“Air NZ is being honored for the seventh time since 2013 for its multi-award-winning in-flight innovations such as the SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff.
The Kiwi nudged out previous winners Qatar Airways (2021, 2022), Etihad Airways, Korean Airlines and Singapore Airlines for the top spot.
The AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, judged by five editors with over 180 years industry experience, combines major safety and government audits, with 12 key criteria that include: fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations.”
Air New Zealand will be asking more than 10,000 customers travelling on its international network to take part in a passenger weight survey this June.
The survey is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and is a Civil Aviation Authority requirement.
Air New Zealand Load Control Improvement Specialist Alastair James explains that before each take-off the pilot needs to know the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft.
“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold. For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”
Customers on Air New Zealand’s domestic network were weighed in 2021. Now that international travel is back up and running, it’s time for international flyers to weigh in.
For customers who are hesitant about jumping on those scales there is nothing to fear.
“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting. We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight – not even us! It’s completely anonymous,” says Mr James
“It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time.”
The survey will take place at the entrance to the gate lounge of certain Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport between May 29 and July 2.
Air New Zealand has today revealed more details around its Skynest – the world’s first sleep pods in the sky.
Skynest confirmed on New York and Chicago routes from 2024
Will be designed and installed in Aotearoa New Zealand
More details about what Skynest includes
The announcement was made at TRENZ – New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event – where a real-life Skynest experience was available for the first time.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says Skynest is going to be a real game changer, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience.
“Our 83-year history is marked by a commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. SkyNest is the latest example, and we’re proud to be leading the way with this world-first cabin feature.
“SkyNest has captured the imagination of a global audience and its uniqueness has already been acknowledged by multiple awards – the latest being a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Awards. We’re delighted that customers are as excited about this new innovation as we are. Our extensive research and design process, which spanned five years and 170,000 hours, has resulted in a product that we’re confident will revolutionise the in-flight experience for Economy passengers.”
Skynest to feature on ultra-longhaul flights
“We’re delighted to announce that our innovative Economy Skynest will be launching on ultra-long haul flights, starting with the popular Auckland – New York and Auckland – Chicago routes.
“North America is the perfect market for Skynest, as it has a premium segment that values comfort and sleep during long-haul travel.
“With our ultra-long haul routes to destinations such as New York and Chicago, Skynest provides a unique and innovative way for our passengers to rest and recharge, making their journey with us even more enjoyable. By launching Skynest on these routes, we are bringing to life our commitment to providing choice, alongside the best possible experience for our passengers, and to continue to innovate and lead the way in the aviation industry.
Skynest to be designed and installed in New Zealand
“As a proudly New Zealand company, we’re delighted to announce that Skynest will be designed and installed right here in Aotearoa.
“While our overall 787 refit will occur offshore in the best Boeing facilities, our best engineers and designers will develop SkyNest in New Zealand, using the latest in cutting-edge technology and design.
More details about Skynest
The Skynest will be a six-pod configured sleep zone that offers sessions for economy passengers to lie down when travelling long haul. It will be available from September 2024.
Each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet, ventilation outlet, and lighting designed for rest.
Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger, pending availability. Skynest provides economy passengers another opportunity to lie flat and rest during longer flights.
The Skynest will be located between Premium Economy and Economy, and each pod will come with a separate seatbelt to ensure passengers can fasten them and stay in the pod should the seat belt sign come on during turbulence. The bedding will be changed between each session, and a 30-minute transition time will be allowed for this. The lights will gently come on at the end of each session, and crew will politely wake any passengers who sleep through this.
“We’re still working through the exact details of how the booking process will work, and we have yet to determine the price. At this stage are looking at around $400 to $600 for the 4-hour period.”
ANZ has also introduced a retro livery on one of its Airbus A320s:
As cyclone Gabrielle moves closer to Auckland, flight cancellations have started to ramp up to and from Auckland Airport. Anyone with travel over the next two days is encouraged to watch carefully for updates from their airline or travel agent.
Air New Zealand has announced multiple long-haul international departures and arrivals into Auckland Airport on Monday have been cancelled, including Tasman and Pacific Island flights. All domestic jet services to and from main centres into Auckland Airport have also been cancelled, with the flight cancellations for turboprop aircraft extended from today through to midday Tuesday.
Clyclone Gabrielle
Customers who are travelling today, tomorrow and Tuesday should be prepared for short notice disruptions to travel plans. Our advice is to please monitor your email for any messages from airlines and travel agents about delayed or disrupted flights, along with your airline app for flight updates. Airlines will always hold the most up-to-date information on how weather is affecting flight schedules.
We also recommend travellers check on their flight status before coming to Auckland Airport. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, it’s always best to get in touch with airlines directly through online channels rather than visiting the airport to rebook travel. Airline representation outside check in time can be limited with airline employees unable to make changes to travel bookings.
This TC Potential Bulletin describes any current cyclone activity, along with details of possible cyclone development over the next five days in the Coral Sea and South Pacific area between Australia and 120W. It is normally issued during the TC season from 1 Nov to 30 Apr, but also outside this period if required for a potential or active cyclone.
Current status of cyclone activity
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was reclassified as a deep subtropical low at 7am Sunday morning and will now be referred to as Cyclone Gabrielle. The system was located about 170 km to the east-southeast of Norfolk Island, or 610 km to the northwest of Cape Reinga this morning, while moving southeast at 25 km/h.
