AIR New Zealand has announced plans to introduce lie-flat economy and premium economy seats, together with enhanced comforts for passengers wanting the ultimate in Business Premier Travel.

The new products will be introduced on the airline’s first new B777-300ER aircraft in November.

"Air New Zealand is putting the magic and romance back into flying. For the past three years we have been designing a new long-haul experience that will re-ignite the passion of today's travellers.

"For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone. The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on, thanks!”

The 'Skycouch', a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front, providing a place for the kids to play or – the holy grail of economy travel – a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep.

Twenty-two sets of Skycouch seats will be available at the first 11 window rows in the economy-class cabin. For two adults travelling together, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.

Air New Zealand's Premium Economy cabin has also had a dramatic makeover.

The new Premium Economy cabin with Kiwi designed Spaceseats will offer more comfort and leg-room with new shared-meal experiences similar to those in tapas restaurants.

The Business Premier cabin has also been enhanced with complete on-demand food and beverage service and an enhanced sleep experience.

The new interior design scheme includes a move away from traditional blues and greens to a blend of chalk and deep ink colours.

The 340-seat B777-300 aircraft will be configured with 246 seats in economy (including 66 seats creating 22 Skycouch combinations), 50 in premium economy and 44 in Business Premier.

The first routes to offer passengers the new experience will be on selected NZ5 and NZ6 services between Auckland and Los Angeles from December followed by dedicated return services on NZ1 and NZ2 between Auckland and Los Angeles and through to London from April 2011.

Air New Zealand expects to also refit its fleet of eight B777-200 aircraft from mid next year, with all Asian, North American and UK services to have the new product by around 2012.