Air New Zealand Business Premier & Business Premier Luxe – Does the "Ritz of the Skies" Still Deserve Its Reputation?

I had always wanted to travel with Air New Zealand and discover whether it still lived up to the title it earned in the 1980s – "The Ritz of the Skies." So, when the opportunity arose to visit New Zealand, there was never any doubt about which airline I would choose.

To make the trip even more special, I flew to Auckland via Vancouver and returned via Shanghai, combining Air New Zealand with British Airways Business Class to and from those gateways. It also meant ticking another item off my bucket list – flying all the way around the world on one trip.

Business Premier vs Business Premier Luxe

During the trip I was lucky enough to experience both Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe on Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9, allowing me to compare the two products.

Business Premier

Air New Zealand's newest Business Premier cabin features single seats positioned by the windows, providing excellent privacy. The seats are noticeably wider than many competitors, with generous legroom and beautifully soft cushioning. As someone who suffers from osteoarthritis in my coccyx, seat comfort is incredibly important, and these were among the most comfortable business class seats I have experienced.

The fully flatbed was equally impressive. The mattress topper was the thickest and softest I have ever encountered in business class, allowing me to sleep for a solid five hours. In fact, I would probably have slept even longer had I not been distracted by the excellent films, food and wine.

Business Premier Luxe

For my return journey I experienced Business Premier Luxe, one of just four exclusive suites located at the front of the cabin.

The differences are immediately noticeable. Each suite has a sliding privacy door, creating a much more secluded space. The seat also features a large sofa-style bench, allowing two people to dine together comfortably.

The floor space is enormous—easily the largest I have seen in business class—and gives the suite a genuinely premium feel. Whether you're working, relaxing or sleeping, it offers an exceptional amount of room, making it ideal for frequent long-haul travellers.

The Overall Experience

Having flown business class with several airlines over the years, I've learned just how different the experience can be. My British Airways flight to Vancouver featured the airline's excellent Club Suite, so Air New Zealand had strong competition.

I'm pleased to say Air New Zealand exceeded all my expectations.

The seats were wider, the footwell more spacious, and the overall design made it easy to curl up and relax. A discreet privacy screen created a real sense of seclusion without making the cabin feel closed in.

The cabin crew were exactly as I had hoped—warm, welcoming and genuinely friendly. It made me wonder why New Zealanders always seem so cheerful. Could they really be the happiest people on earth?

When you're paying business class prices, expectations are naturally high, especially when it comes to service. Air New Zealand certainly delivered. I love a good cocktail, and the Gold Blush was the perfect way to start the journey.

As someone who struggles with sitting for long periods because of osteoarthritis, comfort can make or break a flight. Thankfully, the wonderfully soft seats and luxurious mattress topper made this one of the most comfortable long-haul experiences I've had.

Food and Drinks

The onboard dining was another highlight. The quality of the food was excellent, and Air New Zealand catered particularly well for passengers with dietary requirements. As someone with gluten intolerance, I found there was plenty of choice, and the meals were both delicious and beautifully presented.

The snacks I had packed "just in case" stayed firmly in my bag.

The Finishing Touches

I'm always a fan of a good airline amenity kit, especially when sustainability has been considered. Air New Zealand's recyclable kit was both practical and attractive.

And I have to mention the purple striped socks—they're definitely among my favourite airline souvenirs!

Final Verdict

Air New Zealand has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the world's great airlines, and after this journey I can understand why. From the outstanding comfort of both Business Premier and the even more impressive Business Premier Luxe, to the genuinely warm service, excellent food and thoughtful touches throughout the flight, it proved to be a memorable experience.

Does it still deserve the title "The Ritz of the Skies"?

In my opinion, absolutely.