Air New Zealand to increase premium seating offer

Air New Zealand announced (22-Aug-2016) plans to invest more than NZD100 million (USD72 million) increasing the number of premium seats on its Boeing 787-9 and refurbishing its 777-300 fleet in response to customer trends. Increasing demand for premium travel means the three 787-9s scheduled to be delivered from Oct-2017 will arrive with a new cabin configuration that will increase the number of Business Premier seats from 18 to 27 and Premium Economy seats from 21 to 33. From Feb-2017, all seven of the airline's 777-300s will also progressively complete a refurbishment programme, including the installation of the Panasonic eX3 IFE system and refreshed seating options. Each of the 777-300s' interiors will be completely refurbished as part of the project. The refurbished aircraft will feature refreshed Business Premier and Economy seats as well as Air New Zealand's Premium Economy seat which debuted on the 787-9 in Jul-2014. These will replace the Spaceseat and take the number of Premium Economy seats on this aircraft from 44 to 54. The 777-300 refurbishment programme is expected to be completed by late Nov-2017. [more - original PR]