Air New Zealand is doubling the number of Pacific Premium Economy seats available on its 777-200ER fleet.

The change will be apparent on the first of eight aircraft re-entering service next week after being refitted at Technical Operations in Auckland.

All aircraft will be completed mid-June, with the number of seats in the cabin increasing from 18 to 36, adding 72,000 Pacific Premium Economy seats annually to the long-haul network.

“Pacific Premium Economy has been hugely popular since its introduction in 2005,” says Air New Zealand Group GM long haul airline Ed Sims.

“Air New Zealand flies further than any other airline in the world. Despite the challenging economic environment, long-haul customers clearly value the experience and are happy to pay more for the superior legroom, personal space and business class-style service.”

Pacific Premium Economy has just been nominated for Conde Nast Traveller’s annual Best Innovation and Design Award. In the words of judge and top UK travel writer Simon Calder:“…. Air New Zealand shows kindness to the masses with its premium economy class, which is 'business-light rather than economy-plus".

Air New Zealand says it is further enhancing the Pacific Premium Economy experience by introducing more legroom with seat pitch increased to 41 inches (from 38 inches) and a new self-service bar area for customers travelling in premium cabins.

Customers will continue to enjoy nine inches of seat recline and business class style food and beverage service and amenities.

It is the third Pacific Premium Economy capacity increase in two years, with Air New Zealand twice increasing the number of seats available on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, now up to 39 Pacific Premium Economy seats.

Air New Zealand introduced the 777-200ER into its fleet nearly four years ago. The aircraft operates long haul routes from Auckland including Hong Kong-London, San Francisco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and on selected Los Angles services.

The new 777-200ER seating configuration will be: Business Premier 26, Pacific Premium Economy 36 and Pacific Economy 242 (currently 269).