ABTN director travel portfolio, Paul Robin reviews Air New Zealand”s Business Premier and Pacific Premium Economy service on the very competitive London ” Hong Kong route.
From the moment I was warmly greeted by Meme at the chaotic Departures Hall at Heathrow”s Terminal 3, and directed to the first available check-in desk, I was impressed by the personal yet unobtrusive service Air New Zealand (ANZ) offers to travellers in the revamped Business Premier cabin (launched earlier this year).
Having travelled to Hong Kong before with all of the other major carriers operating this extremely lucrative route, I was eager to find out how ANZ compared now it has been running its enhanced premium cabins for a few months.
After a short stay in the Red Carpet Lounge ” also used by Star Alliance”s United Airlines passengers - prior to leaving, which is conveniently located near the departure gate, I stepped on board and found my seat on the lower deck.
The 747-400 herring-bone configuration works well as everyone has aisle access and plenty of room angled at around 45 degrees inwards. Comfortable leather seats are automatically adjustable and there is an Ottoman to put your feet up on, which cleverly doubles up as a seat opposite, should you wish to have a meal with a travelling companion. The automated table has room for both trays.
Prior to take off we were offered drinks ” both Champagne or soft - and made to feel very welcome.
Once airborne, I decided to check out the on-demand in-flight entertainment system. It takes a little while to navigate as it is done from a hand held control rather than touch screen, but there was an excellent choice of movies, TV, sport, comedy, music and games. The noise-reducing headsets are first rate too.
However, if the laptop needed cranking up, there was a conveniently-located power supply and the large adjustable table affords an ample and solid base to do so.
As this was a night flight, dinner was served reasonably promptly with three choices of main course. The food was first class and the wine selection mouth-watering as you might expect from a country proud of its achievements in this area.
Having said all that, what the business traveller will usually pay the extra cost of a business class fare for, is the seat. In this case, a lie-flat bed at the touch of a button; all 6”7” of length. With a good quality pillow and duvet and even a padded mat for mattress like comfort, the ”bed” was very inviting and extremely comfortable.
A light lunch was served prior to arrival in Hong Kong, but snacks and drinks are available at anytime while airborne. At the end of my flight I was invited to have a look at the upper deck by Flight Service Manager, David Rhodes. This is slightly unusual as it has two classes in one cabin: Business Premier and Pacific Premium Economy. I hoped to try this out for my return trip and in fact did so in the lesser of the two classes.
Pacific Premium Economy has a seat larger than economy with a generous 38”-40” seat pitch. The meal and drinks service is exactly that of Business Premier as is the in-flight entertainment on offer.
The main discernable difference is the lie-flat seat. I have to say I wasn”t too bothered about sleeping as the return flight from HK was a daytime flight leaving in the morning and arriving at Heathrow around 16:00.It was certainly unusual to be on the upper deck in a two class configuration, but it did work.
Soon enough we landed back at Heathrow and the Kiwi Captain came on the PA. I will never forget his announcement bearing in mind that the Rugby World Cup quarter finals were taking place that day. ”Ladies and Gentlemen, it”s been a pleasure having you on board today, if you are watching the rugby later, may the best team win; and we all know who that is!”
Maybe Kiwis should crow a bit more about their national carrier at present than their famous rugby team!