Lie-down in economy now a reality with Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand will transform international air travel later this year when it introduces revolutionary, Kiwi designed lie-flat economy and ground breaking premium economy seats, together with enhanced comforts for those wanting the ultimate in luxurious Business Premier travel.
The airline today revealed its prototype designs in a full-scale Boeing 777-300 cabin inside its design innovation centre in Auckland’s CBD, just a few hundred metres from its head office. Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says when the airline takes delivery of its first new Boeing 777-300 ER in November this year it will redefine the long haul travel experience and set a benchmark for competitors to follow.
“Air New Zealand is putting the magic and romance back into flying. For the past three years we have been designing a new long haul experience that will reignite the passion of today’s travellers,” Mr Fyfe says. “For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone. The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on thanks!”
The ‘Skycouch’, a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front, providing a place for the kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel – a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep. Twenty-two sets of Skycouch seats will be available, being the first 11 window rows in the Economy Class cabin.
For two adults travelling, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.
The first routes to offer travellers the next generation of long haul travel will be on selected NZ5 and NZ6 services between Auckland and Los Angeles from December followed by dedicated return services on NZ1 and NZ2 between Auckland and Los Angeles and through to London from April 2011.
Africa, Air New Zealand, Airlines, Asia, Australia, New Zealand etc., Europe, North America, Other, South and Central America
