Lie-back comfort for Air New Zealand economy class

[whatsthequestionnow]

Something new

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/l...-1225823123530

AIR New Zealand is set to unveil economy-class seats that allow passengers to lie back and sleep.

The airline said the seats allowed passengers to lie back comfortably.

The Herald on Sunday newspaper reported the airline had built a full-size replica of a Boeing 777-300 economy class cabin in a shed near Air NZ's headquarters.

The new seat will be a world first.

"A team of Air New Zealand engineers has been conceptualising, building, testing and refining a range of new products and interiors that will simply redefine long-haul travel and set a benchmark for competitors to follow," the paper quoted chief executive Rob Fyfe as saying.

The seat will make its first appearance on board a new fleet of Boeing 777-300 ERs due to arrive from the end of this year. They will be fitted on routes from Auckland to London.


The new design is expected to be launched tomorrow.

[ginkoka]

Wow!

A class beyond economy?

[Kyo]

Absolutely game-changing. GO the Kiwis... anyone got any pics of the design for us to take a closer look at?

[Kiwi]

Absolutely game-changing. GO the Kiwis... anyone got any pics of the design for us to take a closer look at?

In about 5 1/2 hours.

[Pure Shores]

Here it is........Air NZs 'Skycouch' !!!!

Not as amazing as I thought but a good effort at least for economy!

News Articles:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/indu...h-to-cost-1400

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/n...ectid=10622347

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lql77jkiztc

[SQflyergirl]

To me, Y+ looks the most revolutionary of the lot. Those seats look very comfy.

Not sure about the skycouch thingy though - can the extended area support the weight of a person lying on it?

[KeithMEL]

The new whY seats don't really do anything for solo travellers unless one is willing to share with strangers. Could work v well when travelling with partner but I'd rather put the money towards sitting in PE if PE isn't much more.

I am more impressed by the new PE offering.

[QSG]

It all looks very revolutionary to me.....I wonder if they will allow "same sex" couples to share that economy skycouch? Of will there be a prohibition and then subsequent lawsuit? The premium economy looks like US new business class...

[jhm]

Who wants to start a website linking up skycouch partners with "nothing to hide" ?

[Kyo]

It's still a vast improvement for Y for sure... hopefully it spurs other airlines to develop their future seats according to something similar - and maybe I'm the only one, but I do like sitting cross legged or with my feet up (ala 77W F style)..

[Kiwi]

To me, Y+ looks the most revolutionary of the lot. Those seats look very comfy.

Not sure about the skycouch thingy though - can the extended area support the weight of a person lying on it?

It certainly can take 2 people. Perhaps not two sumo wrestlers, but then there isn't really enough room for 2 sumo wrestlers to lie down in economy.

[Kiwi]

My initial comments from seeing the mockup and hearing the briefing.

[Kiwi]

It all looks very revolutionary to me.....I wonder if they will allow "same sex" couples to share that economy skycouch? Of will there be a prohibition and then subsequent lawsuit? The premium economy looks like US new business class...

Why would there be any prohibition? NZ is one of the most liberal places on earth.

[Kiwi]

The new whY seats don't really do anything for solo travellers unless one is willing to share with strangers. Could work v well when travelling with partner but I'd rather put the money towards sitting in PE if PE isn't much more.

I am more impressed by the new PE offering.

Current PE is much more than economy, and I'd expect the new PE to be quite a lot more than skycouch.

[Pure Shores]

Updated coverage

This is the best article I can find.....enjoy

http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/co...ds-in-economy/