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Why these stewards might be the best in the sky
Jenny Southan reveals five reasons why Air New Zealand’s cabin crew are such high flyers
![Air New Zealand flight attendant](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/eip/air-new-zealand/sky-staff/air-new-zealand-flight-attendant.jpg?imwidth=680)
They celebrate Maori culture
One of the attributes of which Air New Zealand is most proud is how it encourages its sky staff to be themselves and how it shows a respect and appreciation for Maori culture, a quality highlighted in everything from the new in-flight safety video to the ingredients that make up the dishes on the menu.
Whereas some airlines have a long list of strict rules about how crew should present themselves, since 2019, Air New Zealand cabin crew have been allowed to display Tā Moko (Maori tattoos) and other non-offensive tattoos, whereas many other airlines ban them.
They talk the talk, too. In February, to celebrate Te Matatini, Aotearoa’s (New Zealand’s) largest kapa haka performing arts festival, Araraurangi (Air New Zealand) operated a charter flight where all the crew spoke only te reo Māori (‘the language’) for the first time.
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They help you stay fed and hydrated
Air New Zealand is known for its delicious and generous catering, which can be ordered on-demand from in-flight entertainment systems rather than by pressing the overhead call button. Fancy a chocolate brownie at 2am? No problem.
Air New Zealand sky staff served 9.4 million passengers in 2022 – handing out 4.9 million cookies, 12 million lollies and 1.6 million savoury snacks. They also poured 219,900 litres of beer, 5,341 litres of whiskey, 62,309 litres of sauvignon blanc wine, 53,000 litres of chardonnay and 117,308 litres of red wine – because no one should go thirsty at 35,000ft.
They know the secret to a good flight’s rest
Whether it’s helping parents settle their babies in bulkhead bassinets or getting children comfortable on the economy class Skycouches, Air New Zealand crew know how to help everyone feel relaxed and rested during their flight. From next year, when the new economy class SkyNest bunk beds make their debut, stewards will also be on-hand to tuck grown-ups in too, with fresh sheets and pillows provided for four-hour sleep slots.
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They know what you need before you do
Whether a passenger is a first-timer or a frequent flyer, Air New Zealand understands that air travel is a human experience. This is why cabin crew aboard Air New Zealand aircraft are trained not only in first aid and how to respond in an emergency but how to deliver warm, personal service by anticipating people’s needs.
Taking the initiative and going above and beyond when it comes to the needs of flyers – whatever class they happen to be travelling in – is central to excellent customer service. If a child is crying, they might surprise them with a toy; or if someone is feeling anxious, they will reassure them with a genuine smile.
They are on hand to ensure that passengers are well looked after throughout their journey. Whether it's offering a hot towel or a glass of water as soon as they sit down, or taking the time to answer questions, Air New Zealand cabin crew always put the customer first.
But it's not just their professionalism and attention to detail that make Air New Zealand cabin crew so special. They also have a genuine warmth and friendliness. Whether it’s striking up a conversation, sharing a joke, or going out of their way to make a teenager’s first flight extra special, Air New Zealand cabin crew have a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease.
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They are fit to fly
Air New Zealand cabin crew have undergone rigorous training to ensure they have reliable expertise in everything from fighting fires to deploying the slides in an emergency. Not only that, but they need to be able to swim 50 metres in under two minutes, too.
In short, they are every-day superheroes who know it’s their job to keep passengers safe and at ease, even when there are a few bumps. And if someone has dropped their iPhone down the side of the seat, they can probably help you with that too.
More ways to New Zealand
Air New Zealand offers amazing services to ensure your comfort during travel, from Business Premier™ to Premium Economy and Skycouch™.
For more information, please visit airnewzealand.co.uk