I tried Air New Zealand’s new business class seat coming to its Boeing 787 aircraft on order and I think it’s a major upgrade from its current product

Air New Zealand launched the world’s new fourth longest flight in September — a nearly 18-hour journey between New York and Auckland using a Boeing 787-9.

Air New Zealand will operate the 4th longest flight in the world when it launches the first-ever nonstop route between the US East Coast and the South Pacific nation

While the trek may seem daunting, ANZ’s home is uniquely isolated in the South Pacific, forcing the carrier to become a master of long-haul travel.

Over the past decade, ANZ has improved its onboard product with things like special mood lighting, which helps reduce jet lag…

…and lie-flat beds in economy, known as the Skycouch.

I flew on the world’s 4th longest flight in a ‘Skycouch’ — an economy seat that converts into a bed — and it was a lifesaver on the 16-hour journey

Coming in 2024, the airline will also offer another economy sleeping option, but this time it’s a 6-person capacity bunk bed called the Skynest.

I tried Air New Zealand’s one-of-a-kind Skynest and found the cozy bunk bed to be a great sleep option for economy passengers

But, for those flying ultra-long-haul on ANZ and are willing to pay thousands for extra comfort and amenities, the Business Premier cabin is the best option.

I flew on the world’s new 4th longest flight from New York to Auckland and Air New Zealand’s business class made the over 17-hour journey easily bearable

ANZ’s current business class, configured in a 1x1x1 layout, includes perks like a lie-flat lounger with plush linens…

…a four-course dinner with food like caviar and lamb…

…and more privacy than premium economy or regular economy.

However, the product has some drawbacks, which I noticed on the carrier’s inaugural from New York to Auckland.

These include the seats positioning, which is angled away from the window, making it difficult to enjoy the view.

Moreover, the seat was not fully private, so those in the middle row could easily peer into the set of seats on the right side of the cabin…

…and the flight attendants have to manually convert the seat into a bed for each passenger.

Most other carriers, like Qatar Airways and Delta Air Lines, have business class seats that lay flat at the touch of a button, which I find much more convenient.

Fortunately, ANZ is fixing these problems with a new and improved business class coming to its future Boeing 787 Dreamliners starting in 2024.

The seats will be configured in a 1x2x1 layout and still face away from the window, but at a lesser angle than ANZ’s current cabin, allowing travelers to more easily see out the window.

Moreover, the pods will have a button that allows passengers to convert the seat into a bed.

This eliminates the work previously required by flight attendants.

The lie-flat bed will come with a comfy mattress pad and linens to use for sleeping.

Other amenities include a lot of legroom…

…power and USB ports and a wireless charging spot for smartphones…

…a half-sliding panel for extra privacy…

…a reading light, mirror, small compartment, and a set of headphones…

…storage space next to the seat…

…and a huge inflight entertainment system.

The flat screen TV is much larger than its predecessor, which folded out from the seat and had to be stowed for takeoff and landing.

Also being added to the cabin is Business Premier Luxe, which has even more amenities, like a privacy door…

…a larger ottoman compared to the regular Business Premier seats…

…and extra seating and larger tray table for an additional passenger to dine, hang out, or have a business meeting.

The seat is similar to JetBlue’s Mint Studio installed on its A321neoLRs.

See inside the first JetBlue plane with all-new Mint business class suites which are set to impress on upcoming flights to London

ANZ’s new product is a major upgrade from its current business class, and I think it’ll put the carrier more on par with competitors.