First images of NZ's new product!
"A team of Air New Zealanders has been conceptualising, building, testing and refining a range of new products and interiors"
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Air NZ unveils new 'Skycouch' economy seats
11:15 AM Tuesday Jan 26, 2010
Expand An Air NZ publicity shot of its new 'Skycouch' seats.
An Air NZ publicity shot of its new 'Skycouch' seats.
Air New Zealand has this morning unveiled a new seat design for its long-haul economy passengers - called the "Skycouch".
The airline today showed off its prototype designs in a full-scale Boeing 777-300 cabin in built near its Auckland corporate headquarters.
Chief executive Rob Fyfe said the new seats would be installed in the first of its new Boeing 777-300ER planes that will arrive in November this year.
"For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone. The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion - just keep your clothes on thanks!"
The 'Skycouch', is a specially designed row of three seats, engineered to create a "lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front", said Fyfe.
He said this would provide a place for "kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel - a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep."
Twenty-two sets of the Skycouch seats will be available in the plane, found in the first 11 window rows of the economy class cabin.
For two adults travelling, buying the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.
The airline is also changing its food and drinks service throughout the plane.
Fyfe said a customer would soon be able to order steaks from the business premier seats, or a pizza for two in its premium economy.
New oven technology in the aircraft would allow staff to cook food from scratch rather than simply reheating it. A new in-seat ordering service would mean it was "truly the first time real food has been served at 35,000 feet."
The 340 seat 777-300 aircraft will be configured with 246 in Economy (including 66 seats creating 22 Skycouch combinations), 50 in Premium Economy and 44 in Business Premier.
The first routes to offer travellers the new seats will be on selected services between Auckland and Los Angeles from December this year followed by dedicated return services between Auckland and Los Angeles and through to London from April 2011.
Air New Zealand is re-fitting its existing fleet of eight Boeing 777-200s from mid next year. It says all its Asian, North American and UK services should have the new product in 2012.
Photos Air NZ's new SkyCouch in action (4 pics)
11:15 AM Tuesday Jan 26, 2010
Expand An Air NZ publicity shot of its new 'Skycouch' seats. An Air NZ publicity shot of its new 'Skycouch' seats.
Air New Zealand has this morning unveiled a new seat design for its long-haul economy passengers - called the "Skycouch".
The airline today showed off its prototype designs in a full-scale Boeing 777-300 cabin in built near its Auckland corporate headquarters.
Chief executive Rob Fyfe said the new seats would be installed in the first of its new Boeing 777-300ER planes that will arrive in November this year.
"For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone. The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion - just keep your clothes on thanks!"
The 'Skycouch', is a specially designed row of three seats, engineered to create a "lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front", said Fyfe.
He said this would provide a place for "kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel - a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep."
Twenty-two sets of the Skycouch seats will be available in the plane, found in the first 11 window rows of the economy class cabin.
For two adults travelling, buying the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.
The airline is also changing its food and drinks service throughout the plane.
Fyfe said a customer would soon be able to order steaks from the business premier seats, or a pizza for two in its premium economy.
New oven technology in the aircraft would allow staff to cook food from scratch rather than simply reheating it. A new in-seat ordering service would mean it was "truly the first time real food has been served at 35,000 feet."
The 340 seat 777-300 aircraft will be configured with 246 in Economy (including 66 seats creating 22 Skycouch combinations), 50 in Premium Economy and 44 in Business Premier.
The first routes to offer travellers the new seats will be on selected services between Auckland and Los Angeles from December this year followed by dedicated return services between Auckland and Los Angeles and through to London from April 2011.
Air New Zealand is re-fitting its existing fleet of eight Boeing 777-200s from mid next year. It says all its Asian, North American and UK services should have the new product in 2012.
Photos Air NZ's new SkyCouch in action (4 pics)
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Now if this was a 'Jetstar' or 'Pacific Blue' innovation of buying the seat next to you at half price to ensure that you have exta room to relax I can imagine the response
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Sharing Air New Zealand's Skycouch | Stuff.co.nz
I would want to wear gloves collecting those mattresses after a long night sector.
I would want to wear gloves collecting those mattresses after a long night sector.
seatbelts
Did I miss something.
Do AirNZ aircraft neaver hit unexpected turbulence or are there other seatbelts which secure the pax when they are lying down?
Don't see these seats lasting sorry but hope it goes without drama.
Mud.
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I may be seen to be churlish at this observation but we seem to have forgotten "First Class" when we laud the proposed meal preparation.
I recall, for example, the exquisite breakfasts provided in MAS first class , when I travelled with them (no bacon, but glorious poached eggs).
Mud
Mate, you don't get CAA authority without adequate security of pax, and you don't spend the money going down here without CAA authority. The pax are going to be very safe.
