Welcome to New Zealand Aviation Thread - November 2019. Please continue to add your comments below

Link to last thread

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1432071&p=21761793#p21761793

Deleted, posted to wrong thread.

Air New Zealand to United Airlines hubs (10,000 km is one-quarter of distance around the world)
AKL HNL 7,063 km
AKL LAX 10,467 km
AKL SFO 10,487 km
AKL IAH 11,933 km
AKL ORD 13,170 km
AKL EWR 14,178 km upcoming

AKL LHR 18,354 km probably never going to happen nonstop

Minimal connections via USA airlines
Hawaiian Airlines Honolulu
United Airlines San Francisco
American Airlines Seasonal: Dallas/Fort Worth (begins 25 October 2020), Los Angeles,
Delta Airlines None

I got Auckland to London at 18,327 but agree about a non stop flight not likely to happen unfortunately.

SQ A350 first commercial service operated by 9V-SMM due into Wellington today at 12.55pm for those who are in the region and are able to head to the airport. I'm gutted I can't be there due to work, so looking forward to photos of today's first arrival / departure

Bali announcement today? Just opened an e-mail from NZ with a Bali-themed competition. Surely a connection there . . .

You might be right on the money. Service extended to year round hopefully.

NZ516 wrote:

You might be right on the money. Service extended to year round hopefully.

. . . but when I entered the competition, the answer to one of the questions was that the season is April-October in 2020. So perhaps not?

NZ516 wrote:

You might be right on the money. Service extended to year round hopefully.

I would have doubts that it will go year round anytime soon, if ever, popular in NZ winter, and as we keep saying more profitable markets to send a 789 in summer, KIX/PER for starters.

Nice day for the inaugural service.

xiaotung wrote:

So AA/QF alliance is eating into NZ's profits while NZ is getting cozy with QF across the Tasman. How would this work? I hope one day common sense will prevail and NZ get back with VA which is best for the consumers.

The status quo between QF and NZ will likely remain for the foreseeable future as long as there are some remnants of "Team Borghetti / Team Luxon" at VA and NZ respectively.

SCFlyer wrote:

xiaotung wrote:

So AA/QF alliance is eating into NZ's profits while NZ is getting cozy with QF across the Tasman. How would this work? I hope one day common sense will prevail and NZ get back with VA which is best for the consumers.

The status quo between QF and NZ will likely remain for the foreseeable future as long as there are some remnants of "Team Borghetti / Team Luxon" at VA and NZ respectively.

I do think that it is an over reaction to say QF/AA are eating into NZ’s profits. Competition is good, NZ will adjust frequency, capacity to match with the new routes from AA, however they will want to protect their own patch so some routes might see more capacity, LAX will be interesting to see if NZ keep 2 daily, through NS they drop as low as 10 weekly in slower weeks/months but then AA don’t operate then either.

What NZ 787s have wifi installed? I’m due to fly on one tomorrow and the app is showing that there is wifi available. I thought that the 787s didn’t have it installed yet?

Air NZ ATR 72-600 ZK-MZB (msn 1578) on delivery as SXI1952.

https://www.flightradar24.com/SXI1952/22b28f87

If the same routing as ZK-MZA, then as follows:
TLS-HER
HER-RUH-MCT
MCT-NAG-PEN
PEN-DPS
DPS-DRW-BNE
BNE-CHC

PA515

jimmyah wrote:

What NZ 787s have wifi installed? I’m due to fly on one tomorrow and the app is showing that there is wifi available. I thought that the 787s didn’t have it installed yet?

I'm only aware of ZK-NZF with Wifi, and that's going to HKG tomorrow.

PA515

PA515 wrote:

jimmyah wrote:

What NZ 787s have wifi installed? I’m due to fly on one tomorrow and the app is showing that there is wifi available. I thought that the 787s didn’t have it installed yet?

I'm only aware of ZK-NZF with Wifi, and that's going to HKG tomorrow.

PA515

NZF had it in August so assuming 1 a/c per month there should be 3 or 4 787s with wifi by now.

