An end to crowded planes? Air New Zealand has started the year 2010 with a raft of new features.

Air New Zealand has transformed its Boeing 777-300 cabins to include fully-flat ‘Skycouch’ beds in economy class, ‘Spaceseats’ in Premium Economy, and an on-demand food service in Business Premier.

The new ‘Skycouch’ is a row of three seats which can lie flat – two adult passengers can buy two of the seats at standard prices, and the third seat at around half-price. There will be 22 sets available in the economy class cabin.

Rob Fyfe, Air New Zealand’s CEO, said: “Air New Zealand is putting the magic and romance back into flying. For the past three years we have been designing a new long haul experience that will reignite the passion of today’s travellers.

“For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone.  The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on thanks!”

Premium Economy travellers will benefit from specially-designed  ‘Spaceseats’, which offer increased legroom and privacy thanks to its flexible angles, while Business Premier passengers will be able to order food and drinks on-demand.

Speaking about the ‘Spaceseats’, Ed Sims, the airline’s Group General Manager, said: “This is a game changing product for Premium Economy which will have our competitors playing catch-up for several years. Already Boeing has indicated they’re interested in the seats as a Business Class option for their 737 range.”

These are not the only improvements being made to Air New Zealand’s services. Mentions of glitzy chandeliers and bathrooms with ‘windows with a view’ show that the airline really does believe that it is “recession-proof”.

Earlier this month, the airline announced that one of its country’s top fashion designers, Trelise Cooper, will be creating the new Air New Zealand uniform “to ensure the uniform colour palette works in harmony with our soon-to-be-unveiled new aircraft interiors”.

From December, flights from Auckland to Los Angeles will be the first to offer these new advancements, closely followed by flight between Auckland and Los Angeles through to London from April 2011. By 2012, the airline hopes to have re-fitted all its fleet to accommodate the new features, including all Asian, North American and UK flight services.

Air New Zealand will announce all fare details when tickets go on sale from the end of April.