Aircraft

Air New Zealand could be set to revolutionise long-haul economy travel when it takes its new Boeing 777-300ERs from late 2010 by offering passengers seat-beds.

The Star Alliance carrier's international group general manager Ed Sims has told an investor's briefing that ANZ's new 777-300ERs might have economy-class seats that can covert into seat-beds, according to news reports in New Zealand.

The seat-beds take up two economy-class seats and will only be offered to passengers who have an empty seat next to them, add the reports. People will be offered the seat-bed upon check-in at a charge of NZ$150 ($112), they say.

The airline has declined to confirm the report, saying it is still "in the middle of research and development" for ANZ's new long-haul product.

The new interior cabins and seating will appear in late 2010 when the new 777-300ERs start arriving, it adds. ANZ says it is also redesigning its aircraft livery, uniforms and "a whole range of other products".

An official at ANZ's aircraft interiors business, Altitude, confirms it will be making the new interiors for the 777-300ERs but declines to comment on details.