Air NZ unveils food and fare changes on short international flights

Air New Zealand has announced major changes to its short-haul international flights – with inflight entertainment and a snack or meal available to all customers from later this year.

The new ‘Seats to Suit’ offering debuts on June 11 for flights between New Zealand and Australia or the Pacific Islands.

On Monday morning, Air New Zealand announced a decline in full-year profits.

The updated approach is aimed at giving customers more choice, Air NZ short-haul general manager Jeremy O’Brien said.

“We want every customer to have an exceptional onboard experience,” he said. “Part of our promise is to provide manaaki (hospitality) to everyone who flies with us, so we are pleased that everyone on board will now be treated to full in-flight entertainment.

“Seat-only customers will now also be offered one of our incredible new snack options.”

The types of rates available will also change.

Gone is the “seat + bag” option. The new fare types are “seat”, “theworks”, “worksflexi”, “premiumeconomy”, “premiumflexi”, “businesspremier” and “businessflexi”.

If you select the most basic seat fare, a piece of luggage can be added for $30.

O’Brien said: “Works customers will continue to receive the same great perks currently on offer, including one checked bag, a full meal and drinks, entertainment and free standard seat selection.

“Our customers have told us that affordable flexibility is important, especially for many of our frequent flyers. That’s why we’re introducing a new, fully flexible and refundable rate option for every cabin.

“The new Seats to Suit updates are based on customer feedback and changes our passengers were looking for.”

In addition to on-board entertainment and a snack or meal, all passengers are offered tea, coffee, water and juice within a short distance.

‘Now that everyone gets a snack or a meal, the purchase of inflight bites on board will be stopped.

“Customers will still be able to purchase a range of drinks,” the airline said.