Apparently the big round things under the wing have been reattached ...and will be back in service soon.
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Recently returned from Europe trip flying economy sectors on Qatar B 777-200LR, Singapore Airlines A380-800 and AIR B787-9 Dreamliner, and AIR Dreamliner noticeably newest, freshest & most comfortable.
AIR also had friendliest on board service & considerably best entertainment system & content. The others good but not as good.
That lower altitude cabin pressure & little extra humidity plus being quieter is a big help on those long haul flights. The larger cabin windows are great too.
Once you get used to those things, its hard to go back.
Flown AIR Dreamliners before but not back to back comparisons like this where differences were so noticeable.
Just my h' opinion but v pleased as a shareholder.
Also recently flew Qatar's 787 and A350, found the 787 cramped compared to their A350s which are wider. Their entertainment system was bland too, without anything vaguely controversial on it as for that matter was Doha as a stopover. Their flights are also longer than necessary due to the blockade. Much prefer the entertainment, food and service on Air NZ's 787s which I flew recently as well. Qatar often considered the world's best airline so Air NZ still up to or better than the best.
American Airlines expanding their presence between the US-NZ is a bit negative for Air NZ as these are profitable routes. They will probably increase demand though as Americans are always obsessed by their miles and thus pretty brand loyal. Seems even James Comey wants to come to NZ!
Yes I think on balance it will increase the market, especially in the South Island which AIR was not going to service regardless. Good news indeed!
Concerning flights and aircraft, it really come down to the configuration by the airline rather than the aircraft. I much prefer Singapore airline when flying their old 777s before they moved to the A350 out of NZ, although a more modern aircraft, the seat configuration means business class is the only viable option now rather than economy for any real form of comfort through to Singapore.
Should keep the wolf from the door for a few years. Former Air NZ boss Christopher Luxon issued rights worth nearly $2m.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/...ectid=12280705