Josh Emett Joins Air New Zealand as Culinary Ambassador to Enhance Onboard Dining Experience

Air New Zealand has officially appointed renowned chef Josh Emett as its new Culinary Ambassador, marking a significant step in the airline’s strategy to elevate its premium inflight dining offering. The announcement, made on May 16, 2026, signals a renewed focus on high-end hospitality for the national carrier as it seeks to differentiate its long-haul service in an increasingly competitive international market. Emett, a chef with an extensive Michelin-starred background, will be tasked with designing a suite of signature dishes that highlight regional flavours and the quality of New Zealand produce.

The partnership is designed to transform the dining experience for passengers travelling in the airline’s most exclusive cabins. The new menu items are scheduled to begin their rollout in October 2026, specifically targeting long-haul services. These enhanced culinary options will be available to passengers in Premium Economy, Business Premier, and the recently introduced Business Premier Luxe cabins. The initial phase of the programme will focus on flights departing from Auckland, as well as select routes originating from North American locations.

Strategic Focus on Premium Hospitality

The appointment of Josh Emett aligns with a broader commercial objective to reinforce the airline's identity as a premium carrier. By integrating high-calibre culinary expertise into its service model, the organisation aims to create a uniquely Kiwi experience that resonates with international travellers. The focus of the new menu design will be on ingredients that maintain their integrity and flavour profile at high altitudes, a common challenge in aviation catering. Emett’s role involves curating a selection of dishes that not only showcase local ingredients but also reflect the sophisticated hospitality standards expected by premium passengers.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Jeremy O'Brien, noted that the collaboration is a key component of the airline's efforts to showcase the best of the country to the world. The initiative is expected to support local producers by providing a global platform for their goods, further cementing the link between the airline and New Zealand’s primary industries. While the specific financial terms of the agreement between the airline and Emett have not been disclosed, the investment represents a clear commitment to service quality.

Historical Context and Service Evolution

This move follows a long-standing tradition of the airline collaborating with culinary experts to refine its onboard service. Prior to the May 16, 2026 announcement, the airline had established a history of such partnerships, including notable collaborations with chefs Michael Meredith and Peter Gordon in 2016. More recently, in April 2025, the carrier launched its 'A Taste of Aotearoa' menu, which served as a precursor to this more comprehensive ambassadorial role.

The transition to a menu designed by Emett represents an evolution of this strategy, moving toward a more integrated approach to cabin service. By focusing on the and segments, the airline is directly addressing the expectations of its highest-yielding customers. The inclusion of in the rollout also suggests a desire to lift the standard of service across all long-haul premium tiers.