Air New Zealand predicts boom in premium economy

Air New Zealand is predicting "dramatic growth" in premium economy flights this year.

The carrier is operating a new fleet of Boeing 777-300 planes that feature 39 per cent more premium economy seats than its 777-200 aircraft and 28 per cent more than its 747-400s.

Ed Sims, the airline group's general international manager, said the premium economy cabin has proven to be "recession-proof", with demand rising steadily since it was introduced in 2005.

He added: "While the nature of our long-haul sectors has lent itself to selling the added space and service of premium economy, none of this has come at the expense of business premier, which offers one of the longest beds in the sky."

Air New Zealand has designed the new 'spaceseat' for its premium economy service, claiming that it will provide "flexibility and privacy" through its angle and configuration within the cabin.

The seats have a base that slides forward and angles upward, meaning passengers can recline without encroaching on the space of the person behind them.

It was also announced recently that the carrier is planning to introduce a lie-flat seat in its economy cabin on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Posted by Andrew, 26 January 2010 14:09

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