More Premium Economy Seats on Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is doubling the number of Pacific Premium Economy seats available on its Boeing 777-200 ER fleet, with the first of eight aircraft re-entering service this week after being refitted at Technical Operations in Auckland.

All aircraft will be completed mid-June, with the number of seats in the cabin increasing from 18 to 36, adding 72,000 Pacific Premium Economy seats annually to the long-haul network.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Long Haul Airline Ed Sims said, "Despite the challenging economic environment, long-haul customers clearly value the experience and are happy to pay more for the superior legroom, personal space and business class-style service."

Air New Zealand is further enhancing the Pacific Premium Economy experience by introducing more legroom with seat pitch increased to 41 inches (from 38 inches) and a new self-service bar area for customers travelling in premium cabins.

Customers will continue to enjoy nine inches of seat recline and business class style food and beverage service and amenities.

It is the third Pacific 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.

Air New Zealand introduced the 777-200ER into its fleet nearly four years ago. The aircraft operates long haul routes from Auckland including Hong Kong-London, San Francisco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and on selected Los Angles services.

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

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