NZ516 wrote:

I got Auckland to London at 18,327 but agree about a non stop flight not likely to happen unfortunately.

The A350 XWB is also offered as the ACJ350 corporate jet by Airbus Corporate Jets, offering a (20,000 km) range for 25 passengers for the -900 derivative and 270 square metres of cabin space.

But for commercial jets the SYD -LHR range of 17,000 km is likely to be the upper limit unless China begins economic domination of South America so that Shanghai [Pudong Intl] to Buenos Aires [Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza/Ministro Pistarini] has some economic value at 19,600 km.

The most recent version of Kevlar®® was released in 1995 and named Kevlar®® Correctional. This revolutionary version could stop attacks from knives and other such weapons, and led to the production of lightweight, multi-threat forms of body armor that were capable of stopping both ballistic and stab threats.

It seems relatively strange to me that it is impossible to develop a jet that has an expandable fuel tank that easily trades off cargo payload to permit flights as long as desired. Understandably ultra long ranges will come at high price in fuel burn, but airlines could modify their fleet and perhaps discontinue some of their longest routes at times of high fuel prices.

-----------------------------
Historical Jet Maximum Ranges
In June 1961, an El Al B707-320 flew a 9,137 kilometres route from New York City-JFK to Tel Aviv .
In August 1967, Aerolíneas Argentinas established on a 10,063 kilometres route between Madrid and Buenos Aires.
In April 1976, Pan Am set the new record with its 10,899 kilometres JFK/Tokyo-Haneda route.
In December 1976, the Pan Am set another record with Sydney–San Francisco, covering 11,937 kilometres .
For 20 years the 12000 km ranges was unbeaten until Chicago to Kowloon was set by United Airlines 12,534 km on July 5, 1998.
In June 2004 the 15,344 km route from SIN-EWR was established and is still the longest commercial route in the world.

Interesting analysis thanks Paco Martin especially the historical figures.

PA515 wrote:

Air NZ ATR 72-600 ZK-MZB (msn 1578) on delivery as SXI1952.

https://www.flightradar24.com/SXI1952/22b28f87

If the same routing as ZK-MZA, then as follows:
TLS-HER
HER-RUH-MCT
MCT-NAG-PEN
PEN-DPS
DPS-DRW-BNE
BNE-CHC

PA515

Thanks to your previous info, I have the msn (1581) for MZC. Do you have msn's and estimate delivery dates for MZC to MZF?

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/ai ... t-changes/

789 scheduled to HKG from October 2020 for NW20/21.

This has to be coming off another route as there are now no more 789s to be delivered. Not sure I’d code 1 or code 2, however they would need more code 2 frames to be converted if they plan to use a code 2, with EWR starting then ORD/YVR/SIN.

Like I have said before maybe SIN could get a 77W with LHR being dropped? Or NRT 77W, I think either or both could go 772, PER is shorter and could go 772.

ZK-NBT wrote:

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/287294/air-new-zealand-nw20-hong-kong-preliminary-aircraft-changes/

789 scheduled to HKG from October 2020 for NW20/21.

This has to be coming off another route as there are now no more 789s to be delivered. Not sure I’d code 1 or code 2, however they would need more code 2 frames to be converted if they plan to use a code 2, with EWR starting then ORD/YVR/SIN.

Like I have said before maybe SIN could get a 77W with LHR being dropped? Or NRT 77W, I think either or both could go 772, PER is shorter and could go 772.

Unless there is another leased frame or two, that they looking into.

Sometimes leased frames do come up, as airlines originally ordered have deferred closer to drivery.

zkncj wrote:

ZK-NBT wrote:

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/287294/air-new-zealand-nw20-hong-kong-preliminary-aircraft-changes/

789 scheduled to HKG from October 2020 for NW20/21.

This has to be coming off another route as there are now no more 789s to be delivered. Not sure I’d code 1 or code 2, however they would need more code 2 frames to be converted if they plan to use a code 2, with EWR starting then ORD/YVR/SIN.