I recall, for example, the exquisite breakfasts provided in MAS first class , when I travelled with them (no bacon, but glorious poached eggs).
Mud
Mate, you don't get CAA authority without adequate security of pax, and you don't spend the money going down here without CAA authority. The pax are going to be very safe.
Last edited by cribble; 26th Jan 2010 at 05:38. Reason: more thorts
Mate
Cribble,
I don't post much nowdays as there's always someone like you around.
Lets just wait and see - with luck no passengers will be bounced.
Give them another option though and I can see seatbelts being left off more than usual.
I don't post much nowdays as there's always someone like you around.
Lets just wait and see - with luck no passengers will be bounced.
Give them another option though and I can see seatbelts being left off more than usual.
Last edited by Mud Skipper; 26th Jan 2010 at 20:18.
Hahaha, this is the funniest **** I've seen in a long time! Check out the video at The Skycouch: Air NZ offers world's first economy class bed-seat. If it was April Fool's Day I'd think I'd been had!
Good work Air NZ, really innovative! Isn't this what people do currently on empty flights with a row of 3 or 4 seats to themselves?
Good work Air NZ, really innovative! Isn't this what people do currently on empty flights with a row of 3 or 4 seats to themselves?
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How do they know when to make these seats available?? They are saying families can buy the middle seat of the first 11 rows in economy for roughly half price. This means up to 33 seats on the aircraft being sold for half price. Why would they do this if these seats would potentially sell for a full fare?? or am I missing something here.
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[I]NEW INTERIOR A GAME-CHANGER, SAYS BOEING
SEATTLE, January 26, 2010 -- Boeing today congratulated Air New Zealand on being awarded Airline of the Year by Air Transport World, noting the carrier’s new inflight product is truly game-changing.
“It has been an exciting journey for Boeing to be involved in such an innovative project to improve passenger comfort,” said Jim Albaugh, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“The new international seat layout will be a game-changer and reinforces Air New Zealand’s status among the world’s elite airlines. We are honored that Air New Zealand chose the 777 as the platform for its newest cabin features and we look forward to supporting Air New Zealand when the new interior enters service later this year. On behalf of all of us at Boeing, congratulations to everyone at Air New Zealand for winning Airline of the Year.”
Boeing[/I]
I guess the difference here in regard to the Y product (current versus new), is that the floor space is currently unusable with the current seat. By folding the new seat's footrest up to the new horizontal position, the total area is usable between seats, whether this be for 1 or 3 pax.
The real improvement here is the new Y+ seat. This looks to be way ahead of any other y+ product.
Go Air NZ!
SEATTLE, January 26, 2010 -- Boeing today congratulated Air New Zealand on being awarded Airline of the Year by Air Transport World, noting the carrier’s new inflight product is truly game-changing.
“It has been an exciting journey for Boeing to be involved in such an innovative project to improve passenger comfort,” said Jim Albaugh, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“The new international seat layout will be a game-changer and reinforces Air New Zealand’s status among the world’s elite airlines. We are honored that Air New Zealand chose the 777 as the platform for its newest cabin features and we look forward to supporting Air New Zealand when the new interior enters service later this year. On behalf of all of us at Boeing, congratulations to everyone at Air New Zealand for winning Airline of the Year.”
Boeing[/I]
I guess the difference here in regard to the Y product (current versus new), is that the floor space is currently unusable with the current seat. By folding the new seat's footrest up to the new horizontal position, the total area is usable between seats, whether this be for 1 or 3 pax.
The real improvement here is the new Y+ seat. This looks to be way ahead of any other y+ product.
Go Air NZ!
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Cuddle class wins kudos on internet
4:00 AM Thursday Jan 28, 2010
All Black Mils Muliaina and Olympic gold-medal cyclist Sarah Ulmer sample Air New Zealand's new menu.
Air New Zealand's new "cuddle class" seats have earned positive feedback in some tourist markets, although some travellers are worried they are only for short people.
The announcement of the cabin redesign for the new Boeing 777-300 jets, which will for the first time allow economy travellers to lie flat, or a couple to curl up, won kudos on the internet yesterday for thinking of those stuck in cattle class.
The Belfast Telegraph noted the deal was aimed at couples and families, and would be the price of about two and a half seats.
It quoted chief executive Rob Fyfe warning the lie-flat beds were not an invitation to join the mile-high club. "Just keep your clothes on, thanks," ran the popular quote.
The Daily Mail's website in Britain noted that cuddling, and nothing more, would be tolerated on the new beds, and welcomed them on behalf of economy flyers.
"The new seating is a welcome development for economy travellers who have faced ever-decreasing comfort levels on budget airlines in recent years as business class seats have become ever more luxurious."
