AirNZ gets innovative (yet again). Proper sleepers for us plebs in cattle class?

AirNZ is once again about to be rather innovative with it’s new economy class (or ‘cattle class’ as many call it) layout.

While they are keeping tight lipped about the exact layout, there is rumours of even lie fly economy class beds (and here)

Regardless of what they do, AirNZ is pretty good at being highly innovative such a:

• Domestic Check in
• “Fast Bag”
• M-Pass / E-Pass

As report by the NZ Herald

Air New Zealand’s long-haul passengers flew further than most and for that reason the airline was concentrating on comforts in the cabin, rather than leaping into connectivity with the ground

So true.  They have the right focus.

I have often said, that there is enough SPACE is economy class for everyone to lie down, but not the correct layout (yet).   Next time you are on a long haul flight (so not across the Tasman or around the pacific – but anything big enough to warrant a 767/777/747 sized plane) you will see there is lots of space UP that’s not used.  If you are good at moving 3D objects in your mind – image your entire economy class row sliding down and lying flat, and at the same time the row in front sliding flat but at the same time going up above you.  So the end result is two rows of bunks.  See, enough room!   There are a number of issues with this such as the weight of the system to move the seats (adding lots of costs to flying the plane) and also issues with going to the toilet).  Anyway, the point I am making is the SPACE is there, what airlines need to do is be more innovative with HOW they use the space.  I have done enough 12 hours flights in seats that recline less than my office chair to know how hard it is to sleep like that, so any significant improvement will be very welcome (and unique amongst airlines).

I am hopefully AirNZ will be up to the task, and at the very least make a better system for economy class seats.  I for one will be watching this space.

Now all they need to do is build sound-proof booths for crying babies! (I think this one needs its own post!)

Black and White Version: AirNZ continues to be innovative.  Economy class may not suck quite so much soon!