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Air New Zealand Introduces ‘Economy Stretch’; Jetstar to Exit Five Regional Domestic NZ Routes

Joe Breitfeller

Updated: Jan 11, 2020

Air New Zealand announced today the introduction of a new premium economy product called ‘Economy Stretch’ which will debut on its long-haul fleet in late 2020. In other regional news, Qantas subsidiary Jetstar has confirmed that they will be exiting five regional domestic New Zealand routes in November 2019.


Air New B777-200 - Courtesy Air New Zealand

Today, Air New Zealand announced they would be upgrading their long-haul widebody fleet in 2020 with a new seating option called ‘Economy Stretch.’ According to the company press release, Economy Stretch will offer a roomy 35” pitch and upgraded amenities such as a plush pillow and premium headset. Air New Zealand’s fleet of Boeing 777-200/300s and 787-9 Dreamliners are currently being reconfigured to accommodate up to 42 new spacious Economy Stretch seats in the front of the economy cabin. In the announcement, Air New Zealand’s Chief Revenue Officer, Cam Wallace stated,


“We know one size doesn’t fit all and we want customers to have a fantastic experience, whatever the cabin. Economy customers told us they want more space and comfort and we’re looking forward to giving customers a new option when travelling long haul.”


Air New Zealand’s Standard Economy seats on their widebody fleet start at a 31” pitch, with Premium Economy offering a spacious 41” pitch. The new Premium Stretch option will give passengers one more option when booking long-haul flights.


Jetstar Bombardier Q-300 - Courtesy Jetstar

Jetstar


As previously announced in September, Jetstar confirmed today that they will be withdrawing from five regional routes in New Zealand. In the Jetstar Press Release, the company confirmed that at the end of November 2019 they would cease Bombardier Q300 services on these regional routes. In the announcement, Jetstar CEO, Gareth Evans stated,


“We’ve been consulting with out team members over the past few weeks and today we’re confirming our proposal to end flying on our regional turboprop routes. As we explained when we announced our proposal in September, this decision is based on our regional operations continuing to be loss making, combined with higher costs and a softening regional travel market.”


All affected employees will be offered alternative positions within the Qantas Group, and Jetstar will continue to offer up to 270 domestic weekly flights (by jet) between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.



Source(s): Air New Zealand; Jetstar


 



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