[Aviation News]
Air New Zealand Unveils New Star Alliance Aircraft
Air New Zealand debuts its first-ever jet black Star Alliance livery on its newest A321neo, which will fly on the airline’s domestic network. The new aircraft, one of three A321neos which can accommodate up to 217 passengers, will be added to the airline’s fleet in the upcoming months, just in time for the busy Christmas and year-end holiday period.
It is expected to touch down in November 2022, after making the 17,825km journey from the Airbus factory in Hamburg in Germany, through Muscat, Kuala Lumpur and Cairns, before arriving in Auckland.
“While Star Alliance livery is typically white with a black tail fin, we asked if we could do something a little different and inverse the colours in celebration of how important black is to Air New Zealand and New Zealand. Black is an iconic Kiwi colour. From sports jerseys to gumboots, black is embedded in New Zealand’s national identity and worn with pride, so it’s fantastic to welcome this aircraft with its special black livery into our fleet. Kiwis missing the Koru need not look too far – our iconic mangōpare will feature on the wingtips in this one-off design.”
Air New Zealand’s Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer Mike Williams
“As the largest and longest-running airline alliance in the world, Star Alliance honours each of our 26 member airlines’ distinct heritage, character and style. We know the significance of the colour black to New Zealanders, so when Air New Zealand proposed to launch the first-ever all-black aircraft with Star Alliance livery, we were happy to agree. This launch also comes at a special time for Star Alliance, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. Since Air New Zealand joined us as a member in 1999, we’ve been proud to have them be a part of the Star Alliance network that flies people to destinations all over the world, from Canada to Croatia, and Turkey to Thailand.”
Star Alliance Vice President for Alliance Development and Communications Siu Ling Fock
“Demand for travel is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, so we’re excited that these aircraft will help add much-needed capacity on our domestic routes – they won’t be sitting on the tarmac for long! We are proud that this special domestic A321neo will soon be flying customers from our fellow Star Alliance members across Aotearoa.”
Another A321neo, which will be painted in Air New Zealand’s classic black and white livery, is expected to arrive in September. Air New Zealand has an average fleet age of 7.3 years making it one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the world. The new aircraft will go through a process to get the aircrafts ready for service once they arrive.
Air New Zealand Touches Down in New York
Air New Zealand touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport on 17 September 2022, marking the first of its non-stop flights connecting the city of sails and the city that never sleeps.
Onboard the maiden flight were notable tourism and travel partners as well as the New Zealand Minister of Tourism, Hon Stuart Nash, Chair Dame Therese Walsh, and CEO Greg Foran of Air New Zealand. Foran claims that the launch of a nonstop service linking Auckland and New York brings together his two favourite places.
“As one of the world’s greatest cities, Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of 29 international destinations. By adding greater access to the East Coast of the US, we’re connecting our North American customers to the possibilities of 20 destinations within New Zealand as well as the Pacific and Australia, all within easy reach. This is terrific for our customers.”
Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand
The airline’s new international menu debuted onboard NZ2, bringing the best of New Zealand produce to the world. With more options available, Premium clients can now add items like seared salmon from Marlborough, free-range chicken from Waikato, bacon, steamed green veggies, or fresh, crisp salads that have just been plucked from fields and orchards in Gisborne, Waikato, and the Manawatu.
As part of the new menu, Business Premier customers started their dining experience with an amuse-bouche of New Zealand paua saucisson (abalone sausage) with herb cream and tomato.
Air New Zealand will serve seven destinations in North America – Chicago (from 31 October 2022), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and New York City.
Malaysia Airlines is Asia’s Leading Airline for Business Class at the 29th World Travel Awards
Malaysia Airlines was voted Asia’s Leading Business Class Airline at the 29th World Travel Awards, adding to its list of accolades. The airline won after getting the most votes from industry players, consumers, media, and travel professionals from across the region, outperforming the other nominated full-service Asian carriers. The award is a testament to the airline’s endeavour to maintain the highest service level and safety assurance through its #FlyConfidently pledge, which is underpinned by the airline’s Malaysian Hospitality dedication across its services.