Forecast to 12:00 13 Feb 2023 UTC (1am Tue, 14 Feb NZT)
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was reclassified as a subtropical low at 7am Sunday morning and will now be referred to as Cyclone Gabrielle. The system remains as a deep low, with storm force winds close to the centre and gale force winds extending to about 400 miles. On Monday, Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to intensify as the low centre curves southwards, towards the Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.
Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to bring significant heavy rain, large waves and potentially damaging winds to North Island, upper South Island and the Chatham Island. All MetService warning information can be found at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
No other tropical cyclones are expected in the South Pacific or Coral Sea.
Outlook to 12:00 16 Feb 2023 UTC (1am Fri, 17 Feb NZT)
Cyclone Gabrielle is expected remain close to Coromandel Peninsula early Tuesday, then track east-southeast and pass just to the north of East Cape late Tuesday and towards the north of the Chatham Island late Wednesday.
Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to bring significant heavy rain, large waves and potentially damaging winds to North Island, upper South Island and the Chatham Island. All MetService warning information can be found at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
No other tropical cyclones are expected in the South Pacific or Coral Sea.
Advice for travellers:
Check airline websites and travel apps or your email for travel updates from your airlines or travel agent before leaving for the airport, and monitor Auckland Airport website and social media channels for updates about airport operations
Stay up to date with the latest information on your route to the airport on the Waka Kotahi website or AT for updates to the public transport network
We recommend you pack any essential medication and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage just in case your travel is disrupted
Shopping and dining in terminals will operate as normal
Auckland Airport car parks and pick-up / drop-off areas remain operational. Make sure you park safely within dedicated spaces and ensure your vehicle is locked, windows closed and lights off. Use the free bus service from Car Parks D & E for easy transfer to the international terminal. More information on parking at the airport here
For international travellers with accessibility requirements, please use the mobility valet, the dedicated spaces public pick up/drop off, the designated spaces in the short-term car park alongside the Novotel, or the bus operating from Car Parks D & E that kneels on request.
If you are a foreign visitor to New Zealand and need any specific support, please contact your country’s embassy, contact details for embassies are via this link https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/embassies/
Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N WL ZK-NHE (msn 10569) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956304.
Air New Zealand is working closely with relevant authorities to understand the severity of the cyclone and will be working through any required amendments to its schedule over the next 48 hours.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the airline will do everything in its power to limit the impact of the cyclone on travel plans however customers should be prepared as there may be some delays or cancellations.
“Teams around the business have kicked into gear to start planning for any disruptions to our network due to Cyclone Gabrielle. We will do everything we can to limit the impact on our schedule, however, with severe winds forecast for the North Island, it’s likely we’ll need to make some changes.”
“We encourage those with non-urgent travel, travelling to, from or through Auckland, Whangarei, Kerikeri, Tauranga, Hamilton and New Plymouth between Sunday 12 February and Friday 17 February to consider use of our flexibility policy. Customers can either hold their fare in credit for 12 months or rebook in the same class of travel between Sunday 12 February 2023 and Wednesday 22 February 2023 without fare difference, penalty or service fees.”
Customers who may be impacted by changes to the airline’s schedule will be emailed directly. The airline advises customers to keep an eye on their Air NZ app and the travel alerts page of the Air New Zealand website for up-to-date information.
Air New Zealand’s contact centre is currently receiving thousands of calls. The airline advises customers to only call if your enquiry is urgent but to rest assured it’s working through the potential impact of this weather event as a priority.
Air New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation and advise any changes to the flexibility policy guidelines. Should there be an improvement in the weather the flexibility guidelines will cease and will revert to standard fares conditions.
Given that the airline is focused on managing these impacts for our customers, it will not be able to provide specific flight details or impacted customer numbers at this time.
Top Copyright Photo: Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N WL ZK-NHE (msn 10569) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956304.
Air New Zealand has signed an agreement with Embraer to join its Energia Advisory Group – a group of airlines, lessors, manufacturers and other aviation experts advising Embraer’s Energia project developing sustainable aircraft for the future.
Embraer also becomes a long term partner in Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative, working alongside Air New Zealand to accelerate the development and introduction of zero emissions aircraft technology for regional fleet in New Zealand.
The companies will work together on the design requirements for next-generation sustainable aircraft. Air New Zealand is a unique airline with complex mission and fleet requirements with significant domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand.
Auckland Airport in New Zealand issued this statement:
Auckland airport terminals and roading are currently impacted due to wide spread flooding. We are requesting people to not travel to the international terminal at this time.
We are dealing with the evacuation in 2 seperate areas in our International Terminal.
Google Maps
Check in, International departures and Baggage Hall, International Arrivals have both been evacuated.
Due to the damage, no domestic or international flights will be arriving or departing from Auckland Airport before noon Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Roads at Auckland Airport continue to be impacted by widespread flooding, along with the check in and arrivals areas of the international terminal.
Auckland Airport has reduced runway operations after an arriving aircraft damaged runway lighting. This is largely impacting international arrivals and departures and larger aircraft travelling domestically. Our maintenance team is on site and is working hard to fix the damage.
Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300 (ZK-OZN, built 2011) on flight #NZ124 from Melbourne apparently drifted off to the side of runway 05 on landing at Auckland Intl AP (NZAA), NZ. It destroyed a number of runway edge lights on its way resulting in the closure of all flights for hours. pic.twitter.com/hrjh5pJqKQ