Like I have said before maybe SIN could get a 77W with LHR being dropped? Or NRT 77W, I think either or both could go 772, PER is shorter and could go 772.

Unless there is another leased frame or two, that they looking into.

Sometimes leased frames do come up, as airlines originally ordered have deferred closer to drivery.

The 772s have to go somewhere, there is only so many needed on short haul.

That would mean only IAH and the odd LAX/SFO are 772.

ZKOAB wrote:

Thanks to your previous info, I have the msn (1581) for MZC. Do you have msn's and estimate delivery dates for MZC to MZF?

I don't have the msns for ZK-MZD, ZK-MZE and ZK-MZF.

On 03 Oct 2019 'NZ1' said: "MZB, MZC and MZD due to be delivered before Xmas."
On 04 Oct 2019 'NZ1' said: "MZE due Apr 2020 and MZF due Jul 2021. Total fleet of 29 -600s."

The 22 Aug 2019 Annual Report Analyst Presentation had ZK-MZF being delivered in FY2021 (by 30 Jun 2021). I don't know if this is a deferral or just the difference between delivery in TLS and arrival in CHC.

PA515

I’m loving the new SQ A350 into WLG. Hadn’t realised just how quiet it was from the outside having flown in one several times. We live on the Evans Bay/Hataitai side of the runway and it’s just so much quieter than NZs neos.

And damn it’s shiny and new like a sports car compared to the old 77E.

Air NZ are sending down a 777 to Christchurch. ZKOKB AKL CHC NZ6231 0600-0725 4 November. Think it is for maintenance.

On another thread there is a link to an interesting video about WLG’s opening ceremony, which occurred just over 60 years ago.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1434365&p=21769877#p21769877

Gangurru wrote:

On another thread there is a link to an interesting video about WLG’s opening ceremony, which occurred just over 60 years ago.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1434365&p=21769877#p21769877

Thanks for posting. What a cool video

NZ516 wrote:

Air NZ are sending down a 777 to Christchurch. ZKOKB AKL CHC NZ6231 0600-0725 4 November. Think it is for maintenance.

Just saw on a CHC plane spotter's Instagram story (who, based on this post and others, has a contact at NZ), that OKB will be in CHC for 3 weeks for a "cabin reconfiguration".

A Rumour going on FB that OKB is getting the new economy seats fitted on its visit to CHC. Be the first one to be done then?.

NZ516 wrote:

A Rumour going on FB that OKB is getting the new economy seats fitted on its visit to CHC. Be the first one to be done then?.

Would say its new physical Economy Seats, more just new covers and adjusting row spacing for the new extra space zones.

The 77E seats in Y are less than 4 years old.

With the RWC now over - lets look towards the next game in 2023 in France. NZ are proud supporters of the "All Blacks" they paint their planes and come up with safety videos - So how will they get the team to France? - can't see NZ starting a France route. charter route maybe OR put them on someone like EK / SQ - wouldn't be really the " All Blacks" feel tho.

Yesterday in the Herald, Jetstar will take new A321 Neos and are looking at deploying them on routes including the Tasman with the likes of AKL-CNS to be in the mix - up against NZ.

Charter is the obvious option. With a one off sort of non-stop as they wouldn't be totally full.

With EK the world cup spomsor, wouldnt they just travel on EK?

ZKOJH wrote:

With the RWC now over - lets look towards the next game in 2023 in France. NZ are proud supporters of the "All Blacks" they paint their planes and come up with safety videos - So how will they get the team to France? - can't see NZ starting a France route. charter route maybe OR put them on someone like EK / SQ - wouldn't be really the " All Blacks" feel tho.

Yesterday in the Herald, Jetstar will take new A321 Neos and are looking at deploying them on routes including the Tasman with the likes of AKL-CNS to be in the mix - up against NZ.

NZ does charters to Europe all the time so no drama to do that. Take along the media etc and a lot of gear and you’re on your way to filling up a plane.

