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Air New Zealand will present the world's first economy-class bed-seat on its long haul air services, from the end of the year. The only problem is it is a share-only bed-seat.
Combining a row of three seats along the window sides of the aircraft, they will be configured into a bed wide enough for two people, lying on their sides.
Rob Fyfe, Chief executive, said, “When the airline takes delivery of the first of eight Boeing 777-300ER jets in November, long-haul travel will be ‘redefined’
Having the ability to sleep on the long haul flights will make a big difference to economy class passengers. The Skycouch is designed for couples, or families prepared to spend about $1400 extra.
A 1.75-metre bed is created by raising the leg rest to fill the gap between the front of the seat bottom and the back of the seat in front, with a thin mattress placed on top.
Only around a quarter of 246 economy seats will accommodate the Skycouches.
Passengers will pay the standard economy fare for two seats and be given the middle seat for roughly half-price, in order to purchase a Skycouch. Assuming a base fare of $2800 per person for a return flight to London in June, plus fees and taxes, the total cost for two people would be about $7600. By comparison, a single premium economy seat, which does not recline to a bed, costs nearly $6000 return, and a business-class lie-flat seat nearly $10,000.
Travel agents believe the move will be popular with economy-class passengers looking to "fill the gap" to premium economy.
Flight Centre spokeswoman Marie Pilkington said “It’s definitely revolutionary in terms of economy-class flying”. She felt some would still prefer the extra privacy and better food of premium economy, while the price would put others off. "At the end of the day, price is always a tipping point for most fliers."
Air New Zealand announced they have improved premium economy and business-class seats also.
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