Air New Zealand B777-300 Business Premier

Published: 19/12/2011   RSS

PLANE TYPE 777-300

SEAT CONFIGURATION 1-2-1

SEAT WIDTH 22 inches/55.9cm

SEAT RECLINE lie-flat

PRICE Internet fares for a round-trip Business Premier flight from Auckland to LAX in December started at $5,865.

CONTACT airnewzealand.com

VERDICT Air New Zealand has never let me down. They aim high and keep improving their service with innovative ideas. Their personnel have a welcoming way of making flying with them a treat. My short list of airlines that I consider above par consists of about five – and Air New Zealand is one of them.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS  Although I’ve traveled with Air New Zealand several times, this was my first flight with the airline’s new state-of-the-art in-flight experience. Having attended the official unveiling of their new cabin designs last year, I was intrigued to personally test the redesigned Business Premier space, while getting a look at the patented Skycouch in economy and the premium economy Spaceseat in action.

Upon arriving at the airport, I made straight for premium-class check-in where I received my boarding pass and invitation to the Koru Club Lounge. With three-and-a-half hours to spare before my flight, the spacious Koru Club was a welcome and well-stocked respite. There were beers, soft drinks, and New Zealand wines, along with an array of fresh food, plus complimentary WiFi, full business facilities and showers.

BOARDING After bidding farewell to the friendly lounge staff, I went to board the plane. When I got to seat 1A, I found a full-size pillow and blanket, a bowl of nuts, noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit all waiting for me. A flight attendant soon appeared with a tray of drinks. Newspapers and menus followed, after which my dinner order was taken shortly before takeoff.

Since all cabins can use the AV/OD entertainment system from boarding until landing, I began my movie right away. It was only briefly interrupted at takeoff by the safety video, which featured the rugby team the All Blacks. 

SEAT COMFORT  This was the all-new Boeing 777-300 with a 1-2-1 configuration in business class. The 22-inch-wide leather seat converts into a six-foot, seven-inch bed that’s topped with a thick mattress, a cushy duvet and two full-sized pillows. The entertainment system has movies, games and music, while a USB and iPod connection allows you to plug in your own device. The 12-inch touch-screen monitor also allows you to order drinks, food, and snacks directly from the onboard menu, no matter which cabin you’re in.

FLIGHT Once we were in the air I ordered a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut. I had planned to ask for it served in a wine glass since their Champagne glasses – although nice-looking and just what I’d like for at home – are small. But before I could even ask, the flight attendant quipped, “So would you like a real glass or this two-sip glass?” From there on, we continued to joke, and his casual yet professional manner helped make me feel at home throughout the trip.

The meal service began with a seafood tasting of smoked salmon coriander, seasoned prawn and sesame miso tuna with karengo potato salad. From the hot bread basket, I selected garlic bread to complement the seared beef fillet steak. It was served with béarnaise butter and black olive Cabernet jus, golden kumara and thyme gratin, green beans and a glass of Spy Valley Merlot/Malbec 2008. The dessert of chocolate truffle cake with mandarin compote was simply irresistible.

After such a satisfying meal, it was nap time. But as I stood to make my bed a flight attendant materialized and insisted on doing it for me. As I climbed back in, I noticed that the set-up was so roomy I could even lay comfortably on my stomach to watch TV. My ‘nap’ lasted about six hours, whereupon I woke and selected another movie, accompanied by a snack and glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. After another snooze, I awoke to the aroma of breakfast being served. But having not recovered from the preceding feasts, I skipped breakfast and settled for a glass of juice instead. 

ARRIVAL When the pilot announced that we would be arriving early at LAX, I asked the onboard concierge to give me some ideas for things to do, since I had a long layover. He came up with some great beach suggestions. So once I got back on the ground, I collected my bags, which were already waiting on the carousel after I’d cleared customs, checked in for my New York flight and headed to the beach for some people watching.  

 By Adam Rodriguez