A ban on picking up passengers from Australia en route to South Africa and vice-versa has been lifted, paving the way for daily flights.

Transport Minister announced new arrangements today, which he said would provide a boost for business, tourism and people-to-people links.

Previously, there was no arrangement between New Zealand and South Africa to allow airlines to pick up passengers in Australia, effectively meaning they have been prohibited from doing so.

Cattle class is out, legroom is in – Air New Zealand is refitting its Boeing 777-200ER fleet to hold more Premium Economy seats, at the expense of some Economy class seats.

The airline’s Pacific Premium Economy class comes between its Pacific Economy and Business Premier classes; UK travel writer Simon Calder calls it “business-light rather than economy-plus”.

The number of Premium Economy seats in the 777 cabins will double from 18 to 36, while economy class seats while be cut from 269 to 242.