Air New Zealand Air Points - Real decline in "Business Premiere" Catering on 773 since introduced

On another thread there has been discussion about the current menu and a decline for the original 77W catering for business.

Here's a scan of the Menu from January last year:
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/o1.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/o1?full=1)
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/o2.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/o2?full=1)
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/o3.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/o3?full=1)
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/o4.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/o4?full=1)
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/o5.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/o5?full=1)
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/o6.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/o6?full=1)

http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/n1.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/n1?full=1)
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/n2.sized.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/n2?full=1)

Yes! You are absolutely right!
I had wondered whether it was just my imagination that there seemed to be less on offer, but this proves it.

I will be interested to see what the menus will look like after oneup-manship has bedded in.;)

Sadly, that is cost cutting and not limited to ANZ.

I am surprised this has only just been mentioned.

These broad menu changes went into effect back in April 2011, when the service was simplified. Based on the comments on FT and from crew, appears to have been driven by an inability to deliver an elaborate offering in a reasonable amount of time. With the removal of induction ovens, the cook to order and sides to mains concept went away.

The first offering was arguably the most elaborate Business Class food offering on the market, in some respects comparable to a First Class offering.

The current offering seems reasonable to me for a supper and breakfast offering. Whilst some elements have been removed, some items have been consolidated into single lines (presumably to save cost on menu size) - e.g. cheeses are described over three lines rather than eight and the majority of items are the same. Instead of spelling out all the individual snack items (e.g. chocolates, fruit, etc), there is a quick line about self service snacks.

Note there is also bit of repetition in the menu (e.g. all the "To Begin" items are repeated as "Light Meals" section).

The offering seems competitive with what other carriers are offering on the Pacific. I spot 2 starter options (soup or salad - I've never had crew deny offering a fast dine starter as a starter for the regular menu), 3 breads, 4 mains, 4 dessert (cake, cheese, fruit, ice cream), 4 cereals, 2 yoghurts, 2 breakfast fruit products, 3 types of breads plus croissants, plus 4 hot breakfast items.

I will be interested to see what the menus will look like after oneup-manship has bedded in.;)

Onboard bidding your main?

im surprised no one has issues with the coffee, NZ has never invest espresso machines onbaord, not to mention kiwi loves their flat white.

everyone is happy with their plunger coffee?

im surprised no one has issues with the coffee, NZ has never invest espresso machines onbaord, not to mention kiwi loves their flat white.

everyone is happy with their plunger coffee?

Or they just go with another wine, instead of the awful coffee. After all they can't get the real coffee in the lounges right, I had to think what there version of a onboard flat white would be like!

Or they just go with another wine, instead of the awful coffee. After all they can't get the real coffee in the lounges right, I had to think what there version of a onboard flat white would be like!This conveniently overlooks the drastic and significantly noticeable cuts to the quality of wine served in NZ Business Class. Although I guess after enough bottles, it ceases to become noticeable.

...

The first offering was arguably the most elaborate Business Class food offering on the market, in some respects comparable to a First Class offering.
...Except that is is not marketed as "Business Class", it is marketed as "Business Premiere" - a hybrid placed somewhere between generic first and business classes - as such it should be more elaborate....\Instead of spelling out all the individual snack items (e.g. chocolates, fruit, etc), there is a quick line about self service snacks. ...You forget that hot foods such as pizza and toasted sandwiches used to be available mid flight. These are no more; the snacks now consist of fruit, biscuits, small chocolate and snack bars. (Very similar to that available for Qantas economy class passengers on the 388.)
...
The offering seems competitive with what other carriers are offering on the Pacific. ...I don't think so. I can point out two major differences these days - PJs & hot mid flight snacks - offerings that are available from both Qantas and V-Australia in Business class.

Or they just go with another wine, instead of the awful coffee. After all they can't get the real coffee in the lounges right, I had to think what there version of a onboard flat white would be like!

Champagne breakfast anyone? :D

Champagne breakfast anyone? :D

I do admit that I have had a glass of wine with breakfast on the plane before, great way to kick off an weekend escape:D

Except that is is not marketed as "Business Class", it is marketed as "Business Premiere" - a hybrid placed somewhere between generic first and business classes - as such it should be more elaborate.