Please help my memory. I thought that I read about 6 weeks ago a statement from Air New Zealand that all B787s with RR engine issues would be back in service by Nov 1. However I see that NZE still has not flown. I also read that the ground damage had been repaired long ago. Can someone with some meaningful knowledge provide an update on what is happening? Thanks in advance

ZKOJH wrote:

With the RWC now over - lets look towards the next game in 2023 in France. NZ are proud supporters of the "All Blacks" they paint their planes and come up with safety videos - So how will they get the team to France? - can't see NZ starting a France route. charter route maybe OR put them on someone like EK / SQ - wouldn't be really the " All Blacks" feel tho.

Yesterday in the Herald, Jetstar will take new A321 Neos and are looking at deploying them on routes including the Tasman with the likes of AKL-CNS to be in the mix - up against NZ.

A few thoughts, when does the NZ sponsorship agreement end? Will NZ even sponsor them via exclusive rights in 2023. NZRFU is worth a tone to NZ so it's likely given the domestic and Tasman flying that gets done.

Who knows under the new CEO about a France route but highly, highly unlikely.

Last time it was in France, 07 maybe. The team flew to LHR but they got kicked out in the QF and some came back via Asia due to limited seats and no one expecting them to come home so soon.

My main thought is pre RWC games, will we see a AB's v Scotland/Wales/Ireland even England in NYC on the way? Then over the Atlantic on BA or VS

ZaphodHarkonnen wrote:

Charter is the obvious option. With a one-off sort of non-stop as they wouldn't be totally full.

It's certainly one option but can't see just the team doing a charter, ORD and EZE were fill with rugby fans on a week or so tour. The RWC is much longer and the team will likely arrive a week or so before.... but I'm sure there'll be die-hard fans prepared to go for 6-8weeks.

ZKSUJ wrote:

With EK the world cup spomsor, wouldnt they just travel on EK?

EK seem to like putting their name all over the sponsored tournament. Outside of that, they don't do much. They also sponsored the 2011 world cup in NZ and they didn't offer any extra capacity even though the country was flooded with European rugby fans and at the time they went via Australia.

There was a project team and manager for the tournament within NZ, they did a bit of digging early on to see what EK may do. Turns out they did absolutely nothing which is normal.

Seems to about branding and marketing more than anything to them which is fair enough.

Hawke's Bay new airport plans revelled with fly through video I prefer the Nelson design best:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/6tBr ... quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-syd-prod-nzme.s3.amazonaws.com/public/WKTPAAJUMJERJBZZJWVR6Y5LBI.jpg

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

Sylus wrote:

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

LamboAston wrote:

Sylus wrote:

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

Yes that is more or less correct. Has been hovering around 80% give or take, but mind you, they are the only direct operator. Other stronger performers are often AKL-RAR and anything ZQN over winter!

Sylus wrote:

LamboAston wrote:

Sylus wrote:

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

Yes that is more or less correct. Has been hovering around 80% give or take, but mind you, they are the only direct operator. Other stronger performers are often AKL-RAR and anything ZQN over winter!

When I used to handle them here, in the lowest time in February average was still 70-90 pax. When I left in July, 170 was regular.

LamboAston wrote:

Sylus wrote:

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

You're spot on, there's a lot of competition and two main carriers offer very reasonable prices over their 3 brands. So poor VA is left stuck in the no-mans-land, yelling out in a crowded market that they're full service yet not offering special including a BYO device policy for IFE.

The average punter has no incentive to fly them, many unfortunately were probably forced to under the NZ alliance and were disappointed which leaves VA with a further uphill obstacle.

I'm starting to wonder how long we will them in NZ for.

DUD offers unique convinced so of no surprise there. Do I dare call it a monopoly route?

NZ6 wrote:

LamboAston wrote:

Sylus wrote:

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

You're spot on, there's a lot of competition and two main carriers offer very reasonable prices over their 3 brands. So poor VA is left stuck in the no-mans-land, yelling out in a crowded market that they're full service yet not offering special including a BYO device policy for IFE.

