Star Alliance member Air New Zealand has transformed its premium check-in area at Auckland airport, which officially reopened this week.
Premium check-in provides frequent flyers, Koru members, and premium cabin customers with an exclusive space to start their journey, allowing them to check-in and drop their bags with swift service and minimal waiting times.
The space has been fully redesigned to deliver an enhanced travel experience for customers from the moment they step through the door.
The new design features sweeping timber curves imitating the contour of a bird’s wing in motion to help guide customers through their check-in journey.
Folded ceiling battens illustrating a stylised nest pattern help soften the area acoustically and illuminated feather motifs, visible between the carved timber screen slats, allow design elements to be discovered over time.
A living wall replicating the forest floor of the Waitakere Ranges alongside natural stone, timber finishes and a 12 metre digital wall featuring bespoke art and music add warmth and tactility to the space.
Concierge-style desks provide customers with a space to sit to speak with customer service agents, while the self-service kiosks and updated bag drop technology provide efficiency.
“After the January floods caused damage to the space, we took the opportunity to completely redesign the footprint creating a better customer flow and installing new and refreshed finishings,” said Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty.
“We’ve had great feedback that the space now feels bigger, with an improved transition for customers to move from the check-in kiosks to the bag drop. The new colours and textures also provide a sense of calm which is a lovely way to start a trip overseas,” she added.