Business Premier (N.B. not "Premiere") is ultimately sold at Business Class fare levels and it has elements that are typically First Class product features, such as a turndown service with a substantial mattress, and plating of meals onboard.

You forget that hot foods such as pizza and toasted sandwiches used to be available mid flight. These are no more; the snacks now consist of fruit, biscuits, small chocolate and snack bars. (Very similar to that available for Qantas economy class passengers on the 388.)

There's no forgetting here :)

Whilst some elements have been removed, some items have been consolidated into single lines (presumably to save cost on menu size)

Prior to the NZ 77W's introduction, there was no pizza nor toasted sandwiches in BP. The assortment of cookies, chocolate, chips, fruit was standard in BP prior to the 77W.

I would also suspect hot snacks are not high value offerings on a westbound late night sector from LAX, given the majority of the cabin aims to go to sleep. This is not to say that noone values them. On a day time sector when people are awake, there is arguably greater value of hot snacks.

As mentioned in my post, these features were dropped back in April last year. They are not new developments. Anecdotally take-up was not particularly high on westbound sectors.

I don't think so. I can point out two major differences these days - PJs & hot mid flight snacks - offerings that are available from both Qantas and V-Australia in Business class.

Conversely, NZ offers a genuinely fully flat bed without surface interruptions under the torso, a memory foam mattress, two large pillows, La Prarie cosmetics which are typically only found in First Class amenity kits, plus an in-flight concierge service. Some might find value in the latter, some may not, but it's still an added benefit.

Given the primary benefit of Business Class on a long intercontinental sector is the additional space and ability to rest, NZ would argue that its bedding product is superior to that of QF and VA on a dimension that is of primary importance.

I would also say that the BP catering offering is still decent by global standards. Beyond the availability of hot snacks, what is superior in the QF/VA/UA offering in terms of the main meal service?

The first offering was arguably the most elaborate Business Class food offering on the market, in some respects comparable to a First Class offering


And I would wager logistically presented complexities with respect to service delivery for an airline that has a very high quality of service with comparatively a very basic crew complement.

I have flow BP on two occasions, and impressed by the standard and quality of service. Air NZ is very much an airline that caters to sleep and comfort, and would venture that the streamlined menu is missed by a handful of customers. Airlines continuously perform consumption studies and monitor inbound food trolleys in an effort to keep costs in line, and to eliminate obvious waste. With the exception of missing the odd hot snack item, how many customers were actually waking up in search of a smoked pork salad or tortilla soup in the middle of the night?? I would wager that on these long distance night flights, NZ was incinerating vast quantities of perishable food items.

NZ crews are reputable for being very accommodating, and am certain that they would provide any "leftovers" or unconsumed food items from the main meal service.

The menu has been streamlined, but I would suggest that NZ has maintained the high level of quality that they are renowned for.

.... La Prarie cosmetics which are typically only found in First Class amenity kits....

Except, I noticed these had been `enhanced` away last week when coming back from PVG, with a Clarins product. Also generic eyecovers and socks.

Conversely, NZ offers a genuinely fully flat bed without surface interruptions under the torso, a memory foam mattress, two large pillows, La Prarie cosmetics which are typically only found in First Class amenity kits, plus an in-flight concierge service. Some might find value in the latter, some may not, but it's still an added benefit.

Yes, but they've got rid of the nice duvet from business on the 300 and replaced it with a poxy blanket. At least they still have the duvet on the 200.

Yes, but they've got rid of the nice duvet from business on the 300 and replaced it with a poxy blanket. At least they still have the duvet on the 200.

How bizarre. Why would bedding/blankets be aircraft specific??

... Beyond the availability of hot snacks, what is superior in the QF/VA/UA offering in terms of the main meal service? But that's the point - you can't discount catering aspects.

I do like the ability to have a hot snack mid flight.

None of the other is really relevant this thread's topic and that there has indeed been 'Real decline in "Business Premiere" Catering on 773 ...'.

