I read with particular interest an item in the December 30 issue of Global Traveler‘s eFlyer Asia newsletter that Air New Zealand had received its first delivery of a Boeing 777-300ER outfitted with its new Economy Skycouch seats. My first look at this innovative configuration developed by the airline (as opposed to assembly-line Boeing designs) came last spring on my visit to Auckland. As I wrote then, our visit to Hangar 9, ANZ’s media center/testing facility (which includes a full-scale 777 fuselage) was an eye-opening experience. What thoroughly impressed me was the airline’s commitment to providing all its customers — from families to business executives, economy to business premier — an outstanding long-haul flight experience. They started from square one with extensive research, a slew of really outside-the-box seating configurations (including bunk beds and clustered and staggered seating), and over 500 hours of filming actors testing out the options in simulated transocean flights. The Skycouch, comprised of three economy seats which together create a flat surface on which a couple may stretch out or babies and toddlers may be corraled to play and sleep, is one of several innovations on the new ANZ planes. I remember thinking what a blessing this would have been to my friend Kim, an Aussie native living in the States who at least once a year flew home to visit her parents with her three young daughters (often without her husband along to help wrangle the kids). We also got to try out the new premium economy Spaceseat, a wall-hugging-recliner-type seat with lots of additional features one would find in most airlines’ business class. The business premier seats also enjoyed improvements, and everything from entertainment options to new galley fixtures has been upgraded. Clearly, Air New Zealand’s focus on innovation and customer service is paying off, as it is in negotiations with dozens of other airlines for the use of these designs. And it’s certainly a big bonus to long-haul passengers! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor