Air France and Air New Zealand have announced major developments relating to their premium economy service offerings.
This week ANZ has begun returning to service eight newly reconfigured Boeing 777-300ERs fitted with twice as many premium economy seats. The French national carrier has revealed details of the new offering to be made available on its Airbus A330s and A340s and Boeing 777s from the beginning of the third quarter of the year.
Described as “business-lite rather than economy-plus” by one leading travel writer, Air New Zealand’s premium economy has from its inception in 2005 included nine inches of seat recline and additional legroom. The new 777 configuration, with 36 seats compared with the original 18, brings a further increase in seat pitch, from 38in to 41in, and a new self-service bar area.
The new 777-200ER layout comprises 26 business-class seats, 36 premium economy and 242 economy. The change represents ANZ’s third premium economy capacity increase in two years – the carrier has also twice expanded the offering on its Boeing 747-400s, which now have 39 premium economy seats.
Air New Zealand introduced the 777-200ER into its fleet nearly four years ago and operates the type on its routes from Auckland to Hong Kong, London, San Francisco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and Los Angeles.
Air France’s new Premium Voyageur centres on a 19in-wide, 123-degree-recline seat set at 38in pitch. Amenities include a 10.6in screen for the AVOD inflight entertainment, a power outlet, an extendable tray-table and a footrest. IFE will be delivered by Rockwell Collins hardware on the A330s, A340s and 777s.
The new offering will also be implemented in the carrier’s Airbus A380s (with Thales TopSeries IFE) and ten new two-class Boeing 777-300ERs (Panasonic eX2).
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
Connect with us on socials
