Air New Zealand's coffee app hits one million cups, and counting

We're probably not alone in putting 'good coffee' rather high on the list of what makes a great airport lounge, and we love that Air New Zealand's clever coffee app makes it easier to enjoy your chosen brew.

Plenty of AirNZ passengers do, too – the app has logged over one million orders since it went live in August 2014.

And using an app to streamline the process of ordering a cuppa in the lounge is a typically Air New Zealand thing. The Kiwi carrier has a well-deserved rep for innovation and punching above its weight, especially in cool ways that click with passengers.

Travellers in Air New Zealand lounges can order a coffee straight from their smartphone or even Apple Watch using the airline's app, with an iPad located near the barista station offering the same functionality.

Here's a walkthrough of how it works.

Sidle up to the barista bar and tap to get started: note that the app also advises how long the current wait is.

There's the option to have your coffee in a take-away cup, but that's not just for travellers who're headed to the gate: we find the coffee stays warmer for longer in a take-away cup.

Select your coffee. It should come as no surprise that almost half of all orders are for a flat white, a favourite with both Aussies (who created the drink in the 1980s) and Kiwis.

Second most popular is the latte, with the long black and cappuccino tied for third place, with hot chocolates and chai lattes also on the list.

Dial up your strength – if it's the start of a long day then we suggest a double shot may be called for – or choose decaf.

Next up, your choice of milk: regular, skim (which the Kiwis call 'trim') or soy? Note how that virtual cup on the iPad screen is being built to reflect your order.

All done? Enter your name and your coffee is on the way.

The app keeps track of current queue times so you'll have a fair idea of when your coffee will be ready to collect

New Zealand roasters Gravity Coffee supply the beans to AirNZ lounges, and you can use the app at the airline's Auckland, Sydney, Wellington Domestic and Christchurch Domestic lounges.

To top it off, your smartphone or Apple Watch will also remember your most recent coffee order and thoughtfully prompt you to place that order when you enter an Air New Zealand lounge ahead of your next flight.

Also read: Air New Zealand’s big plans for Aussie airport lounges

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David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.