The average punter has no incentive to fly them, many unfortunately were probably forced to under the NZ alliance and were disappointed which leaves VA with a further uphill obstacle.

I'm starting to wonder how long we will them in NZ for.

DUD offers unique convinced so of no surprise there. Do I dare call it a monopoly route?

Very much a monopoly, wonder if they'll end up just serving ZQN, AKL and DUD at some point

LamboAston wrote:

NZ6 wrote:

LamboAston wrote:

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

You're spot on, there's a lot of competition and two main carriers offer very reasonable prices over their 3 brands. So poor VA is left stuck in the no-mans-land, yelling out in a crowded market that they're full service yet not offering special including a BYO device policy for IFE.

The average punter has no incentive to fly them, many unfortunately were probably forced to under the NZ alliance and were disappointed which leaves VA with a further uphill obstacle.

I'm starting to wonder how long we will them in NZ for.

DUD offers unique convinced so of no surprise there. Do I dare call it a monopoly route?

Very much a monopoly, wonder if they'll end up just serving ZQN, AKL and DUD at some point

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries. ... h/monopoly

The complete control of trade in particular goods or of the supply of a particular service; a type of goods or a service that is controlled in this way

NZ, JQ and QF could if the wanted to operate it. NZ does indirectly. Yes they're at an advantage being direct but the market isn't a monopoly.

LamboAston wrote:

NZ6 wrote:

LamboAston wrote:

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

You're spot on, there's a lot of competition and two main carriers offer very reasonable prices over their 3 brands. So poor VA is left stuck in the no-mans-land, yelling out in a crowded market that they're full service yet not offering special including a BYO device policy for IFE.

The average punter has no incentive to fly them, many unfortunately were probably forced to under the NZ alliance and were disappointed which leaves VA with a further uphill obstacle.

I'm starting to wonder how long we will them in NZ for.

DUD offers unique convinced so of no surprise there. Do I dare call it a monopoly route?

Very much a monopoly, wonder if they'll end up just serving ZQN, AKL and DUD at some point

You do realise they operate WLG-SYD and WLG-BNE?

NZ6 wrote:

LamboAston wrote:

Sylus wrote:

VA Have Conducted a review of their network . In terms of NZ frequencies, SYD-CHC will be dropped from APR 2020 and 19 weekly AKL-SYD frequencies will be reduced to up to 14 weekly frequencies.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 537tr.html

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

You're spot on, there's a lot of competition and two main carriers offer very reasonable prices over their 3 brands. So poor VA is left stuck in the no-mans-land, yelling out in a crowded market that they're full service yet not offering special including a BYO device policy for IFE.

The average punter has no incentive to fly them, many unfortunately were probably forced to under the NZ alliance and were disappointed which leaves VA with a further uphill obstacle.

I'm starting to wonder how long we will them in NZ for.

DUD offers unique convinced so of no surprise there. Do I dare call it a monopoly route?

Oh come off it. This is hardly the massive cuts that you all foretold when VA started on it's own trans Tasman. Even I'm amazed it's been so limited. And they're operating more than pre NZ split. Meanwhile EK loads on SYD-CHC have collapsed too. Something's going on there. And yes I got all this from the aussie thread.

And IFE... are you serious? I get a meal and bag included and byo device. NZ still tries to tell me I can have their pre ordained "choices" at the same price as the competition, aka I pay the same but get less. Weak. Not to mention the better frequent flyer program as an Australian based passenger.

Even the cuts in Australia are substantially less than expected. They've even added frequencies on VA metal where it apparently makes sense.

But VA death watch on the kiwi threads is kind of a tradition so... go for gold!

What was alarming was also from the Australian thread. That EK's load factor on the SYD to CHC route is just below 40% they must be losing a fortune. If it remains this low for much longer can see them pulling out of Christchurch and park up the A380 in Sydney for the day will be cheaper than flying the expensive tag on with very little revenue coming in. They can code share with Qantas on the route which could benefit both airlines.

