Page 15 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2017

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HEAVEN IN THE AIR

Tracey Mehrtens flies happy on the Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner.

Saving up your Air New Zealand Airpoints™ to earn an
upgrade is made so very worthwhile when you settle into
your seat in Air New Zealand Business Premier™ – and
flying the airline’s new 787-9 Dreamliner is an added treat.
Before take-off, settle into your armchair and learn how to
“navigate” your way around. The privacy capsule in which
your armchair is enclosed is packed full of surprises: a lie-
flat bed, a large fold-out table for dining for two, ample
storage including easy access to books and magazines,
and a large 28cm entertainment touch screen. The comfy
armchair reclines easily into various positions for taxiing,
take-off or landing.
Chair sorted, it’s time to relax with your feet up and a
glass of pre-takeoff bubbles to peruse the extensive
inflight entertainment options. Once airborne, you
can look forward to sampling exquisitely fresh,
innovative Kiwi cuisine created by top New Zealand
chef, Peter Gordon. If you want to share your dining
experience, the ottoman section of your ever-versatile
armchair magically creates a table for two.
Now one of New Zealand’s best-known chefs, Peter
Gordon became known as “the father of fusion
cuisine” after pioneering his unique blend of Eastern
and Western styles in the 1980s. Gordon, who is of
Māori descent and hails from Whanganui, has lived in NOT ME, BUT WHAT IT’S LIKE!
London for the past 20 years but makes regular trips
back to New Zealand.
Dining in Business Premier is complemented by a The Dreamliner is full of other special vote. (Other options on the short-list
wide selection of award-winning New Zealand wines features that are firsts for flying. They were Global Cruiser, Stratoclimber and
preceded by Champagne and nibbles. The timing include larger windows that bathe the cabin eLiner). Air New Zealand’s tag line for
of meals is flexible, with Fast Dine and Sleep-in in natural light and offer breathtaking views its Dreamliners is “fly happy”, enticing
Breakfast options available so you can maximise your of the scenery below. Cleaner, fresher air, passengers to experience a whole new
sleeping time if you wish. Heaven in the air. higher humidity and a lower cabin altitude flying experience.
also help you arrive at your destination
As I took an overnight flight from Auckland to feeling refreshed. And to cap it off, the Top marks to Air New Zealand for my
Honolulu, sleeping comfortably on the way made for Dreamliner’s remarkable fuel efficiency most comfortable and enjoyable flight
a great start to my holiday. With the help of a crew reduces the impact on the planet. yet! My Business Premier experience
member, my roomy leather armchair transformed certainly ensured I disembarked feeling
into a fully lie-flat bed complete with a memory foam Boeing puts a lot of thought into relaxed, rested and ready for my
mattress, two full-size pillows and a cosy duvet. naming its new planes and decided Hawaiian holiday. I’m now busy saving
on Dreamliner after a global public those Air New Zealand Airpoints again!

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