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ANZ B777-300ER to feature lie-flat in economy

Air New Zealand (ANZ) has revealed the prototype designs for its Boeing 777-300ER, the first of which is due for delivery in November 2010. The designs include a new lie-flat economy-class seat (Skycouch), and a new premium-economy seat (Spaceseat), as well as upgrades to the airline’s Business Premier cabin. The 340-seat B777-300ER will be configured with 246 in economy class (including 66 seats creating 22 Skycouch combinations), 50 in premium-economy class and 44 in business class.

Economy class
In economy class, the Skycouch, a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seatback in front, providing a place for children to play, or a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep. For two adults travelling, purchasing 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 economy-class cabin will be set in a 3-4-3 configuration, with Skycouch seats occupying the first 11 window rows (22 sets). Economy-class seats will offer 33in pitch, with a 17in width.

Premium-economy class
ANZ’s premium-economy cabin features 50 new Spaceseats in a 2-2-2 herringbone configuration. The 20in-wide seats feature hardback shells so a passenger in front cannot recline into the personal space of the person behind, with seat recline created by a base that slides forward and angles up. “With our focus on providing customer choice, we’ve created seating options with our ‘Inner Space’ and ‘Outer Space’ seats, which will offer very different propositions for couples or single travellers,” said Ed Sims, Air New Zealand Group’s general manager, international airline. The centre seats angle outwards from each other for privacy, or can be combined so couples can snuggle up or dine at a common table, while window seats are angled to offer privacy for individual passengers.

“This is a game-changing product for premium economy which will have our competitors playing catch-up for several years,” said Sims. “Already, Boeing has indicated it’s interested in the seats as a business-class option for its 737 range.” ANZ is predicting dramatic growth in premium travel, specifically premium economy, with its new fleet of B777-300ER aircraft to have 39% more seats in this class than on its B777-200 aircraft, and 28% more than on its B747-400 fleet. “Our premium-economy cabin has shown itself to be recession-proof, with demand continuing to rise since its introduction in 2005,” said Sims. Prices for premium economy will start at a third more than standard economy fares.

Business class
The airline’s business-class cabin has also been enhanced, with complete on-demand food and beverage service and an enhanced sleep experience. Business Premier is based on the current seat, with enhancements made from customer feedback. The structure under the bed surface has been altered, a new mattress installed, and the airline is working with New Zealand bedding suppliers on more luxurious bedding, including a larger pillow and thicker underlay. The 44 lie-flat beds are 79.5in long, with a width of 22in (33in at the shoulder in bed mode), and are laid out in a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration, with aisle access at every seat.

Design and development
“For three years, a dedicated group of Air New Zealanders [led by Kerry Reeves], with the assistance of leading industrial designers, international design company IDEO, some of our top Kiwi boat builders, Boeing and seat manufacturers, have been focused on creating a new experience that will influence cabin design for the next decade,” said Sims. “We weren’t prepared to settle for off-the-shelf equipment as it wasn’t going to deliver what we wanted for our customers. As a result, we’ve created a range of new interior design items not seen before on aircraft. This includes large items such as the new economy Skycouch, which was designed by Air New Zealanders, as was the premium-economy Spaceseat. Both have been licensed to manufacturers Recaro and Contour respectively, and have the potential to generate significant licence fees for ANZ in the future.”

ANZ’s design ideas also extend to smaller comfort innovations. A slip-on pillow will go over the winged headrest in economy class to eliminate the nuisance of pillows falling down and removing the need for neck cushions. “We’ve even created a new foot beanbag-style cushion affectionately called Otto,” said Sims. “It enables premium-economy passengers to create their own position for sleeping rather than being restrained by an uncomfortable, stiff legrest.”

Service and in-flight entertainment (IFE)
As well as the new seating and hardware, ANZ has overhauled its inflight service. Critical to the service improvements is the Panasonic eX2 IFE system, the same as the airline uses in its B767 and A320 fleets. ANZ has created its own suite of interactive products for the system, including food and beverage ordering on demand. “Being able to order a steak, medium rare, in Business Premier, a pizza for two in premium economy, or a late night snack in economy, whenever you want, will be a very cool experience,” said Rob Fyfe, chief executive officer of ANZ. “New oven technology that will cook food from scratch rather than simply reheating, and a new digital in-seat ordering service, will make this truly the first time real food has been served at 35,000ft. Coupled with some of the world’s best wines – such as gold-medal winning sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, pinot noirs from Central Otago and cabernet merlots and syrahs from Hawke’s Bay – we will be serving an incredible dining experience.”

ANZ is still finalising contracts regarding the new oven technology, which will be installed in the five galleys throughout the aircraft. Other technical developments include enabling passengers to synchronise IFE content with their companions, and Flight Planner, a visual guide on the IFE that lets passengers know when meals will be served, when snacks and drinks will be available for order, when the lights will be dimmed and other timings. Passengers will access the IFE via Panasonic touchscreens, which are 12.1in in business class and 10.6in in premium-economy and economy.

Design scheme
The new interior design scheme includes chalk-coloured leather premium seating, deep ink colours and mood lighting in all cabins. “The colour scheme is very luxurious and together with our new-look uniforms will add the finishing touch to a sensational inflight experience,” said Sims. “Areas such as galleys and bathrooms have long been neglected in aircraft refurbishments. We want customers to realise we have thought about bringing the fun back into these areas too, with design themes including a library, glitzy chandeliers and two bathrooms will even include a window so you can admire the view!”

Routes and aircraft
The airline currently has firm orders for five B777-300ERs, with options for an additional two. The first routes will be on selected services between Auckland and Los Angeles from December 2010, followed by dedicated return services between Auckland and Los Angeles and through to London from April 2011. ANZ expects to also refit its fleet of eight B777-200 aircraft from mid-2011, with all Asian, North American and UK services to have the new product by around 2012.

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