Whether NZ were too ambitious I can't say.

OT: Yes, one can get a very good sleep on the new business product, but so can one on the lay flat products of QF, VA etc al.

This conveniently overlooks the drastic and significantly noticeable cuts to the quality of wine served in NZ Business Class. Although I guess after enough bottles, it ceases to become noticeable.

I couldn't agree more. I did MEL - AKL yesterday, and there was only a very ordinary merlot and pinot noir on offer, although I guess it was the short hop across the Tasman.

I don't think so. I can point out two major differences these days - PJs & hot mid flight snacks - offerings that are available from both Qantas and V-Australia in Business class.
The hot mid-flight snacks are available on United as well (but not pajamas). The UA beds aren't bad for sleeping in either - a little narrow, but if you get a rearwards facing seat I find them pretty pleasant.

I would also say that the BP catering offering is still decent by global standards. Beyond the availability of hot snacks, what is superior in the QF/VA/UA offering in terms of the main meal service?
Valid - I was thinking about this last week when I flew SFO-SYD-SFO-IAD-DXB on UA in business, vs. NZ LAX-AKL-LAX in BP three weeks prior.

UA asking for first and second choices of main meals, out of a selection of three (sometimes four) is pretty poor IMO - I always get my first choice (1K) but I'm sure it must disappoint some people.

I probably feel that the appetizers and main meals are equivalent on UA and NZ - slightly larger on UA but slightly better on NZ, however the dessert and cheese on NZ is much better. And the wine (even if downgraded) on NZ is definitely better.

Service - no contest, NZ wins... even though I had a pretty good set of crews on SFO-SYD-SFO.

Business Premier (N.B. not "Premiere") is ultimately sold at Business Class fare levels and it has elements that are typically First Class product features, such as a turndown service with a substantial mattress, and plating of meals onboard.A better argument may be that they are sold as Business Class fares (C D Z J). I am going to disagree with you there on 'fare levels'. Ex-AKL fares on NZ for Business Premier service to London are higher than First Class fares on a number of airlines.

I have flow BP on two occasions, and impressed by the standard and quality of service. Air NZ is very much an airline that caters to sleep and comfort, and would venture that the streamlined menu is missed by a handful of customers.

There certainly were many complaints here about the length of the service when the 77W was introduced, even if the meal service and offering was of a very high standard.

I would suspect the majority of passengers on a late night service ex LA (especially on the later service NZ1 from LHR) would rather trade off sleep for a more elaborate meal service. The long service still disrupts the cabin for those who are not taking part in it.

It's worth noting it is not a basic meal service ex LA.

Airlines continuously perform consumption studies and monitor inbound food trolleys in an effort to keep costs in line, and to eliminate obvious waste. With the exception of missing the odd hot snack item, how many customers were actually waking up in search of a smoked pork salad or tortilla soup in the middle of the night?? I would wager that on these long distance night flights, NZ was incinerating vast quantities of perishable food items.

I suspect this is what occurred.

Except, I noticed these had been `enhanced` away last week when coming back from PVG, with a Clarins product. Also generic eyecovers and socks.

Is it possible that they handed you the Premium Economy product, which has Clarins?

Although the Business Premier amenity kit format has changed from the box to the pouch, the contents (at least on the NZ website) are La Prarie.

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/assets/Images-AirNewZealand/business-premier-amenities-kit-250x167.jpg?r=14592

Yes, but they've got rid of the nice duvet from business on the 300 and replaced it with a poxy blanket. At least they still have the duvet on the 200.

Could it be a catering loading issue from a specific port - it would seem strange after spending all the money on duvets to throw them away (given they would hardly be that old and I wouldn't think duvet dry cleaning be significantly more than for blankets?)

But that's the point - you can't discount catering aspects.

I believe catering is important overall, but I think the main meal services are more important and still a decent offering on NZ. If the catering had truly gone backwards and mains had become Economy style mains on a plate, then it would be greater cause for concern, IMHO.

I do like the ability to have a hot snack mid flight.

