Air New Zealand is predicting a boom for premium economy travel.Group general manager international airline Ed Sims said the premium economy cabin had proved to be “recession proof” with demand rising since its introduction in 2005.Its new Boe
Air New Zealand is predicting a boom for premium economy travel.
Group general manager international airline Ed Sims said the premium economy cabin had proved to be “recession proof” with demand rising since its introduction in 2005.
Its new Boeing 777-300s will have 39% more seats than its 777-200 aircraft and 28% more than its 747-400 fleet.
A new ‘spaceseat’ is angled differently, in a 2-2-2 configuration rather than the industry standard 3-3-3.
“There was no premium economy seat available in the market that delivered the exclusive style of customer experience we were looking for. The only answer was to design our own,” Mr Sims said.
Welsh company Contour will manufacture the ‘spaceseat’ under license and Air New Zealand expects a new “lucrative” revenue stream – although Mr Sims would not specify the return on investment expected.
“This is a game-changing product for premium economy which will have our competitors playing catch up for several years. Already Boeing has indicated they’re interested in the seats as a business class option for their 737 range.”
Design changes
• A hard back shell so a passenger in front cannot recline into the person behind
• The seat reclines when the base slides forward and angles up
• Centre seats angle outwards from each other, providing a choice between privacy or combined space for couples
• Couples can dine at a common table
• Sets of two window seats (‘outer space seats’) will angle to offer individual privacy
The premium economy seats will be priced similar to today’s premium economy airfares, starting from a third, more than standard economy fares. Airfares will be on sale from late April.
