Most seasoned business travellers find themselves indebted to the initiative and connections of a good hotel concierge. Now that kind of personalised service, previously available only on the ground, can be called on in the sky.
Air New Zealand is about to launch what group general manager Ed Sims believes to be an aviation industry first with the introduction of an in-flight concierge service.
Ultimately, the airline intends to employ up to 90 concierge employees, who will be dedicated to making every customer's long-haul journey 'a special event'.
Air New Zealand will begin to feature the service on flights starting in the next few weeks.
Most of these employees will be based in New Zealand, although some will fly from other countries. All will be experts on New Zealand and on the destinations to which the carrier flies.
Mr Sims said he was not aware of any other airline in the world offering such a service, and is hoping it will provide Air New Zealand with a significant competitive edge. 'International airline concierges will be a combination of travel advisers, disrupt managers, loyalty experts and destination experts, focused on supporting every customer travelling with us,' he explained.