Air New Zealand says unprecedented demand for its "premium economy" seats means it is doubling the number installed on its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft.
By June next year the eight planes will have an additional 18 "Pacific Premium" seats, taking the total to 36.
It's the thirdtime in two years the airline has increased the premium economy section, with the Boeing 747 fleet being altered twice already, taking the total number of these seats to 39 each.
Despite a "challenging economic environment" there had been a 50 per cent increase in the number of travellers paying to fly in the premium economy seats.
"Clearly customers value the premium economy experience and recognise the superior leg room, personal space and our business class style service and are happy to pay more for that travelling experience over economy," said Ed Sims, Air New Zealand Group General Manager, International Airline.
These seats are in their own cabin in the 777 planes and when installed have more leg room, better food and wine than economy.
