Air New Zealand will sell premium economy on its flights to Australia, Bali and the Pacific Islands from October.
Although the airline does currently use widebodied aircraft featuring the premium economy cabin to the above destinations, the seats were not sold as premium economy, as Air New Zealand said the mix of aircraft flying these routes made it difficult to offer the product previously.
However, Air NZ chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace said the introduction of the Boeing 787-9 and refurbishment of the 777-200ERs, as well as the retirement of the 747-400, meant the time was right to offer the cabin between economy and business for sale.
“We now have a consistent premium economy offering across our twin aisle widebody fleet,” Wallace said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We know many of our customers enjoy the extra space and comfort when travelling premium economy on our long-haul services and we’re looking forward to extending this product to shorter flights.”
Premium economy will be sold on flights operated by 777-200ER, 777-300ER and 787-9 aircraft on trans-Tasman, Pacific Islands and Bali services from October 25.
While the refurbished 777-200ER and 787-9 feature the same premium economy seat (pictured above), the 777-300ER has Air NZ’s Spaceseat.
The airline won the best premium economy class award at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, which were announced at the Paris airshow on Tuesday.
Air NZ trans-Tasman alliance partner Virgin Australia recently stopped offering premium economy on services between Australia and NZ. The Australian carrier now sells business and economy on its trans-Tasman services.
