Air New Zealand has unveiled its new Airbuses, which will begin joining the fleet later this year.
The Kiwi carrier confirmed today 20 planes, including seven A321neo (new engine option) and six A320neo aircraft, will replace the current A320 fleet that operates Tasman and Pacific Island services. Flights start in mid-November.
The remaining seven A321neo planes will be used for "anticipated domestic network growth", the company said in a statement.
The A321neo aircraft feature a new layout with 214 seats - 46 more than the current international A32 fleet Air NZ is using.
Air NZ CEO Christopher Luxon said the new fleet, which is worth approximately $2.8 billion, is a significant step for the airline's short haul approach.
"Australia and the Pacific Islands are a vitally important part of our Pacific Rim network," he said.
"These new aircraft are key to enabling us to grow our short-haul network while offering our customers a great in-flight experience."
Air NZ also said customer feedback played a significant role in the fleet's new-look cabin interior.
Seats are 3cm wider at the middle seat and 1cm wider on the aisle and window.
Other enhancements include around 25 per cent more overhead locker space, a new in-flight entertainment system with a larger 10-inch screen, high power USB charging points and wi-fi connectivity.
"We extensively tested and refined the neo in-flight experience with customers to ensure we could incorporate their feedback while meeting regulatory and operating requirements and we're confident we’ve delivered an in-flight experience our customers are going to enjoy," Mr Luxon said.
The first two A321neo planes will enter commercial service in mid-November, while the first A320neo is scheduled to debut in February next year.
Remaining aircraft will join the fleet throughout 2019, with the domestic A321neo aeroplanes expected to be delivered between 2020 and 2024.
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