More Premium Economy seats from Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is to double the number of available Pacific Premium Economy seats on its fleet of eight 777-200ER aircraft in line with unprecedented demand.

Expected to be reconfigured by June 2009, each aircraft will have an additional 18 Pacific Premium Economy seats added taking the total available to 36.

It is the third Premium Economy capacity increase in two years, with Air New Zealand twice increasing the number of seats available on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, now up to 39 Pacific Premium Economy seats.

“In this challenging economic environment it has been reassuring to see in the past year 50% more Kiwis and inbound travellers paying to travel premium economy,” says Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims.

“Clearly customers value the premium economy experience and recognise the superior leg room, personal space and our business class style service and are happy to pay more for that travelling experience over economy.”

Pacific Premium Economy seating is situated in its own dedicated cabin on the 777 and, when the additional seats are installed, will feature 41 inch seat pitch, nine inches of seat recline and business class style food and beverage service and amenities.

“Pacific Premium Economy is a particularly popular class of travel on our Auckland – London services and with our decision to operate the 777 on the Auckland-Los Angeles-London route from later this month we need to boost capacity on this aircraft to meet demand,” says Mr Sims.

The new 777-200ER seating configuration will be; Business Premier 26, Pacific Premium Economy 36 and Pacific Economy 242 (currently 269).