Air NZ going flat out to improve comfort

Air New Zealand passengers wanting to fly to and from the United States will soon be able to buy lie-flat seats for the equivalent of a business class fare.


Air New Zealand today released details of its revamped services to the US.


People flying on the new "premium economy" class, which allows more leg room and improved service, to Los Angeles will be able to travel for $2399 return from August 7 and to San Francisco for $2499.


Air NZ is reconfiguring its 747-400s to have 36 Business Premier seats at the front of the main deck and a further 10 on the upper deck, 23 Pacific Premium Economy seats also on the upper deck and 324 Pacific Economy seats on the main deck.


Boeing 747-400 services between Auckland, Los Angeles and London will be the next available from Saturday November 5.


The company said it anticipated demand for the premium economy seating would grow and it was already looking for ways to expand availability onto the 747's main deck.


The airline announced last week that from November it would double the number of flights it operates between Auckland and San Francisco from three to six return services per week.


The increased schedule will take effect from November 29 and the airline would begin using its new Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which it takes possession of later this year.


- NZPA