4:00 AM Thursday Jan 28, 2010
All Black Mils Muliaina and Olympic gold-medal cyclist Sarah Ulmer sample Air New Zealand's new menu. Air New Zealand's new "cuddle class" seats have earned positive feedback in some tourist markets, although some travellers are worried they are only for short people.
The announcement of the cabin redesign for the new Boeing 777-300 jets, which will for the first time allow economy travellers to lie flat, or a couple to curl up, won kudos on the internet yesterday for thinking of those stuck in cattle class.
The Belfast Telegraph noted the deal was aimed at couples and families, and would be the price of about two and a half seats.
It quoted chief executive Rob Fyfe warning the lie-flat beds were not an invitation to join the mile-high club. "Just keep your clothes on, thanks," ran the popular quote.
The Daily Mail's website in Britain noted that cuddling, and nothing more, would be tolerated on the new beds, and welcomed them on behalf of economy flyers.
"The new seating is a welcome development for economy travellers who have faced ever-decreasing comfort levels on budget airlines in recent years as business class seats have become ever more luxurious."
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Seatbelts and W & B
Mudskipper, yep they have special seatbelts that can be worn when lying down on these things.
Artificial Horizon - i guess they've done the numbers. If 33 seats sell for half price then there's no weight on those seats.. 33 x 80kg (approx per person) 2640 kg. I fly bug smashers so just passing on info i've heard. a 777 which wants to carry an extra ton of fuel on a long haul needs to carry another tonne to burn because he's carrying that first ton. so if they're carrying 2.64 ton less because of those 33 seats then they can carry less fuel due to reduced payload and less fuel again because of the reduced need to carry the fuel in the first place. bit confusing but i think you get the idea.
my two cents re: skycouches. stupid. i'd rather spend the money when i get there..
Artificial Horizon - i guess they've done the numbers. If 33 seats sell for half price then there's no weight on those seats.. 33 x 80kg (approx per person) 2640 kg. I fly bug smashers so just passing on info i've heard. a 777 which wants to carry an extra ton of fuel on a long haul needs to carry another tonne to burn because he's carrying that first ton. so if they're carrying 2.64 ton less because of those 33 seats then they can carry less fuel due to reduced payload and less fuel again because of the reduced need to carry the fuel in the first place. bit confusing but i think you get the idea.
my two cents re: skycouches. stupid. i'd rather spend the money when i get there..
Huey, it's not just the weight. For that seat they don't have to provide catering, baggage handling etc and nor is there any passenger tax associated so I reckon it'll be a money spinner.
I don't believe it's a stupid idea. I might not be prepared to pay for it but I bet you there are people that are, and that's all it takes.
As for managing selling the seats it's easy! Reserve the skycouch section for those willing to pay for it upfront, when or if the rest of economy sells out then just start selling these as individual seats if they aren't already sold. It's not rocket surgery
As for 3-4-3; yeah not so happy.
I don't believe it's a stupid idea. I might not be prepared to pay for it but I bet you there are people that are, and that's all it takes.
As for managing selling the seats it's easy! Reserve the skycouch section for those willing to pay for it upfront, when or if the rest of economy sells out then just start selling these as individual seats if they aren't already sold. It's not rocket surgery
As for 3-4-3; yeah not so happy.
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stupid or not so stupid
below mda - with you on the baggage catering etc. all those service costs add up...thats why jetstar etc offer cheaper seats (sh*te service...)
with respect to it being a stupid idea- I only meant for myself. for others who absolutely require their space or sleep or whatever, from a business point of view, its ingenious (sp?) to offer this service. in a world of standardised air travel, the opportunity cost of investing in a high profile step such as this is high, but so far it seems to be going air nz's way. i'll stick to my vertical sardine can though. poor instructor and that...
p.s: get me a cushy job flying aero commanders on a decent wage and i'll start buying the skycouches..
with respect to it being a stupid idea- I only meant for myself. for others who absolutely require their space or sleep or whatever, from a business point of view, its ingenious (sp?) to offer this service. in a world of standardised air travel, the opportunity cost of investing in a high profile step such as this is high, but so far it seems to be going air nz's way. i'll stick to my vertical sardine can though. poor instructor and that...
p.s: get me a cushy job flying aero commanders on a decent wage and i'll start buying the skycouches..
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This might not be a bad idea for a FF in Y/C who is on business.He/She buys 2 1/2 seats ands gets to sleep with no one climbing over them to go to the toilet.
This would have to be cheaper than buying a premium Y/C or even J/C seat.
The part I find funny is that they are saying that this idea took 3 years to develop.
This would have to be cheaper than buying a premium Y/C or even J/C seat.
The part I find funny is that they are saying that this idea took 3 years to develop.