Air New Zealand (NZ) is hunting for New Zealand’s best Kiwi snacks to revamp its onboard offering across its network. The carrier has set the task to hunt nationwide for the best the country has to offer. The Great Kiwi Snack Off will see the airline seeking only New Zealand-made snacks to upgrade their onboard trolley offering for domestic and international services. Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty noted the bites must surprise and delight even the most discerning traveler. Submissions for the snack off should consider a range of “different dietary needs and time-of-day appetites.”
The last time the carrier did such an extensive search for Kiwi snacks was in 2018, when it revamped its onboard offering, however last year, the airline reinvigorated its domestic offering to include popcorn, muesli bars, chocolate, and crisps after feedback from over 7,000 customers.
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Bring your delectable treats to the judges.
To be expected, the snacks must be made in New Zealand with ingredients from Aotearoa (NZ). As the New Zealand Herald reports, all submissions will face judges’ critiques. Any applicants should ensure the snack ”represents and celebrates the history and provenance of NZ, Māori, and Pasifika or social enterprises.” In addition to tasting delicious, the packaging must be sustainable and cater to a range of dietary and allergy requirements. For those who could be panicking, the infamous candy handed out on descent will stick around alongside the popular Koru hour, which offers cheese, crackers, wine, and beer.
Those interested in applying for the latest snack-a-thon can submit their expression of interest with the carrier, including those who already serve the airline. Bespoke and small suppliers are encouraged to apply with the carrier, hoping to take local offerings to new heights. The expression of interest is open until May 1st, and the latest range of snacks is expected to be chosen by the end of 2023.
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New snacks and a new Skynest
With Air New Zealand not just updating its onboard snack menu, the Auckland-based airline will also launch its long-anticipated Sky-Nest by next year. Air New Zealand’s Skynest is a standalone structure featuring six pods with fully flat bunks designed to offer the first genuine bed product for the economy cabin.
Travelers can purchase their Skynest experience as an add-on to an economy seat ticket, as they currently do with Skycouch. However, unlike Skycouch, you can only reserve a four-hour block rather than the space for the whole flight. This structure likely means each bed will be available for three passengers per flight, though we don’t know the price of booking a few hours in a pod yet.
Air New Zealand’s most innovative economy class product will debut next year on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. And while we wait in anticipation to see how Skynest performs, the new airliners will have something in store for all classes. Newly designed premium economy seats offer more privacy and space than before. The most premium cabin will include several Business Premiere seats and Premiere Luxe fully enclosed suites. Travelers to and from New Zealand have much to be excited about next year.
Sources: New Zealand Herald
