Air New Zealand is to increase the number of Pacific Premium Economy seats on its B747 fleet a second time, following continued strong customer demand for the newly revamped product.

Similar to the first Premium Economy expansion last October, the airline's fleet of eight B747 aircraft will be reconfigured to replace 15 standard Economy seats on the lower deck with eight Premium Economy seats. The work is scheduled for completion by the end of October 2007.

Group General Manager International Airline, Ed Sims said the airline was delighted at the strong uptake and demand for the product.

"Pacific Premium Economy has been a hit ever since we launched it as part of our upgraded B747 aircraft in 2005. Since then, demand for Premium Economy has grown steadily as more customers discover the extra space, comfort and service offered in Premium Economy," said Mr Sims.

"In the last few months, we've seen a 10 percent jump in bookings for Premium Economy across all our long haul routes as customers start to take advantage of the enhancements introduced in December 2006."

Enhancements include pre take-off drinks, printed menus, meals designed by Air New Zealand's Consultant Chefs, Business Premier snacks, hot towels, amenity kits, Living Nature Lip Balm, slippers (on selected flights) and noise-cancelling headsets for customers travelling in Premium Economy.

"These changes position our Premium Economy product as more of a bargain Business Class service than an Economy Plus one, and reflect our desire to create a more enjoyable long haul experience for passengers travelling on our B777 and B747 services," Mr Sims said.

The second expansion will increase the total number of Premium Economy seats on B747 flights to 39, up from 23 seats at launch.