#AirNZonTour: A Peek Into Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy and Economy Skycouch Seats

Yesterday, I attended Air New Zealand’s #AirNZonTour roadshow, an exhibition which offered a peek into the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy and Economy Skycouch seats. I had never flown with Air New Zealand before but I’ve heard good things about them from aviation bodies. Skytrax awarded them with the best Premium Economy product for 2016. On a personal basis, New Zealand is also one of my favorite travel destinations and it’s a country I certainly don’t mind returning to again and again. With Air NZ’s direct route to Auckland from Singapore, I have another option for my next visit.

Premium Economy

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy product has a 41″ seat pitch – a marked improvement from Economy. It is also one of the most generous among airlines offering this seating class. The seats also have a 9″ recline and width of 19.3″ which is in line with the industry. The seat I tried during the roadshow felt comfortable as it’s made of leather (against the fabric material of the Economy seats). I also appreciated the improved width of the seat which is a valuable thing to have especially in long haul flights.

One degradation I see in other carriers’ Premium Economy services is how meal options are sometimes disguised to look better but are actually just the same as Economy. Passengers in Air NZ’s Premium Economy thankfully get a taste of the business class menu alongside New Zealand’s famous wines.

Economy Skycouch

Pretty much a first time encounter for me, Air NZ actually has a seat called the Economy Skycouch – essentially an entire row consisting of three Economy seats that can be converted into a flat surface to sleep on. The width of the surface is enhanced by reclining the leg rest to a 90 degree angle and it’s being marketed as well for those traveling with small children. When I asked about the costing, I was told the price was equivalent to somewhere between two and three Economy seats.

The #AirNZonTour event was launched by Chua Enlai – one of the few local celebrities I know who also happens to be a travelbug. He has also made a video for the airline showcasing their 787 Dreamliner. If you’re interested to watch it, you can check it out here.

The #AirNZonTour roadshow is open to the public. You can catch it next at Plaza Singapura from the 27 to 28 of August. During the event, you can preview the Premium Economy and Economy Skycouch seats as well as take a virtual reality tour around some of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.