April 4, 2011Air New Zealand’s much anticipated new economy Skycouch(tm) seats took off from London this weekend. Nicknamed Cuddle Class, the new seats were a sell-out on the first guaranteed service from the UK of Air New Zealand’s new B777-300 on Saturday. Passengers on the carrier’s NZ1 flight from London to Los Angeles and Auckland were also able to experience the new premium economy ‘Inner’ and ‘Outer’ Spaceseats(tm) and an enhanced Business Premier experience.“It’s hugely exciting that our customers from the UK and Europe are amongst the first to be able to enjoy what we believe to be the best long haul flying experience that looks after everyone on the plane from families to business travellers to holiday makers.” Chris Myers, Air New Zealand’s General Manager for UK/Europe said .
The economy ‘Skycouch(tm)’, a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create the world’s first economy lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front, providing a place for the kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel – a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep, much like they would on their couch at home.The premium economy Spaceseats(tm) feature fixed back shells so a passenger in front cannot recline into the personal space of the person behind, with seat recline created by a base that slides forward and tilts up. The centre seats ‘Inner Space’angle outwards from each other, providing ultimate privacy or the space can be combined so couples can snuggle together or even dine at a common table. The sets of two window seats ‘Outer Space’ seat’ are angled so as to offer the ultimate privacy for individual passengers.“Our ultimate goal was to give passengers what they want – more choice and control of their journey“As a result, we’ve created a range of new interior design items not seen before on aircraft including the new economy Skycouch™ and the new premium economy Spaceseat(tm) designed by our own in-house team.” said Mr Myers.
Air New Zealand’s design ideas also extend to small but significant comfort innovations. For example, a slip on pillow goes over the winged headrest in economy to eliminate the nuisance of pillows always falling down and removing the need for neck cushions, and a new foot bean bag style cushion affectionately named Otto, enabling premium economy passengers to create their own position for sleeping rather than being restrained by an uncomfortable, stiff leg rest.New menus with a fresh variety of food flavours with more choice, snack and beverage ordering via your seat-back touch screen, an extensive new in-flight entertainment system and even wine tasting and destination seminars have set the new benchmark for long haul travel.
Mr Myers added “Areas like galleys and bathrooms have long been neglected in aircraft refurbishments. We want customers to realise we have thought about bringing the fun back into these areas too, with design themes including a library, glitzy chandeliers and two bathrooms will even include a window so you can admire the view!”The new B777-300 aircraft start flying from London to New Zealand via Los Angeles from 2 April 2011.