Understandable, but I suspect it is less important for the majority of customers who sleep on these flights. In an ideal world, I agree it would be preferable to have all those options, but I suspect that the business has had to trade that off.

None of the other is really relevant this thread's topic and that there has indeed been 'Real decline in "Business Premiere" Catering on 773 ...'.

My view is that the core still remains decent and competitive. Some of the smaller frills have gone, but other than the hot snack issue, the catering is competitive with the offering of other airlines. In some respects, NZ offers greater choice with some of its meal offerings than its competitors.

OT: Yes, one can get a very good sleep on the new business product, but so can one on the lay flat products of QF, VA etc al.

I would say NZ has an advantage over those products in sleeping quality, IIRC you have praised it over QF in previous posts.

A better argument may be that they are sold as Business Class fares (C D Z J). I am going to disagree with you there on 'fare levels'. Ex-AKL fares on NZ for Business Premier service to London are higher than First Class fares on a number of airlines.

This criticism could be labelled at quite a few airlines in their home markets - in reverse, it could be argued that some carriers, especially second tier ones, price their First Class at Business Class levels.

Looking at AKL-LHR return in a month's time mid week, 6 June, returning 13 June on expedia.co.nz, First Class is $14.7k on SQ (1 stop), $14k on QF/BA, $15.4k on EK.

Business Class is $11.9k on NZ, $11.2k on QF, $10.3k on SQ and about $7k on MH or TG.

The menu's don't lie - they are both 'supper service' LAX-AKL.

Off Topic (to menu decline):

When I travelled last week I received an amenities pack made of a white thickish/fluffy paper material stitched with black thread.

It is still sealed, so I don't know what is inside it.

http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/albums/First-Tasting-Qantas/NZAmenity.thumb.jpg (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/First-Tasting-Qantas/NZAmenity)

OT: Yes, one can get a very good sleep on the new business product, but so can one on the lay flat products of QF, VA etc al. I would say NZ has an advantage over those products in sleeping quality, IIRC you have praised it over QF in previous posts.I prefaced that with OT as it has little to do with catering decline ...

Would be interesting to hear the perspective from a crew member without divulging any trade secrets. I suspect that overage/waste was an issue, but one has to take into account crew delivery logistics. Customizing food options for 8-14 guests in a First Class environment versus 44 in B.P, a very different story. Last I flew NZ (YVR-AKL), I was amazed by the bare bones crew given the level of service. At one point the same crew was deployed to look after BP & PE. Curious to know if they had augmented the crew on board to match the increased service levels.

Personally I found all TPAC flights with NZ enjoyable and memorable.

Flew on the inaugural YVR-AKL service - the current menu rotation still appears more elaborate.

Dinner
Starter
Spicy Prawn Salad

Main Course
Beef fillet steak
Apple Syrup lacquered salmon
Roasted Chicken leg
Light choice of warm yellow courgettes

Dessert
Chocolate delice pudding
Mango and ginger ice cream OR
Cheese and Fruit

Self Service Snacks (crisps, chocolates, cookies)
Red peppered chicken, hummus and provolone cheese focaccia sandwich (on request)

Breakfast
Wake up Drinks

Light Breakfast
Muesli, Yoghurt and Fresh Fruit

Fast Dine Breakfast
Ham, cheese and basil and Croissant & Beverage

Full Breakfast
Cereals (Special K Red Berries, Harvest Crunch, Weetbix, Cornflakes)
Fresh Fruit Salad
Fruit or Plan Yogurt
Bakery - Croissants, whole wheat, white or fruit toast
Scrambled eggs
Sun dried cranberry and raisin French toast
or
Cold Plate (Ham, salami, smoked turkey and cheese, dijon mustard, crusty breakfast rolls)

OT: Yes, one can get a very good sleep on the new business product, but so can one on the lay flat products of QF, VA etc al.

Rubbish. I would rather sleep on the road than qantas business class beds

How many people here are actually frequent flyers? And I mean by frequent flyer a minimum of 50 LONG HAUL flights a year, not half a dozen flights to Melbourne. Because, based on some of the replies, I can only assume that not many of you actually fly a lot and know what good service and a comfortable flight experience is.

