Air New Zealand is now the Best of the Best

AIR NEW ZEALAND BOEING 777-319 ZK-OKQ (MSN 40689)

Air New Zealand has consistently ranked among the World’s Top 10 Safest Airlines. Now, following the success of its most recent onboard cabin safety audit, the airline has been elevated into an even more exclusive category, the Seven Star PLUS category.

The achievement places Air New Zealand within a select group of Seven Star PLUS carriers including airlines such as Etihad Airways, Starlux and Cathay Pacific recognising its continued commitment to rigorous operational standards onboard.

The CEO of Airlineratings.com Sharon Petersen said of the recognition:
"What distinguishes Air New Zealand as a Seven Star PLUS safety-rated airline is not only its performance but also its growth mindset. Whilst our auditor identified very few recommendations, at our exit briefing, the airline's leadership treated each one of those as an opportunity to refine an already exceptional operation. This is the absolute epitome of a Seven Star PLUS airline: exceptional safety standards underpinned by a team that refuses to grow complacent."

Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said: "We're incredibly proud to receive AirlineRatings.com's Seven Star PLUS safety rating, its highest accolade. It recognises the dedication of all Air New Zealanders to maintaining safe, reliable operations and caring for our customers at every step of their journey. While this is a fantastic milestone, we know safety is an ongoing journey, and we remain focused on continuing to raise the bar every day."

ANZ has also just won the World's Best Economy Class for 2026, mainly due to the Skycouch, but the real question is whether paying $249 to $1,200 extra for a 5' 1" (1.55 m) flat surface actually beats just buying a premium economy ticket. As fuel costs and demand drive international fares to new heights, these mechanical and financial trade-offs become far more critical for anyone crossing the Pacific or heading toward the East Asian markets.

Competitors like Singapore Airlines and Korean Air were runners-up, but the unique ability to convert a standard row into a bed remains a significant differentiator for the Kiwi carrier.