I t has been a busy couple of years for Air New Zealand. Following an exciting launch towards the end of 2006, when it became the only airline to offer a round- the- world service using twice- daily flights from London – one via Hong Kong and the other via Los Angeles – Air New Zealand continues to lead the way in flight innovations. One of its latest service innovations is its Concierge in the Sky. Every flight to LA has an additional member of crew available from check- in, through to landing to assist passengers with everything from getting to the aircraft, to buying gifts on board and choosing where to dine when they arrive. Recruited from all over the UK, and from various professions, the concierges are already in place on flights from London to LA, with plans to roll out this unique service across other routes shortly. Business Premier – the longest lie- flat bed in the sky Premium Economy receives the same in- flight menu as Business Premier Economy – over 450 hours of personal on- demand entertainment in every seat We spoke to Air New Zealand concierge Hadley Bishop, a former teacher, and cabin crew Zoe Parkin ? Hadley, tell us what you do as an Air New Zealand concierge My role very much depends on the passengers. On one flight I'll be giving advice about romantic restaurants with a view in Hong Kong; the next I'll be offering menu advice or arranging a birthday party in a departure lounge. ? What unusual or challenging requests have you had ' Mr Fishy' from seat 48H sticks in my mind. He had been holidaying in Auckland and had rush back to London last minute. He was meeting his wife at Heathrow but had come straight from a fishing trip and was very concerned about how he smelled. I rang ahead and arranged a shower and spruce- up for him at Heathrow. ? Zoe, any insider tips for Hong Kong Get an Octopus ( stored- value travel) card as soon as you arrive. Convenient, cost- effective and easy to use, you can even use it to get to Central from the airport – on an immaculate train that whizzes you there in under half an hour. Try to visit one of the city's outlying islands – easily accessible by fast ferry, they offer a very different perspective on the city. ? Any advice for combating jetlag, on route to Auckland? Break your journey with a stopover. I prefer the LA routing as you arrive at night so can have a quick bite to eat and then go off to bed. In Hong Kong, I suggest heading straight out after a shower to eat and drink something, then trying to stay up until about 11pm if you can. ? What about LA? Arrange to hire a car before you arrive – it's far cheaper and quicker than doing it in LA. Must- dos are the Farmers Market near Beverly Centre, hiring a bicycle and hitting the Santa Monica beachfront and, at night, the Skybar at the Mondrian hotel, for amazing views of the city. Ask the crew Your wish is their command... Air New Zealandintroduces an on- board concierge service and rolls out more premium economy seating to ensure maximum comfort in the sky

airline spotlight Award- winning wine and New Zealand- inspired cuisineAir New Zealand Boeing 747 More Premium Economy The concierge service is testament to Air New Zealand's customer service mantra, and on- board customer comfort remains a priority for the airline. Due to the number of economy passengers opting for extra legroom, Air New Zealand will double the seating available in its premium economy cabin on its eight Boeing 777 aircraft flying from London to Auckland via LA. By June, each flight will offer 36 premium economy seats, which boast a 41- inch pitch and nine inches of recline and feature a business- class food and beverage service. The airline has already twice increased the number of premium economy seats available on its B747s following a rise in demand from business and leisure passengers. Flying greener and cleaner On the environmental front Air New Zealand expects that, within five years, a good portion of its fleet will be running on a cleaner, greener oil. In the meantime, the airline is working to reduce fuel consumption and cut its carbon emissions by more than 20,000 tonnes a year through a series of aircraft modifications. These include fitting performance- enhancing winglets, to reduce drag, and installing dryers into cabins to cut condensation and make the aircraft lighter. These measures mean Air New Zealand is not only one of the most convenient and comfortable airlines in the sky, but one of the most environmentally friendly, too. Don't forget it is the only airline to offer a complete round- the- world service from the UK, flying from London to Auckland via either Los Angeles or Hong Kong. For the ultimate global experience why not fly out one way and back the other? Lookinggood ( withyourclotheson) Gok Wan, celebrity stylist and star of the hit TV show, How To Look Good Naked, has joined Air New Zealand to offer passengers some tips on how to look good at 18,000ft.
LAYER– Use block colours and make sure your top layer is easy to remove. Mixing knits is SO this season!
BACK TO MACS– Trench coats are fab for flying as they fold well, won't crease and are great for all body shapes.
HAPPY HAIR– Women with long hair should tie it back. With fringes: try twisting the fringe back in a little quiff to keep it off your face. Short hair can fall flat on flights so nip to the loo and apply a little water to the roots and then, in circular movements, rub your hand against your head until the water dries for instant lift.
FACE OFF– Cabin pressure dries skin dry out so pack a disposable face- mask ( I recommend Bio- Therm).
AND FOR HIM– in your hand luggage, pack a cotton top, sweat pants and cashmere socks and change once you get on board. Not only will you be more comfortable, but your original outfit will stay crumple- free.