Air New Zealand highlights extensive South Pacific network
Air New Zealand says it offers a great transportation mode for those wanting to visit the country it’s based in and a great transportation mode as well for those who are eager to visit the many South Pacific destinations outside of New Zealand that it serves.
Katie Olsson of Air New Zealand’s North American team shared that Vancouver is among the six North American cities her carrier serves, and those who travel with the airline on a trip that will have them connect in Auckland for a South Pacific destination outside New Zealand will bypass New Zealand customs, creating what she called a “very simple, easy connection.”
The airline serves nine Australian cities and also flies to a number of South Pacific islands, including Tahiti, Rarotonga and Fiji.
Air New Zealand uses B777s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners on its trans-Pacific routes, with the B787s being retrofitted, work that the airline says includes ” replacing all the cabins with brand new state-of-the-art interiors.”
During the Wheelhouse Travel Alliance webinar Olsson noted that Air New Zealand has several options for those travelling from Vancouver to Auckland, among them Premium Economy, which she said will be appreciated for several factors, “with many additional benefits to standard economy, including additional baggage, premium boarding, a larger seat and a multi-course meal service.”
“It’s not like we lean to Economy for (cuisine) inspiration,” she said. “It’s like we lean toward the Business Class for that inspiration. It’s not just a little bit of extra seat and nothing more. With Air New Zealand it really is different flying… Premium Economy.”
Next year will see the carrier introduce Economy Skynest on “ultra-long-haul” B787 flights, with Olsson saying it will offer an experience that suggests “cool bunk beds,” with passengers able to book them for 4-hour periods, a time frame that matches a sleep cycle. Those who choose them will find a sleeping space that’s 80-inches long and offers a pillow, sheets, blanket and ear plugs.
A current Air New Zealand offering is Economy Skycouch, which has a row of three seats “that converts into a couch… You get so much more room for not much more money,” Olsson stated.
Skycouch is available as an upgrade option and is “priced accordingly to demand,” the airline states.
Olsson suggested that those who are seeking a particularly comfortable cross-Pacific journey consider Business Premium Luxe, which features the front row of the Business Class cabin.
“We have delivered what is our version of a suite,” she said, adding that those who choose that option will have larger seats, space for 2 people to adequately dine together and a fully closing door. Also found are lie-flat beds.
“As you would expect, a spacious lay flat bed,” Olsson adds. “If you have very high-end clients wanting… that little extra bit of privacy, please book them in Premium Business Luxe, because it’s an experience they will thank you for.”
Business Premium Luxe is found on Air New Zealand 787s that have been retrofitted, with all of the airline’s 14 Dreamliners eventually to go that route. Meanwhile, Olsson said all Air New Zealand passengers crossing the Pacific will have free Wifi to roam as they fly 40,000 in the air.
“Flying over the middle of the South Pacific you’ve still got WiFi,” she said. “You can still message someone on the ground. I find that incredible.”
