Air New Zealand Business Class Review
Air New Zealand set to launch 'Business Premier Luxe' and 'Standard Business Premier' to 787 fleet in 2022
Updated 31 March 2022
In a filing to the US Department of Transportation, Air New Zealand gives insights into its new seat design and cabin layout for its 787 fleet. We reveal the important details about what we believe the airline will launch in 2022.
Our guide to Air New Zealand's new business class cabin will be updated as more details come to light. We will then review the product on an ongoing basis.
This is what we know so far:
In a filing to the US Department of Transportation, Air New Zealand gives insights into its new seat design and cabin layout for its 787 fleet. We reveal the important details about what we believe the airline will launch in 2022.
Our guide to Air New Zealand's new business class cabin will be updated as more details come to light. We will then review the product on an ongoing basis.
This is what we know so far:
Air New Zealand Business Class 787 Seat Map
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MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh comments:
"As the photos and design plans show, Air New Zealand keeps its herringbone (explain) seat layout and doubles down on its commitment to comfort and accessibility. With its existing business class dating back to 2005, Air New Zealand now has a competitive product that sits alongside the world's best business classes". Understanding the new seats - Business Premier Luxe vs Standard Business Premier "The US filing suggests the design will offer a fully flat bed, wide seat and easy access. All passengers will face the aisle (as they currently do). The designs also indicate that those in the front row will have a door to their seat, usually marketed as a 'suite' by other airlines. I foresee this is where top-tier Airpoints members and top-fare paying passengers will be assigned. Air New Zealand has named the seats with doors/panels 'Business Premier Luxe'. As per the filings, every other seat is named 'Standard Business Premier'". "The move to 42 seats is in line with the 777-300s (44 seats) and means Air New Zealand is premium-heavy on historically lucrative American routes. With fares of around NZ$10,000 return from Auckland to New York, the airline would maximise revenue with as many business class seats as possible". |
MoneyHub Founder
Christopher Walsh |
Row 1 - Air New Zealand Business Premier Lux
Other Notes and Quotes:
Details are limited at the moment; here's what we know:
Who has designed the seat?
"While details are unconfirmed, the design appears to be airline seating manufacturer Collins Aerospace's 'Super Diamond' seat design or the 'Adient Ascent' seat. These are the same seats used by British Airways' widely popular Club Suites and Qatar Airways' 787 QSuite. I've flown both of these seats and can attest to its spaciousness and ease of access. I believe Air New Zealand has made an excellent choice, and this is a seat that will meet and exceed the needs of its passengers, although some may not like the idea of facing the aisle rather than the window".
How does the new seat compare with the Qatar Airways QSuite, the world's 'best' business class?
"Frequent flyers may see the new design as a step down from other options such as Qatar Airways' QSuite, but these airlines service completely different markets. Qatar is a global airline that relies on growing its hub for transit passengers. Conversely, Air New Zealand focuses on direct services to Asia and America, picking up transit passengers from Australia as an added benefit. "
When will it fly?
"It's impossible to know when New Zealanders will see the seat next time they board a 787, but media reports suggest the airline is retrofitting its fleet from April 2022. It's probable that Air New Zealand will first familiarise its cabin crew with the seats on flights to and from Australia as a warm-up before the planes are sent further afield. If they do, a welcome surprise awaits those crossing the Tasman".
Air New Zealand demonstrates its proposed seats' accessibility in its filing to the Department of Transportation
How can I fly Air New Zealand's new business class?
"There are four options, two of which give you certainty:
- Firstly, you can pay for a business class seat, or
- Book using Airpoints Dollars
- Less certain options are booking a Premium Economy and submitting a one-up bid, and/or
- If you're a silver or higher Airpoints member, you can request the use of a recognition upgrade. MoneyHub will be rebooting our popular OneUp upgrades guide as Air New Zealand relaunches its network to help hopeful passengers into a bigger seat".
We will update this guide as new details come to light and the seats are launched.
