Air New Zealand begins new business class in May and luggage beds of economics in 2026

Air New Zealand has been a aviation path creating new products, like the sky bed that offers the first completely flat bed in the economy class, which have pushed the boundaries for long -distance travel. For an airline in the remote corner of the southern hemisphere, the Star Alliance member continues to make visible updates affecting aviation worldwide.

This spring, the airline will detect its new business class cabin and will become the first carrier to finish a nose to the tail of the Boeing Dreamliner. There are also details on the other airline’s player: Skynest. This will be the first bed of luggage, the product of the flat bed for economics class leaflets in long -delays. He has been in the works and under the certification processes for many years, and Ceo Greg Forean shares an update for something that many passengers (and interested airlines) are looking forward to.

All this comes at a time when Reuters reported last year that the carrier is facing a 61% decrease in annual profit in the face of fierce competition, including the three main US global carriers who have begun flights to New Zealand . The airline has also reviewed its environmental objectives in front of the strong head for the purchase of new aircraft and eco-friendly fuel. Forean explains how the airline is addressing these concerns and still reveals new onboard products that have spoken the aviation industry.

Ramsey Qubein: What are you most excited about for the airline in 2025?

Greg Forean: 2025 marks the 85th anniversary of New Zealand – a milestone we are extremely proud of. We can be a small air company from the end of the world, but for 85 years, we have proven that we can keep our on the global scene, and this is something worth celebrating.

New Zealand Air will soon become the first airline in the world to restore a dreamliner from nose to tail. In just a few months, this transformed plane will have a fully redesigned interior, including an updated business prime minister and new business prime minister Luxe Cabin (an updated business classroom with more space and door of intimacy). Also soon this year is a new uniform for staff created by rated Global Kiwi stylist, Emilia Wickstead, which is a reflection of the airline brand and the New Aotearoa Zealanda.

RQ: When will the new premier business start?

Gf: Business Prime Minister and Business Prime Minister Luxe will debut in re -qualified Dreamliner in May. Given our geographical location, most of our clients travel overnight to reach New Zealand. Designers have cost over 170,000 hours in the last five years to develop a premium experience on board in all cabin classes. Premier Business Luxe is a new addition to our offer, providing customers to improve intimacy with a door and closing space for two people to dinner together in the front of the business class.

The whole cabin design attracts inspiration from the New Zealand’s landscapes and cultural identity, allowing clients traveling to the economy, the premium economy and business prime minister to feel an Aotearoa connection as soon as they open on board.

RQ: What about the product of the luggage bed of the economy?

Gf: Skenest is my favorite example of innovation and border push at 35,000 meters. By 2026, customers traveling on our ultra -long flights will be able to reserve a lying rest on one of the sleeping pods. Skynest is something that has never been done before in trade aviation, so we are too excited to see this get to heaven next year.

Will Skynest will have six pods, available for four hours at a time, including a full -sized pillow, sheets and blankets, ear plugs, reading light, USB outlet, ventilation and lighting designed for maximum rest.

RQ: Anz was the first airline to call again its science -based climate target for 2030. Why is this such a challenge all over the industry?

Gf: To withdraw from our science -based objective last year was not a decision we made easily. However, it became clear that some critical levers required to meet the objective, including access to a more efficient aircraft, availability of alternative aircraft fuels and the necessary regulatory and policy support remained unsafe and mainly beyond our control.

Decarbonization aviation is one of the most complex challenges facing the industry. We remain committed to 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, and long-term commitment to reach Neto-Zero carbon emissions by 2050 remains unchanged.

Transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the most important opportunity to reduce airline emissions, however its production and availability remain limited. For the significant progress to be made, there must be greater cooperation between airlines and governments to create policy frameworks and incentives of investment needed to scale the production and adoption of SAF.

We remain committed to working together with the stakeholders of the industry, policymakers and technology partners to direct the solutions required for a more sustainable future in aviation.

RQ: What else is new on board and in your salons?

Gf: We call our menu “an Aotearoa taste”, which shows the best regional products of the country, receiving local ingredients and unique tastes of New Zealand in the world, including regions like Fiordland, Hawke and Corizel Bay.

The latest menu gives a kiwi iconic favorites, such as the whip configuration potato and onion fried onions, a twist in chips and dip, and ice cream with frozen raspberry yogurt, pieces Milk chocolate, marshmallow and sour cherry swirls.

This year we will also start our much -established wine label in collaboration with the renowned summer manufacturer in New Zealand Villa Maria. Named thirteen forty -five in homage to the distance of our first flight ever between Auckland and Sydney, passengers will be able to enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc and a specially curated Pinot Signature to enjoy while in the air.

RQ: Is there a new destination you are considering, as a return to long -delays to London?

Gf: While we are currently facing challenges with aircraft based on engine issues, we are fully focused on flying our existing network well for our customers. When these heads are relieved, we will absolutely see the wings. London holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealand of the air, so we hope to return there one day in the future.