Air New Zealand brings its immersive pop-up to London’s Soho

As a travel bloggers, over the years we’ve been lucky enough to fly with a quite a few airlines and yes this may sound a little harsh but most do blur into one. Air New Zealand, though, is definitely the exception. Having flown from London to Los Angeles with Air New Zealand a few years back we discovered the brand offers both a sense of humour and affordable innovative solutions for passenger comfort- something which is unfortunately quite a rarity in an airline.

Their ethos is that a flight should enjoyed rather than endured and it’s an ethos that has most definitely paid off – they’ve just been voted Airline of the Year for the fourth year in a row. We loved the adorable Cuddle couch, aka the Skycouch option (can’t afford first class but want to fly in more comfort than just plain ol’ economy? The Skycouch is their fabulous alternative!) and their slightly zany outlook made an otherwise long and mundane journey seemed fun and light-hearted. Our personal stand out highlights include their hilariously entertaining safety videos (seriously when have airline safety videos ever been entertaining?)

Their subtle and amusing Middle Earth theme, the exceptionally friendly crew and the uplifting Maori music played every time I paid a visit to the spacious, brightly patterned toilets. It’s always the details that count.

If you rather not just take our word for it, now you have the chance to experience the unique airline brand for yourself without having to leave London. Yep that’s right, tomorrow and Wednesday Air New Zealand is hosting it’s first ever inflight pop-up event which will showcase the best of the brand’s on-boards highlights including a ‘try before you fly’ offer.

People enjoying a pop up created by Air New Zealand, Soho, London

The immersive experience will be spread across a two-floor Soho venue and feature the best of long-haul flying, offering the finest food, inspired by the airline’s on-board menus designed by Peter Gordon and fellow Kiwi chef Michael Meredith. World-class New Zealand wines, entertainment and the latest innovations in their seating technology will also be showcased. 

People enjoying a pop up created by Air New Zealand, Soho, London

The event will take guests on an adventure that mirrors the Air New Zealand inflight journey. You will be ‘checked in’ as you arrive and once ‘on-board’ you will become their passenger, virtually whisked away on Air New Zealand’s London to Auckland route.

People enjoying a pop up created by Air New Zealand, Soho, London

Fancy a stopover in LA to sample a famous Californian beach? Or maybe you’ll just want to carry on to Auckland to soak up the beautiful New Zealand landscapes? You can experience both (virtually of course) if you wish. You can also try out their famous innovative seating options including their Business Premier seats complete with memory foam mattress, duvet and pillows, the new luxurious Premium Economy and our personal favourite, the Economy Skycouch- a perfect option for couples wanting to stretch out or parents who need an extra bit of space for their kids.

People enjoying a pop up created by Air New Zealand, Soho, London

A great event for curious future flyers this will give you the full Air New Zealand experience without the need to purchase a ticket. Air New Zealand’s “This Is How We Fly” is open to the public to drop in for free on Tuesday 25th April and Wednesday 26th April at Unit London Gallery, 147 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8WD.

For more information on scheduling and details on ticketed events, visit www.airnewzealand.co.uk/howwefly