I'm no AirNZ fanbois, but what some of you use as a comparison really shows that you have no appreciation of a CONSISTENTLY good airline.

Try Emirates out of Dubai to some of the north African countries and report back to me on your wonderful Emirates experience....

I'm with mattyroo - I don't make your 50 trips q, but I do make close to 50 long haul sectors a year and I preferentially will take NZ over other carriers - for consistent quality over patchy service with some. SQ is the only other consistently good airline I have flown but it's flights usually dont suit.

To be honest I don't understand the BP bashing. Don't like it fly with the competition.

Rubbish. I would rather sleep on the road than qantas business class bedsI don't see anything in this thread's title in regard to 'sleeping' or 'beds' - there are the words 'decline' and 'catering' though.

...

To be honest I don't understand the BP bashing. Don't like it fly with the competition.Why this defensiveness - I am not bashing BP.

It's merely pointing out that NZ introduced a really good BP product along with the 773 and a lot was to do with the catering.

As you can see from the menus I copied into the first two posts of this thread - this has been attenuated.

Is it possible that they handed you the Premium Economy product, which has Clarins?
Although the Business Premier amenity kit format has changed from the box to the pouch, the contents (at least on the NZ website) are La Prarie.
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/assets/Images-AirNewZealand/business-premier-amenities-kit-250x167.jpg?r=14592
Could it be a catering loading issue from a specific port - it would seem strange after spending all the money on duvets to throw them away (given they would hardly be that old and I wouldn't think duvet dry cleaning be significantly more than for blankets?)

Okay. Took 77W to AKL-LAX last night. La Prarie was back in the kits. Possible they had cheaper kits on the PVG flights?
Did not like the thin blanket instead of the duvet. Very noticable difference compared to having the duvet in BP less than a week before.

How many people here are actually frequent flyers? And I mean by frequent flyer a minimum of 50 LONG HAUL flights a year, not half a dozen flights to Melbourne. Because, based on some of the replies, I can only assume that not many of you actually fly a lot and know what good service and a comfortable flight experience is.

I'm no AirNZ fanbois, but what some of you use as a comparison really shows that you have no appreciation of a CONSISTENTLY good airline.

Try Emirates out of Dubai to some of the north African countries and report back to me on your wonderful Emirates experience....

minimum 50 long haul J flights with air nz? not a single bad flight? that really amazed me.

i think sometimes when we travel on a "different" airline(s) (other than air nz) we set a different expectation, whether is higher or lower. if failed to meet the one you set prior to your flight, you will always remember it for a long time.

I don't make your 50 trips q, but I do make close to 50 long haul sectors a year and I preferentially will take NZ over other carriers - for consistent quality over patchy service with some. SQ is the only other consistently good airline I have flown but it's flights usually dont suit.

To be honest I don't understand the BP bashing. Don't like it fly with the competition.

Sorry bce, I meant sectors.

I agree that SQ is the only other consistently good airline, although it does have some crappy planes on some routes. CX is very good, I have noticed a marked improvement in them over the last ~4 years, to where they are close to being in that consistently good category.

There are reasons why I fly with AirNZ's competition, and it has nothing to do with either the onboard experience and facilities.

Okay. Took 77W to AKL-LAX last night. La Prarie was back in the kits. Possible they had cheaper kits on the PVG flights?
Did not like the thin blanket instead of the duvet. Very noticable difference compared to having the duvet in BP less than a week before.

I've had clarins in one of my BP packs. It was a mix of clarins and LP product.
It's possible they just run out of the BP packs and chuck a PE pack on the footwell and hope you don't notice.

I also had a flight a while back with the Sad Little Blanket instead of the duvet. On my last flight I noticed that the blanket cupboard had a mix of SLB and duvet. So you could try asking for the duvet and hopefully they will have some on board.

minimum 50 long haul J flights with air nz? not a single bad flight? that really amazed me.

i think sometimes when we travel on a "different" airline(s) (other than air nz) we set a different expectation, whether is higher or lower. if failed to meet the one you set prior to your flight, you will always remember it for a long time.

