Air NZ's $100m fleet upgrade
Touch-screen in-flight entertainment and Skycouches will be introduced on Boeing 777-200s.
Touch-screen in-flight entertainment and Skycouches will be introduced on Boeing 777-200s.
Partially-listed national carrier Air New Zealand is spending more than $100 million upgrading eight Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Deputy ceo Norm Thompson says the upgrade includes the introduction of lie-flat Skycouches, the complete replacement of premium economy and economy seats, and upgraded business premier seats, to match those on the 777-300.
There will also be an improved in-flight entertainment system, with touch monitors and improved resolution.
The 304-seat aircraft entered service in 2005 and fly various international routes.
The upgrade will begin in 2014 and take a year.
Air New Zealand shares (NZX: AIR) are down half a cent at midday today, at $1.14, having gained almost 27% this year.
The company is 73% state owned and a further float is being considered under the government's mixed ownership model.