“This award is a true testament to the organisation and national icon’s hard work, long hours, sacrifice, and ultimate passion. As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lasting change in travelling preferences, we constantly improve and enhance our products and services with a range of flexibility and choices. One of our most prominent innovations include our business class fare structure which was redesigned to match the value proposition of business class passengers and market demand. Our Business Class fare family makes Malaysia Airlines one of the few airlines in the world to offer flexibility coupled with multiple perks.”
Malaysia Airlines’ Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Lau Yin May
Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class is known for providing an unrivalled premium end-to-end experience, from its exclusive priority check-in counters, priority luggage handling, and access to the exquisite Golden Lounges with scenic views to its board-anytime flexibility.
Business Class rounds out the premium experience by offering roomy lie-flat seats to select destinations. To offer the most pleasurable flying experience on Malaysia Airlines, the airline also provides a wide choice of cutting-edge in-flight entertainment, including noise-cancelling headphones. Guests travelling from Kuala Lumpur can opt for a tailored gourmet dining experience with its “Chef on Call” service, which allows customers to select from an array of specially crafted in-flight meals 30 to 24 hours before their departure and have them delivered to their seat.
This is in addition to Malaysia Airlines’ renowned signature satay, which has been served onboard since the first flight and has been produced by the airline’s caterer since 1973. Fresh marinated meats are chargrilled over mangrove wood charcoal, accompanied by nasi impit (compressed rice cake), crisp cucumbers, and onion.
Business Class travellers will also receive a designer amenity kit by luxury leather goods producer Aspinal of London. The airline’s exclusive amenity kits contain an impressive assortment of travel essentials such as PAYOT’s skin and body collection, which includes the Lip Balm and the luxurious Hand and Body Lotion, specially created to pamper clients throughout their journey, an eye mask, comb, a pair of earplugs, and socks, and an eye mask, comb, a pair of earplugs, and socks. Customers will be provided a dual-tone Business Class duvet composed of cotton and polyester with the airline’s distinctive Wau Bulan, as well as a plush cushion and mattress cover.
Customers may fly worry-free since Malaysia Airlines has implemented the most stringent COVID-19 health and safety standards, which are certified by Bureau Veritas Certification Malaysia through its MHFlySafe programme. Malaysia Airlines is a member of the Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia (TSAM), and its COVID-19 measures have earned it a 7-star rating from AirlineRatings.
THAI Voted Fourth Place for World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew and for Best Airline Staff in Asia by Skytrax
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) was voted 4th place for World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew and for Best Airline Staff in Asia at the Skytrax 2022 World Airline Awards which was held recently at the Langham Hotel in London, United Kingdom. The awards recognise THAI’s world-class service standards and quality. THAI also received a number of Skytrax global ranking recognitions in 2022, including 8th in World’s Best Airport Services, 8th in Best Economy Class Airline Catering, and 10th in Best First Class Airline Lounges.
The achievement demonstrated THAI personnel’s strong commitment and dedication to providing all possible support in delivering their services while maximising the degree of service quality. THAI is committed to providing flight services that meet the highest standards of safety and convenience. All personnel are encouraged to improve in-flight services to ensure a comfortable flight for all clients.
World Airline Awards are the results of the Skytrax survey that was first launched in 1999 as the first worldwide, annual airline customer satisfaction survey, which is 100 per cent independent, impartial, and global. The survey was to acquire customers’ satisfaction, opinion and experiences with the airline products and services in every aspect such as the check-in process, seat comfort, cabin interior, food and beverages, cabin crew services or inflight services. This year’s Skytrax customer survey was conducted from September 2021 to August 2022 and received 13.42 million respondents covering over 350 airlines worldwide.
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