I didn't say the flights were all on airnz did I?

I travel frequently enough on enough different airlines to have a pretty good understanding of who offers what, where, when and how.

NZ crew comment, as requested earlier up the thread.

The menu changes have to do with three main factors..

1. The removal of the induction ovens from the 773, which has now been completed. We were the first airline to choose this technology and it proved to not be quite ready for prime-time, unfortunately.

2. Given our already-mentioned minimal crew complement we were getting feedback from passengers that the service was taking too long. A lot of the new menu items took additional time to prepare and this was impacting service time cabin-wide.

3. Cost of course is an issue in the current environment. When the service was planned and kitted out for, things were quite a bit different. So things that were in comparability low demand were removed.

I think the catering is still pretty good, but mourn the loss like you all do. I'm confident some of that BP food was the best of any airline in the world. Hopefully it's still up there in the rankings.

Also, the 'two piece' duvet is being gradually removed and replaced with the new one-piece dark blue quilt-like one. This was done in conjunction with the new memory foam mattress, underlay protector and fitted sheet which have been transitioned to all aircraft.

Thanks for your input.

I must be in the minority as I was happy to wait an hour or two for supper.

On those flights I divide into 3-4 hours movie/dining, 6-7 hours sleep and wake 1½-2 hours for breakfast/landing.

I know that sort of regime is tough for those coming from the USA, especially from the East states where it's approaching, say, 2am on the body clock two hours into the flight.

Many make the mistake of going straight to sleep - seven/eight hours later they wake up and it's still ~2am in Auckland.

Also, the 'two piece' duvet is being gradually removed and replaced with the new one-piece dark blue quilt-like one. This was done in conjunction with the new memory foam mattress, underlay protector and fitted sheet which have been transitioned to all aircraft.

I haven't seen anything that I would be so generous to describe as a quilt, but a dark brown sad little blanket, as someone very correctly described it earlier. Is this quilt thing something that hasn't made it onboard yet?

Also, no fitted-sheet. And who on earth wants to be fiddling round with a fitted-sheet.

The whole memory foam thing doesn't do much for me, personally, I would prefer the status quo of the old mattress protector and the duvet.

I haven't seen anything that I would be so generous to describe as a quilt, but a dark brown sad little blanket, as someone very correctly described it earlier. Is this quilt thing something that hasn't made it onboard yet?

Also, no fitted-sheet. And who on earth wants to be fiddling round with a fitted-sheet.

The whole memory foam thing doesn't do much for me, personally, I would prefer the status quo of the old mattress protector and the duvet.

I'm confused. Reading back through your recent posts, there doesn't seem to be any aspect of Air New Zealand that appeals: Everything appears to be worse, or have got worse, or to be in the process of getting worse?

Looking at AKL-LHR return in a month's time mid week, 6 June, returning 13 June on expedia.co.nz, First Class is $14.7k on SQ (1 stop), $14k on QF/BA, $15.4k on EK.

Business Class is $11.9k on NZ, $11.2k on QF, $10.3k on SQ and about $7k on MH or TG.In other words NZ have the highest Business cabin fares out of AKL.

Some other fares of relevance: LX have a Business fare to London (ZICSWINZ) NZ$7999++, AF have one (ZLSNZ) which is NZ$8355++, and LH have a Z fare (ZRFNZ) NZ$8355++. All permit the flights to and from AKL to the Asian hub to be on NZ. NZ's lowest (JUK1Y) is NZ$10500+ (although no YQ to add, but it books an even lower bucket than Z meaning availability is reduced compared to those other fares).

In other words NZ have the highest Business cabin fares out of AKL.

Some other fares of relevance: LX have a Business fare to London (ZICSWINZ) NZ$7999++, AF have one (ZLSNZ) which is NZ$8355++, and LH have a Z fare (ZRFNZ) NZ$8355++. All permit the flights to and from AKL to the Asian hub to be on NZ. NZ's lowest (JUK1Y) is NZ$10500+ (although no YQ to add, but it books an even lower bucket than Z meaning availability is reduced compared to those other fares).

