Airline 'to introduce beds in economy class'

Date: 27/1/2010

Air New Zealand is set to become the first airline to introduce flat beds in economy class when it introduces its new 'skycouches' this year.

The new arrangement will feature specially designed rows of three seats that will fold out to create a lie-flat space, formed out of three economy seats.

The empty third seat will be available at a reduced price to two travellers wishing to benefit from the additional comfort.

Chief executive Rob Fyfe explained: "For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone."

He added that the new service can be shared with a travelling companion.

The skycouches will be featured in the airline's new Boeing 777-3000 ER and will be available between Auckland and Los Angeles from December this year.

Further routes will be introduced between 2011 and 2012 between London, Asia and North America.