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The story behind Air New Zealand's new seats (with video)

by Kent Wien (RSS feed) on Jan 27th 2010 at 3:00PM

Typically when an airline makes an advancement in their seat technology, a press release is sent out along with a few pictures. This week, Air New Zealand has given us a behind the scenes look at what went into their latest product.

They started the process using four design firms and narrowed their options down to a handful of layouts.

It was fascinating to see the research that went into the effort and sneak a peak at some of the abandoned layouts at their "Hangar 9" facility in Auckland where the prototype work took place.

When Gadling heard mumblings of these game-changing designs, we dropped everything to see for ourselves if Air New Zealand could match the early hype generated by the rumors. We were certainly impressed, and judging from the response of the media that attended the event, it seems they've set a new standard in airline innovation.

There's a chance that other airlines who ordered the 787 have come up with similarly innovative designs that we just haven't seen yet. But because Air New Zealand ordered 777-300s and 787s at the same time, we're now seeing a tip of their hand as the 777s are approaching their November in-service date.

CEO Rob Fyfe and Project Manager Ed Sims briefed the crowds on Tuesdays event in Auckland, and demonstrated what makes the Skycouch economy seats so remarkable, and also showed us one of the designs that was rejected after nearly making the cut.

To see our more about the Skycoach seats, check out the coverage we did on Monday.

Gallery: Air New Zealand's new Skycouch seats

Filed under: New Zealand, Airlines, Airline Reviews

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

nick Jan 27th 2010 3:53PM

amazing innovation. very creative. but i wonder if the person sleeping in this position is adequately protected against sudden turbulence - considering there is no discernible way of being 'belted' in the economy couch!

Kent Wien Jan 27th 2010 4:36PM

Hi Nick. This is from Ed Sims:

Seatbelt for the first prone person extends from the seat as per normal . Second person would have an extension belt (as we currently use for children on parents laps for take off and landing, but a bit bigger.)

All perfectly safe and CAA approved.

Seatbelt for the Spaceplus seat will be more like the Business Premier belt (because its a semi sideways facing seat) but lighter.

brian1952@email.com Jan 27th 2010 5:13PM

The thing that I am wondering - let's say that you and your lady are stretched out on the SkyCouch getting ready to go to sleep. Then, the people sitting in the SkyCouch seat in front of you decide that they want to recline. Isn't that going to seriously intrude on your space, possibly making it difficult to sleep side-by-side? I was hoping that they would show a picture with the forward seat reclined but alas no go.