kit is stocked with lotion, facial cream and lip balm by Sothys. Come bedtime, you get turndown service at your flat bed with Givenchy-made linens, a duvet and even zippered Givenchy pajamas. To shut out any racket while you watch your movie, you can use anti-noise headsets by Phitek.

Looking for even more creature comforts? On the airline’s A380 flights, you can book a suite with a true flat bed—not just a seat that folds out. Couples can even opt for middle cabin suites with double beds (two twins pushed together). singaporeair.com

Courtesy of Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Like many airlines, Turkish offers slightly different amenity kits in business and first class. First-class passengers these days are given a Porsche Design hard case filled with Acca Kappa toiletries—fabulous, no doubt, but business class is no downgrade. The toiletries are by old-school Crabtree & Evelyn, while the 21st-century bag, not so coincidentally, perfectly fits your iPad. Turkish Airlines also distinguishes itself by offering a hajj amenity kit for pilgrims (riding in any class) en route to Mecca. The bag includes a prayer mat, prayer counter, hip bag, unscented liquid soap and fresh socks.turkishairlines.com

Courtesy of Qantas

Qantas

The Australian airline’s his-and-her kits offer skin care by über-luxe global brand SK-II; dedicated users have described the facial essence treatment ($100 for 2.5 oz.) as “holy water.” For a little down-under protection, Qantas bags also include Rexona deodorant (the Aussie cousin of Degree). Come bedtime, first-class passengers can put on cotton-jersey pjs in charcoal gray, featuring an embroidered kangaroo. qantas.com.au

Emirates

The Dubai-based airline was already worthy of the first-class big leagues thanks to its Bulgari amenity bags: Men score aftershave and cologne, and a razor from Taylor of Old Bond Street, based in London, while ladies get Bulgari face lotion, nourishing hand cream and Thé Rouge eau parfumée. But the airline put itself in a different stratosphere with one addition to its double-decker A380 (which flies to 21 cities, including Rome, Moscow, Hong Kong and Auckland, New Zealand). The plane has an onboard hot shower stocked with fluffy towels. The only hitch? You’re limited to a five-minute soak.emirates.com