Air New Zealand introduces Pacific Premium Economy on Tasman

Following the huge success Pacific Premium Economy on long-haul routes, Air New Zealand today announced it will introduce its new enhanced economy product on selected Tasman routes.

“Sales of Pacific Premium Economy on our San Francisco, Los Angeles and London routes have been very strong, particularly among leisure passengers. In fact demand for these seats on our San Francisco route sometimes exceeds what we have available, especially around peak times,” says Air New Zealand Group General Manager Marketing Network and Sales, Norm Thompson.

“This combined with positive feedback from customers about the added comfort, extra leg room and convenience of priority check-in, has prompted us to introduce Pacific Premium Economy on selected Tasman routes so that customers can take advantage of the excellent value, superior comfort and greater seat pitch on shorter trips.”

Pacific Premium Economy will be available from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Auckland on all Boeing 747 and 777 operating Tasman services, and on all Airbus A320 flights between Brisbane and Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

“Demand for Business Class services to Brisbane is generally lower than on other Tasman routes due to it being a predominantly leisure destination. As a result, we’re replacing Business Class with Pacific Premium Economy on all Airbus A320 flights from Brisbane,” says Mr Thompson.

Corporate travellers will still be able to fly Business Class on Boeing 747 and 777 services between Brisbane and Auckland, which represents 70 per cent of scheduled flights.

The Pacific Premium Economy on the Tasman will be similar to the current product offered on long-haul routes, including greater seat pitch, more comfort and leg space and premium check-in.

Passengers travelling on the refitted 747 or 777 aircraft will also enjoy video-on-demand entertainment, available at every seat. 

Special launch Pacific Premium Economy fares are on sale from today until 23 November 2005 for travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch between 5 November 2005 and 30 March 2006. The special fares start at A$369 one way, plus applicable taxes and levies. For information and bookings visit www.airnewzealand.com.au or call 13 24 76.

Sales on Boeing 747 and 777 Tasman flights start today for travel commencing 5 November 2005 and on Airbus A320 Brisbane flights from 2 November for travel commencing 14 November 2005.