Neha Jain: http://newzealandaviationnews.blogspot.com/ 27

1. Checking In With Air New Zealand

Recently I wrote about some great ideas circulating the airline industry. Topping the list was Air New Zealand, which continues its relentless leadership in innovation and customer service. The last time I last covered the company’s virtues in some depth was 2007, so a recap is overdue.

In 2008 Air New Zealand’s paperless check-in kiosks completely eliminated the check-in counter in key centers in New Zealand. No lines, just technology that works and friendly staff ready to help if you need it.

In 2009 the airline introduced ‘The Bare Essentials of Safety’, a cheeky pre-takeoff safety briefing. Body painted baggage handlers, pilots and flight attendants made passengers switch back on to the instructions on what to do in an emergency.

I’ve touched on ‘cuddle class’, a groundbreaking economy seating design Air New Zealand introduced in 2010. What makes this truly innovative is not just the fact that nobody’s done it before, but that so many other airlines are fixated on generating premiums by only improving the first class and business class experiences. Focusing on economy shows that Air New Zealand cares about all of its passengers and adding value to every part of its business.

Other recent innovations include being the world’s first airline to introduce induction ovens on flights, allowing it to serve fresh pizza, burgers, toast and eggs the way you like them; offering mobile connectivity on its new Boeing 777 Dreamliners; and involving passengers in the development of inflight snack options, and entertainment through a new website developed in collaboration with YouTube. Degustation, communication, participation. What a menu.

Air New Zealand’s recent cornerstone investment in Virgin Blue to give it more exposure to the Australian market in challenging times is yet another example of the company’s positive, outward-focused mindset.

Wherever you find it, this kind of consistency is the hallmark of a truly great company. Everybody wins. Take a bow, Air New Zealand.

2. Roam Free on the Fantastic New Zealand Freeway

Air New Zealand Offers Free Rental Car Program for Lucky Visitors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reserve your chance to roam free in New Zealand by registering for the Fantastic New Zealand Freeway promotion, Air New Zealand’s free rental car program going on until December 31, 2011.

“Best Business Class to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific”
Before you arrive in New Zealand, register online to tell Air New Zealand where you’d like to go. When one of the two cars (brand new Toyota Camry Hybrids playfully named “Jeffree” and “Freeona”) is available, Air New Zealand will send registered visitors in the area an email alert. The first person to reserve the car receives up to seven days of freewheeling fun.

With a bottomless tank of gas and mobile phone included, visitors lucky enough to nab a ride are encouraged to document and share their travels via “happy snaps” and upload their photos to the Air New Zealand website. A GPS tracker is also included to publish Jeffree and Freeona’s whereabouts in real time as they make their way around New Zealand .

3. Air New Zealand's Rico Raps With Snoop Dogg (VIDEO)

Leave it to Air New Zealand to nab Snoop Dog for a video with their slimy, supposedly-cute-but-just-creepy spokespuppet, Rico.

Air New Zealand has had plenty of controversial ads with "Rico" in the past, from the "cougar" ad of January 2010 to the new lewd crop of ads that debuted in October 2010 (most referencing women and their anatomy).

The new video is inexplicably odd and there is no rhyme or reason why Snoop has to be in this video in the first place.

4. Prince William Flew 'Cattle Class' In New Zealand?

When Prince William visited New Zealand and Australia earlier this month, he traveled around while there like every other regular Joe: in coach.

The Telegraph reports that William, along with his entourage, flew an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Christchurch, where William attended a memorial. His alias? Mr. Pinkerton-Smith.

Although Air New Zealand refused to confirm the reports, a spokesman told the paper: "We don't release details regarding individual customers."

Prince William caused quite a stir Down Under when he mentioned that he and his soon-to-be new bride, Kate Middleton, might honeymoon there. William said "I have always wanted to dive the barrier reef. I will have to come back, maybe we'll have a honeymoon in Cairns?"

By
Neha Jain

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