Air New Zealand Business Premier: unorthodox but has all the perks
Passengers can’t gaze out the window during this trans-Tasman service but they can make eye contact with fellow flyer, as Air New Zealand aims for a social experience. Good or bad?
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier cabin on this route has an unusual seat layout sure to give trans-Tasman crossings a new angle. With a menu promoting native ingredients and a focus on thoughtful details, the airline is aiming for a more social experience.
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The seat
The Business Premier cabin on the 777-300ER is split in two by the galley, with 28 seats up front and 16 behind. Arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and angled to face the aisle, it’s a more social setting than most premium cabins (I can make eye contact with at least six other passengers) and not ideal if you enjoy gazing out of windows. But you can’t fault the comfort. The putty leather seats are 56cm wide and convert at the push of a button into generous, 2m-long beds with memory-foam mattress, full-size pillow and blanket or duvet. The touch panel also adjusts lumbar support. Air New Zealand, unlike most airlines, lets business class passengers take off and land while comfortably reclined (though not horizontal). It’s a guilty pleasure.
Tech talk
There’s uninterrupted Wi-Fi throughout the trans-Tasman crossing, accessed via the airline’s website. Seats have USB charger, universal power point and an 11-inch (28cm) adjustable screen. Noise-cancelling headsets ensure clear sound for the in-flight entertainment. Screens can be set to “do not disturb” mode, so the crew won’t mess with you, not even for meals.
On the menu
Air New Zealand’s in-flight dining promises to “serve Aotearoa on a plate”. In practice this means select native ingredients such as smoked Ahia moki rillettes, a traditional preparation of the North Island’s Ngati Porou people, Marlborough salmon and Horopito beef. Our Parakuihi (breakfast) menu is less exotic, starting with a thick berry smoothie or mixed juice and a selection of warm bakery items.
After takeoff the cabin fills with the intoxicating aroma of fruit toast, so all the more disappointing when the crew run out of it before serving me. A warm, flaky croissant is some consolation. Perhaps it’s my fault for not specifying I would like to eat everything, but I’m not offered any fresh fruit or cereals. My cooked dish is a scorching hot potato galette with scrambled eggs, creamed spinach and bacon. It is delicious. The creamy galette reeks of Gruyere cheese, the potato sheets are perfectly al dente. I wish it was four times the size. The only alcohol served at breakfast (and takeoff) is Laurent Perrier NV Champagne. At more convivial hours the drinks menu showcases premium NZ wines and beers and mostly international spirits and liqueurs.
Entertainment
In-flight entertainment offers a solid selection of films including Oscar contenders such as Elvis, The Woman King and Moonage Daydream alongside evergreen crowd-pleasers (Love Actually, Bridesmaids). There are popular TV series (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls) and dozens of music albums from Adele and Billie to Taylor and Kendrick.
Service
Breakfast oversights aside, in-flight service is polished and attentive. Passengers are greeted by name on boarding then plied with Champagne, juice and water. Food is delivered promptly after takeoff, and lollies are handed out on descent to ease the ear-popping. A sweet tradition.
The new normal
There are no more Covid restrictions on board, nor any mention of masks, but a handful of passengers and one crew member still wear them in flight.
The verdict
Despite its unorthodox layout the business premier cabin has all the perks you’d expect of pointy-end flying, including superior food and drinks. The unsung bonus of flying business is at Auckland airport, where premium passengers bypass the seething hordes at economy check-in and enter a calm space of disco-lit check-in kiosks bordered in glowing fuchsia LEDs. With multiple staff at your service, check in and bag drop is seamless. Dedicated lifts then whisk passengers directly to immigration and security.
The Air New Zealand lounge is spacious and busy but proceedings remain orderly at the breakfast buffet (hot bains marie, cereals, fruits, live cooking stations, dairy and pastry cabinets) and the barista coffee bar.
On the privacy front, Air New Zealand is launching new Dreamliner business cabins in the next year or so with sliding doors for each seat. For those who prefer some Me time at 10,000m.
Kendall Hill was a guest of Air New Zealand.