What tool are you using to check the prices amongst all the carriers? Expert Flyer? I've had a hankering lately to get my hands a bit more dirty now that AirNZ isn't my default choice for carrier.

In other words NZ have the highest Business cabin fares out of AKL.

Some other fares of relevance: LX have a Business fare to London (ZICSWINZ) NZ$7999++, AF have one (ZLSNZ) which is NZ$8355++, and LH have a Z fare (ZRFNZ) NZ$8355++. All permit the flights to and from AKL to the Asian hub to be on NZ. NZ's lowest (JUK1Y) is NZ$10500+ (although no YQ to add, but it books an even lower bucket than Z meaning availability is reduced compared to those other fares).

And I rate LX after flying with them last year. Their new business class is very good. I rate the hard product second only to NZ as far as a good nights sleep.

I did enjoy the induction oven based catering when it was launched and so it is unfortunate that this has been dropped - it really was a cut above other airlines' in C Class, and definitely noticeably better than the 77E and 744 C Class catering.

However, I understand why it has been dropped, as it essentially needs more staff to do effectively and quickly - although on the longest haul sectors I was never too bothered if it took a couple of hours to get fed (although LAX-LHR time matters as it eats into sleep time), given that you could always get something in lounges in advance.

Given how dire catering can be on aircraft, for NZ to be distinguished as quite special in that area is quite important - particularly in premium cabins. NZ in PE easily outclasses others, and in Y it is competitive (I recently had to endure long haul Y catering of UA which was inedible). All that matters to me is that there is a reasonable selection of good quality ingredients that taste rather special 9kms in the sky with all of the compromises that involves.

I wonder if the 787s will make a difference given the higher cabin pressure and humidity levels, as this will change the senses of taste and smell (it's been demonstrated that food and wine taste different at cruising altitude). All I can hope for is that NZ evolves to doing something a bit different. I remember when the induction ovens were introduced it was said that NZ considered adding toasters, but decided against it. It would be nice to get that decision reversed, as it would be a nice little touch for toast to be fresh and not curled and dry like it currently appears.

I know it's not much, but it's these sorts of things that get noticed.

A which was inedible). It would be nice to get that decision reversed, as it would be a nice little touch for toast to be fresh and not curled and dry like it currently appears.


Often things on airlines wish lists are nixed as they have to answer to and seek approval from a higher authority, presumably the CAA of New Zealand.

The added electrical output from something as simple as a toaster may have been deemed as an added on board risk/hazard. These regulations vary from country to country.

Add Content

sorry about empty messages - reading on iPhone during boring meeting and got caught out!
Personally I loved the meals with the induction ovens- only because they are no longer available e.g. tasting platter, does current offering not seem as good.
only once ever flown first class - that was on Swiss last year (blew all my BMI points and boy was it worth it!) and that was in a different league with amuse bouche of scallop with my champagne on arriving in first class but overall NZ food is v good although sometimes think could do with a choice of 2 starters

NZ crew comment, as requested earlier up the thread.

Hi nz_crew, good to have you with us. Curious to sample the product in November, although I assume the result will be positive :cool:
As a regular LH-customer I think in this thread we all lament based on very high standards - flat bed, memory foam(!), menu choices, ... things I and many other LHs dream of. So please keep up your high product standards and give our airlines a perspective to live up to.:D

Flew HKG-LHR last month and departure at 10am - presumably schedule change for northern summer as used to be 0840??
Anyway instead of 2 breakfasts - first arriving into HKG and second on taking off from HKG got lunch instead. For me having broken the journey this was great. As day time flight from HKG-LHR full lunch menu with unhurried service and wine++ after takeoff was great. (Also meant ice-cream was available for desert as cannot be served before landing into LHR as would have melted en route ) Only disappointment was salad for starter with the meal after takeoff. Reminded me of the dreadfull BA salads that they serve in Club class. However in the full menu service before landing into LHR starter was a very tasty prawn number so certainly made up for the unexciting salad at the start of the flight