Ex Air NZ ATR 72-500 ZK-MCX (msn 687) went CHC-BNE yesterday as SXI1954. It's not ADS-B equipped, so will be easier to follow on flightaware.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/zk-mcx

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/ZKMCX

PA515

aerokiwi wrote:

NZ6 wrote:

LamboAston wrote:

VA haven't done well on the tasman, probably from no IFE. Ironically, Dunedin has been one of their best performing routes.

You're spot on, there's a lot of competition and two main carriers offer very reasonable prices over their 3 brands. So poor VA is left stuck in the no-mans-land, yelling out in a crowded market that they're full service yet not offering special including a BYO device policy for IFE.

The average punter has no incentive to fly them, many unfortunately were probably forced to under the NZ alliance and were disappointed which leaves VA with a further uphill obstacle.

I'm starting to wonder how long we will them in NZ for.

DUD offers unique convinced so of no surprise there. Do I dare call it a monopoly route?

Oh come off it. This is hardly the massive cuts that you all foretold when VA started on it's own trans Tasman. Even I'm amazed it's been so limited. And they're operating more than pre NZ split. Meanwhile EK loads on SYD-CHC have collapsed too. Something's going on there. And yes I got all this from the aussie thread.

And IFE... are you serious? I get a meal and bag included and byo device. NZ still tries to tell me I can have their pre ordained "choices" at the same price as the competition, aka I pay the same but get less. Weak. Not to mention the better frequent flyer program as an Australian based passenger.

Even the cuts in Australia are substantially less than expected. They've even added frequencies on VA metal where it apparently makes sense.

But VA death watch on the kiwi threads is kind of a tradition so... go for gold!

SYD has become over rated, will all the New Zealand to Asia’s option for under $1000 an holiday in Sydney is now pretty pricy when you add in ground cost.

Also there is more non-stop Australia-ZQN services, the demand of people going via CHC would likely reduce.

aerokiwi wrote:

Oh come off it. This is hardly the massive cuts that you all foretold when VA started on it's own trans Tasman. Even I'm amazed it's been so limited. And they're operating more than pre NZ split. Meanwhile EK loads on SYD-CHC have collapsed too. Something's going on there. And yes I got all this from the aussie thread.

And IFE... are you serious? I get a meal and bag included and byo device. NZ still tries to tell me I can have their pre ordained "choices" at the same price as the competition, aka I pay the same but get less. Weak. Not to mention the better frequent flyer program as an Australian based passenger.

Even the cuts in Australia are substantially less than expected. They've even added frequencies on VA metal where it apparently makes sense.

But VA death watch on the kiwi threads is kind of a tradition so... go for gold!

My comments are based on their 2nd, or is it 3rd? reduction in services since the split. What I understand and see as their shrinking market share against NZ AND QF/JQ. I don't include any airlines outside of Australasia as their percentage is very small for obvious reasons.

I've had BYO IFE before, it was hideous, sucked the life out of my battery which resulted in it being constantly on charge but even then the battery usage was higher than the power supply to charge it. May have been my phone and technology will likely have improved. BUT what hasn't changed is having to hold my phone the entire time. Including while trying to eat, was fun with a drink in one hand, IFE in the other. Also, I understand you can rest phones and tablets etc on tray tables, but for an adult, it's looking down the entire time so isn't really comfortable for long periods.

This is my personal view and experience on them. I do know however, it was a top 5 complaint from NZ customers when travelling on VA metal. So obviously is shared by others.,

My experience was on an LCC. Is this what you'd expect from "full service"?

Frequently flyer programs in my mind generally aren't of their best value when you live away from their home base, obviously, there are exceptions but I'm talking about the average punter. That applies to NZ, QF and VA

As for the NZ's seats to suit choice. I understand many here don't like it. Let's not get into the pros and cons of the model. All I'll say is the vast majority of passengers purchase the Works, but a good chunk opt to save money and buy Seat only or Seat + Bag.

Just finally, if you recall last year, I was in support of VA and hoped they'd do more in the market. They, unfortunately, haven't been and if they continue to lose market to NZ/QF I question their presence in NZ in 5 or 10 years time.