Transtasman fares offered more room

Air New Zealand is introducing its new roomier Pacific Premium Economy class seats on some transtasman routes.

This class of travel has been introduced into the airline's refitted Boeing 747 planes and its new Boeing 777s, the first of which arrived last weekend. Passengers may start seeing more of these bigger planes flying the Tasman route as the airline tries to find ways of increasing yields on what has been a highly competitive, and less than profitable, part of the business.

The idea behind Pacific Premium Economy is that it will be used by people with enough money to pay for a better travelling experience, but not so wealthy that they will splash out on the lie-flat seats available in business class.

Premium economy fares on long-haul flights are between 25 and 30 per cent higher than standard economy. Tasman Pacific Premium Economy fares start at $399 one way plus applicable taxes and levies.

Air New Zealand will be hoping that small businesses - so much a feature of the local commercial landscape - will be more willing to pay for staff (and business owners themselves) to travel in the mid-range class.

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

Because Brisbane is more of a leisure destination for travellers, with less demand for business class, Premium Economy will replace business class on that route. Business class will stay on all other Tasman flights.