Air New Zealand has signed a licensing agreement with China Airlines for its Economy Skycouch seat.

Under the terms of the agreement, China Airlines will commence the introduction of the Skycouch to its fleet of new 777-300ERs from September this year.

The locally designed Skycouch is a row of three economy seats that together adapt to create a flat flexible space to stretch out and relax in.  It was developed as part of a three year innovation process to re-invent the longhaul flying experience.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the Skycouch has been revolutionary for the airline.

"The Skycouch has transformed the Economy flying experience and has been really well received by our customers since it was first introduced in 2011.  We have seen strong interest from other airlines in the product and are exploring licensing agreements with other carriers on non-competing routes," says Mr Luxon.

This is the first licensing agreement for the Skycouch following the expiry of the exclusivity period the airline adopted at the launch of the product in 2011.  The deal was originally announced in November but confidentiality terms in the agreement have prevented Air New Zealand naming the carrier until now.

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Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320

About Star Alliance:

Air New Zealand is proud to be a member of Star Alliance.  The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,328 airports in 195 countries.

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For press information please contact: Cara Mygind Cara.Mygind@airnz.co.nz