'Cuddle class' only the start of things to come, says Air New Zealand

Wellington, Dec 26 (ANI): The innovations on Air New Zealand's new 777-300 aircraft are only the start of things to come, says the airline.

The plane has a range of new products which the airline claims will revolutionise commercial air travel, including the much awaited "cuddle class" or Skycouch.

To achieve the fitout within the desired timeframe decisions had to be made about which concepts to pursue, and there were more ideas still in the pipeline, said Kerry Reeves, manager aircraft programmes, reports the New Zealand Herald.

Rob Fyfe, who flew back on the new 777 in cuddle class, said the interior was "a world-class benchmark that other airlines will look at in awe".

In the fiercely competitive airline industry Air New Zealand is aiming to define its future by offering a better tourist experience to passengers in all parts of the cabin.

Ed Sims, who headed the project, said it competed with hotels, resorts and luxury yachts as much as with other airlines.

"Skycouch gets all the headlines, but the structural genius is Premium Economy," he said.

The step up from standard economy was so successful that it had increased the number of Premium Economy seats from 36 on its 777-200 aircraft to 50 on the new plane, and introduced the Spaceseat version.

At the other end of the spectrum Air New Zealand was popular with celebrity passengers on the Los Angeles to Heathrow route because of its secluded premium cabin and laid-back crew. (ANI)